I learned something about Social Security today!

[Tom S.]

A friend invited me to sit through a webinar today on Social Security fraud, put on by a fellow from the SS Administration. There wasn't much information I wasn't already aware of, but he said the statement that some believe that goes: "The Social Security Administration will never call you on the phone" is not true.

He went on to say that the vast majority of interactions are done via mail but there are instances when SSA will make what he referred to as a "cold call". His advice was if you have any suspicions, ask for the caller for their name and identification number, then call SSA and verify the information. You can also ask for their phone number and verify that information as well.

He went on to say that SSA would never make any threats to have you arrested or ask you to send them money or gift cards.

Just thought I'd pass that along.

 

[Kenna]

Thanks for the Knowledge.

 

[coltle6920]

They called me and left a message. I had created an account online but hadn't applied for SS at that time. I was well past 70yrs old but kept blowing it off because I didn't need the money. She said "We've got to get you enrolled and start your payments."

I AM A PROFESSIONAL PROCRASTINATOR... I ADMIT IT!!

Anyhow I returned her call and also got a letter in the mail a few days later. I'm maxed out on what I will be paid and will also receive an amount of $19k paying me back to when I turned 70.

The lady knew who I was from my online account and didn't ask for any info identifying who I was. The $19k was in my bank account a few days later. Hardly a scam in my opinion.

 

[Sgt hump]

Thanks info much appreciated, can learn a lot on this forum.

 

[SMSgt]

Let's see . . . I get a cold call form SSA, ask for name, ID numbers, etc., call the SSA numbers to verify the original caller--cue the two-hour wait because caller traffic is heavier than usual--and then have to call the guy back about whatever he was calling me about in the first place--cue the two-hour waiting time again.

I think a letter would be faster.

 

[LVSteve]

Look up the windfall provision with regards to how much you get. Learning about that was fun...NOT.