Have you avoided one of 360,000 attempted scams? That’s how many fraud reports the Social Security Administration (SSA) received in 2021 alone, according to a recent report to Congress.
This same report also demonstrated just how much retirees stand to lose if they fall for one of these cons. From October to December 2021, seniors between 70 and 84 years old were defrauded an average of $11,005 — which means some lost even more.
Scams like these are terrifying to think about. What if you get swindled out of your savings or supplemental income? How will you even know you’re being targeted? Here are four red flags to look for — and five ways to protect yourself when you do see them.
6 Unusual Ways Lazy People Are Boosting Their Bank Account
1. Spoofed phone calls
One of the quickest ways scammers can cheat Social Security recipients is to get them on the phone. They might tell you that there was a computer glitch and you need to confirm your information. They might say that your Social Security number (SSN) was involved in a crime and you’ll be arrested if you don’t comply with their demands.
But the SSA doesn’t proactively call benefit recipients unless you’ve reached out first. And they’ll never coerce you into sending them money, try to intimidate you, or threaten to suspend your benefits.
Furthermore, fraudsters use a technique called spoofing that lets them make any number they want appear on your caller ID. The phone call might look like it’s coming from…
