By Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03)
I wanted to take a moment to share a few things to help you stay secure and aware of scams. Scams can come from a variety of places, including your email, text messages, social media posts, and direct messages in social media.
Please remember that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will never request gift card payments, prepaid debit cards, or Internet (Crypto) currency to fix alleged Social Security number issues or to "avoid arrest."
If you receive a call, text, or email with threatening and suspicious information, it is most likely a scam.
If you have been a target of scamming, it is best to stay calm, hang up, and report this activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG). You can report scams at https://oig.ssa.gov/report/.
I encourage you to stay up to date on scam-related information and spread the word to your friends and neighbors so that they can avoid predatory scamming. You can learn more about how to spot scams at https://oig.ssa.gov/scam-awareness/scam- alert/.
Be mindful of these common scams in your email, text, calls, or social media direct messages:
- Grandparent scam
- Government impersonation scam
- Investment scam
- Health insurance scam
- Fake accident scams
- Technical support scam
- Lottery scam
- Fake charity scam
- Bank fraud calls
- Social media direct message
In an ever-growing digital world, anyone can fall victim to scams. The internet has become a hotbed for scammers and fraudsters who look to target honest, hardworking Americans—and especially our seniors. Oftentimes, scammers seek to deceive individuals by impersonating government agencies, such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare.
Some of the most common scams are those concerning mishaps with loved ones. If you get a strange message or call from a loved one saying that they need help and to not trust anyone, this is most likely a scam. Also, if you are asked to enter your social media passwords and usernames on a website that is different from the original domain, this could be dangerous.
Here are some helpful tips to protect yourselves and your information:
- Block calls, texts, and direct messages from unwanted and suspicious contacts.
- Never share personal or financial information of any kind without confirming the sender’s identity.
- Beware of tactics that are bent on urgency or pressuring you to make an instant decision.
- Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it most likely is.
Be sure to report any suspicious correspondence or activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via reportfraud.ftc.gov or call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.
As a member of Congress and as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I will continue to promote legislation focused on reducing the frequency of scamming, especially for our nation's seniors.
The above article represents the opinion and position of the writer and are not necessarily those of The Senior Citizens League (TSCL).
