CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN RAISES AWARENESS FOR NATIONAL SLAM THE SCAM DAY, SHARES TIPS FOR RECOGNIZING SCAMS TARGETING OLDER AMERICANS
Congressman Pat Ryan Raises Awareness for National Slam the Scam Day, Shares Tips for Recognizing Scams Targeting Older Americans
Last year, Social Security scammers stole nearly $509 million from hard-working Americans
In January, Ryan helped pass the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act to combat elder abuse and Social Security scams
WASHINGTON, DC – As part of National Consumer Protection Week, Congressman Ryan is raising awareness for National Slam the Scam Day and sharing tips for recognizing Social Security Scams. In January, Ryan helped pass the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act to combat elder abuse and financial scams.
“Social Security is an earned benefit that millions of Americans rely on – a promise that if you put in the work, you can retire with dignity,” said Representative Pat Ryan. “Unfortunately, scams to steal from Social Security recipients are all too common, taking advantage of older Americans. Today, to raise awareness for National Slam the Scam Day, I’m releasing a set of helpful tips to recognize scammers and stop them in their tracks. I will always fight to protect Social Security and Medicare.”
“The Office for Aging gets regular calls about the multitudes of scams affecting our seniors,” said Ulster County Office for the Aging Director Susan Koppenhaver. “These scams prey of the isolation and vulnerability of our seniors, and although we take many measures to educate our seniors, somehow many are still victims. If someone you don’t know asks you for money or personal information, it’s most likely a scam. Don’t fall for it.”
“For years, Dutchess County has informed our older adults about scams, offering in-person and virtual presentations about how to prevent being a scam victim,” said Dutchess County Office for the Aging Director Todd Tancredi. “Our Office for the Aging also routinely alerts seniors to emerging scams through our regular written correspondence with seniors. We appreciate any broader efforts that complement and reinforce Dutchess County’s longstanding efforts to safeguard our older adults from such illegal activities.”
The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare, or pressure you to take an immediate action.
If you receive a call, text, or email that does any of the following, it is a scam:
- Threatens to suspend your Social Security number, even if they have part or all of your Social Security number
- Warns of arrest or legal action
- Demands or requests immediate payment
- Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, Internet currency, or by mailing cash
- Pressures you for personal information
- Requests secrecy
- Threatens to seize your bank account
- Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
- Tries to gain your trust by providing fake “documentation,” false “evidence,” or the name of a real government official
To protect yourself and others from Social Security-related scams:
- Try to stay calm. Do not provide anyone with money or personal information when you feel pressured, threatened, or scared.
- Hang up or ignore it. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, hang up or do not respond. Government employees will not threaten you, demand immediate payment, or try to gain your trust by sending you pictures or documents.
- Report Social Security-related scams. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email that mentions Social Security, ignore it and report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Do not be embarrassed if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss.
- Get up-to-date information. Follow SSA OIG on Twitter @TheSSAOIG and Facebook @SSA Office of the Inspector General for the latest information on Social Security-related scams. Visit the Federal Trade Commission for information on other government scams.
- Spread the word. Share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit oig.ssa.gov/scam for more information. Please also share with your friends and family.
Congressman Ryan’s office has a team of professional constituent advocates on hand should you need help with Social Security, Medicare, or any other federal program. Please contact his office in Kingston at (845) 443-2930 or contact the team at patryan.house.gov/contact.
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