How to Avoid the Social Security Swindle
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It’s Real-The Big Scam Called the Social Security Swindle.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to be the target of bad players. The latest highlights how sophisticated the creators of these scams are becoming. What happens is that you receive an email that appears to be from the United States (US) Social Security Administration, the retirement program run by the US government. The email says your SSA financial statement is now available. It even has an official SSA logo and provides instructions for viewing your statement by downloading an attachment. BUT the email isn’t actually from the SSA. Downloading the attachment installs software that lets cybercriminals access your computer. This software allows them to take full control of your device and steal your personal information, banking details, and private files. They can then use this information to steal your identity and commit financial fraud!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a phishing scam:
Never download attachments from unexpected emails. Remember that real government agencies typically communicate sensitive information through paper mail, not email.
Check the sender’s email address carefully. Scammers often use sender addresses that look similar to official ones but have small differences.
At Anthony J. Madonia & Associates we take cybersecurity seriously!
The Social Security Administration has been the target of many scams of late. Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies in an attempt to obtain personal information or money.
Scammers might call, email, text, write, or message you on social media claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the Office of the Inspector General. They might use the name of a person who really works there and might send a picture or attachment as “proof.”
Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.
Be alert and protect yourself against these bad actors.
Four Basic Signs of a Scam
Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam.
Scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way:
- Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
- Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
- Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
- Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.