Scammers See Free Money in Social Security Payments

A new scam uses the Social Security Administration’s focus on letters to try to fool seniors into giving away some of their money. The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office is warning seniors in Missouri, and possibly across the country, that a new scam targets the debate over cost of living adjustments to Social Security. The Social Security Administration has not adjusted payments to reflect cost of living increases in two years, which can hurt senior citizens who rely on Social Security payments for retirement living.

The letter comes from a group supposedly called the Benefit Security Coalition, on official letterhead mimicking that of the Social Security Administration. Reportedly, the scam says that the Coalition will take a taxpayer donation of $18.55 and put that into “restoring social security’s cost of living adjustment.”

“If you returned this voucher with your signature on it, he would take that and put it on the desk of the commissioner of the Social Security Administration. And according to his statement he believed they will refund the money that we lost,” says 83-year-old Beverly, whose 91-year-old sister Dolores received one of the Social Security scam letters. She said the wording just did not seem right. Beverly said she was tipped off to the scam because the letter insisted the target respond within 7 days. “If it’s an elderly person who doesn’t understand a lot of this, they wouldn’t have time to check with family.”

Dan Rechtien with Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce’s office said he was contacted by Beverly and Dolores after receiving the letter. “The way it works is, hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions of these letters are sent out. And they’re hoping for a response of 10% or better. Well if they got a 10% response from a million letters, that’s a hundred and eighty five thousand dollars. “Even if they do exactly what they say they`re going to do, ONE, they can’t effect the outcome of increasing COLA benefits. And TWO, why does it take $18.55 to deliver one piece of paper to a commissioner`s office in Washington DC?”

Amidst Scams and Financial Concerns, Social Security Celebrates 78 Years

On August 14^th, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. His proposal – hotly debated at the time, and still a point of contention amongst federal policymakers – intended to protect senior citizens, the disabled, widows, and children out of abject poverty by offering them some form of income to help them keep food on their tables and a roof over their heads. While Social Security faces shortfalls and almost constantly faces the federal ax, seniors all over the country rely on these benefits to supplement their retirement, or as their sole source of income in old age. Because the money comes from the government, senior citizens are frequently the target of scammers. Many Social Security scams in recent years have used phone calls or emails to collect personal information. The latest scam in St. Louis, however, is particularly frightening because the Social Security Administration contacts beneficiaries through letters. When new scams pop up, the SSA frequently reiterates that they do not contact recipients through phone or email, and they never ask for personal information.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Questions and Concerns

Applying for Social Security benefits can be complex, and you could worry about your financial stability while you wait to hear about your eligibility. We understand that you need your benefits. We will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.