The Social Security Administration is looking to help people spot and avoid scams related to the agency. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission received nearly 200,000 complaints of government impostor scams. In most cases, the impostors claimed to represent the Social Security Administration. In around 12% of those complaints, the victim lost money. Losses from Social Security scams totaled nearly $100 million.
The SSA looks to raise awareness of these scams through its National “Slam the Scam” Day, which this year was on March 6. Jack Myers, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration, describes the outreach efforts, adding that the messaging is important year-round.
The awareness efforts could come into play for those receiving retroactive payments. That’s because a new law – known as the Social Security Fairness Act – eliminated two provisions that affected Social Security payments for people who worked in certain fields.
Most people will receive their automated payments by the end of this month. Many will receive their higher monthly payments starting in April. With the large number of people affected, Social Security asks that recipients wait until receiving their April payments before calling regarding their updates.
There has also been recent confusion from some beneficiaries regarding identity verification. Myers clarifies that not everyone applying for Social Security is required to prove their identity in person.
More information on these topics can be found at www.ssa.gov.
Jack Myers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
