Scammers are taking aim at your Social Security checks, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The latest scheme to deceive senior citizens is geared towards taking advantage of the new checks with the 8.7% cost of living increase distributed today, Daniel Irwin, BBB of the Mid South’s communications director, told “Wake Up Memphis” Wednesday.
“You cannot trust what you see,” Irwin said. “One of the reasons why so many people fall for these common scams is that they trust their caller ID. Remember, your Called ID is gonna come up as ‘Social Security,’ but Social Security is never gonna call you.”According to Social Security’s government website, the only time you should expect a legitimate call is if a call has been requested or there is ongoing business with them.
There are several red flags to pay attention to on BBB’s website. Some of these warning signs to indicate a scam include if the calls threaten legal action, claim to suspend your Social Security number, demand immediate payment and asking for personal details.
Irwin added if you feel suspicious, not sure or just want more information, hang up the phone and call back using a number that’s been verified.
“That’s part of the pitch,” he said. “They want you to react and not respond, they want an emotional reaction and they don’t want you to talk to anybody else because if you take the time, you’ll start to see the red flags.”LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:
