The Social Security Scam: A Growing Threat to Medicare Beneficiaries

Social Security scams are increasingly targeting Medicare beneficiaries, with scammers using sophisticated tactics to steal personal information and money. These scams often involve threats to suspend benefits or demands for immediate payment.

How the Scam Works

Scammers use various tactics to commit Social Security fraud:

1. Threatening Calls

   • Claims of suspended benefits
   • Demands for immediate payment
   • Threats of legal action

2. Identity Theft

   • Requests for Social Security numbers
   • Demands for Medicare information
   • Pressure to verify personal details

Warning Signs

1. Unsolicited Contact

   • Calls claiming to be from Social Security
   • Threats of benefit suspension
   • Demands for immediate action

2. Suspicious Requests

   • Requests for payment to maintain benefits
   • Demands for personal information
   • Pressure to act quickly

How to Protect Yourself

1. Know the Facts

   • Social Security won’t call you unexpectedly
   • Benefits can’t be suspended without notice
   • No payment is required to maintain benefits

2. Verify Communications

   • Contact Social Security directly
   • Use official phone numbers
   • Never respond to unsolicited calls

3. Protect Your Information

   • Never share Social Security numbers over the phone
   • Keep your Medicare card secure
   • Report suspicious calls immediately

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you’ve been targeted by this scam:

1. Contact Social Security immediately
2. Report the fraud to the Office of Inspector General
3. Monitor your benefits for unauthorized changes
4. Keep records of all suspicious communications

Prevention Tips

• Never pay to maintain Social Security benefits
• Be skeptical of unsolicited calls about your benefits
• Keep your Social Security information private
• Regularly check your benefit status

Remember: Social Security will never call you to demand payment or threaten immediate suspension of benefits.

Have questions about Social Security benefits or suspect you’ve been targeted by this scam? Let’s talk. I’m here to help you protect your benefits and avoid fraud.