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Politics & Government

Residents Of University Place - Don't Fall Victim To Scam Or Identity Theft

The Social Security Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist says you may think you're safe simply by not carrying your Social Security card or not providing your personal information over the Internet. That isn't always the case.

You may think you’re safe simply by not carrying your Social Security card with you and not providing your personal information over the Internet or by email.  Nevertheless, scam artists have become shrewd.  Never reply to an email claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your Social Security number or personal information.

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America.  If you think you’ve been the victim of an identity thief, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft.  Or, you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.

Misleading advertisers often victimize some people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge.  These services include getting a:

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  • corrected Social Security card showing a bride's married name;
  • Social Security card to replace a lost card;
  • Social Security Statement; and
  • Social Security number for a child.

Some direct scammers suggest that Social Security is in dire financial shape and that people risk losing their Social Security or Medicare benefits unless they send a contribution or membership fee to the advertiser.

If you receive or see what you believe is misleading advertising for Social Security services, send the complete mailing, including the envelope, to: Office of the Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235.  Also, advise your State's attorney general or consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau.

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Learn more about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html.

Read about misleading advertising at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10005.html.

Don’t let a scam artist or identity thief trick you out of your hard-earned money.

 

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