If fraudsters were trying to pull a Social Security scam on you, would you be able to pick up on it?

In most cases, the best way to avoid being ripped off is to see the signs. But this isn’t always easy. Many of us are busy, and therefore we can be caught off guard — especially when a scam sounds official.

There’s also the fact that Social Security is so complex. Who can keep up with all the changes? It’s easy to think you missed something, and get defrauded as a result. Today we’ll discuss some of the signs to look for. By spotting these, you can steer clear of any Social Security scam.

Spotting the Signs of a Scam — What to Look For

Scams involving retirement benefits have been going around for decades. But many of today’s fraud attempts are based around the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).

Imagine you get informed that you forgot to register to receive your updated benefits. No one wants to lose out on a record 40-year increase. The good news? The boost is automatic. You don’t need to register, and anyone saying you do is trying to scam you.

You can also pick up on suspicious activity based on the type of communication you get. The SSA communicates via mail — they’ll never call or text and demand you take action.

Also, the Social Security Administration will never suspend your number — this and other threats like demands for money are a sure sign that fraudsters are trying to pull one on you. By knowing what to look for, you can protect yourself from identity theft, money loss, and undue stress.

Stay Informed to Spot Social Security Scams

Your greatest weapon against fraud is knowledge. We here at NORA provide weekly content covering Social Security tips, retirement news, and more.

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