While vaccines are available to all American adults and states are beginning to reopen, the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting everyday life. One way the pandemic has impacted seniors is through new Social Security scams relating to COVID-19. Through calls, emails, and letters, scammers are using issues relating to the virus to convince seniors to give up personal information and even money.
These scams have become so widespread that the Social Security Administration has published a page dedicated to COVID-19 Social Security scams. Some of the tactics that scammers are using include:
- Asking for personal information or money in exchange for economic impact payments
- Threatening to suspend Social Security benefits because offices are closed
- Asking for Medicare information in exchange for COVID-19 tests
- Selling COVID-19 vaccines
The FTC offers resources seniors can use to keep themselves safe from these scams. Some of the best ways to keep your information safe? If you receive a robocall, simply hang up. Don’t click on links from unfamiliar sources. Don’t pay for a COVID-19 vaccine—they are free of charge. And if you’re concerned that you’ve been the victim of a scam, reach out to the FTC.
Keep Your Information Safe from COVID-19 Social Security Scams
Protecting your information will also help protect your benefits. When you see information on social media, fact-check it against government websites. If someone is offering you money, a COVID-19 vaccine, or a test over the phone, it’s likely a scam.
NORA is working to protect Social Security benefits in a different way. We’re asking Congress to pass The 3% Guaranteed COLA for Seniors Act. This legislation would ensure that cost-of-living adjustments reflect the expenses seniors face. Want to join us? Add your name to our online petition today! We also invite you to join NORA on Twitter and Facebook for more news impacting American seniors.
