JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Identity theft is on the rise, and it is more valuable than stealing personal items. When people break into cars they aren’t stealing hidden money or valuables, they are stealing the information from your insurance card in your glove box, which you are legally required to have in your car at all times. People want to steal your personal information so they can take more from you. The prime targets of these scams are people who are dependent upon Social Security benefits.

Common Scams to Watch For

• Be wary of a person who calls your house pretending to be a Social Security employee. This scam artist will attempt to convince you that he is trying to help you. He might say that due to a computer malfunction, your information was lost, and he needs you to verify your social security number and bank account information.
• A scam artist also creates emails that appear as though they are from the Social Security office.  These scam artists will set up a fake website that looks like a Social Security website and ask disability recipients to update their information. Then instead of getting the benefits you think you will get, identity thieves steal your information.

How the Social Security Office Will Really Contact You

If you ever feel as though the person contacting you might not be a real Social Security employee, contact your local Pennsylvania Social security office. An employee of your local office will be able to assist you about any updates that need to be made to your Social Security.

Also, the Social Security office will NEVER send you an email asking for your personal information.  That is not how they communicate. If you receive an email from somebody saying they are from the Social Security office, you should report it to the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General. You can reach them at 1-800-932-0582. Let them know that you have received a suspicious email and want to alert them and confirm with them that they do not need your information.

Identity theft is a serious crime. With just a small amount of information people can steal the money you have saved up your and the take the Social Security benefits that you rely on daily. We want you, the prime target of identity theft, to be aware of what Social Security scams look like.

If you have any questions regarding Social Security, contact the informed and experienced attorneys at Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo at 888-807-WORK.