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Some
tricks can be horrifying to your SSN record
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[January 14, 2012]
You’ll
probably be passing out treats to costumed hobgoblins and ghosts in
your neighborhood this Halloween night. But be cautious that you’re
not tricked by a different kind of trickster looking for a handout,
such as your personal information.
You should always safeguard
your personal information such as date of birth, mother’s maiden
name, and your Social Security number. Why? Because it’s that type
of information identity thieves are after.
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You may think you’re safe
simply by not carrying your Social Security card with you and not
providing your personal information over the Internet or by e-mail.
But scam artists have become tricky. Never reply to an e-mail
claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your Social
Security number or personal information.
Identity theft is one of the
fastest-growing crimes in America. If you think you’ve been the
victim of an identity thief, you should contact the Federal Trade
Commission at
www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft.
Or you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY
1-866-653-4261.
Another trick: Some people
who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
benefits are victimized by misleading advertisers. Often, these
companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the
same services are available directly from Social Security free of
charge. These services include getting a:
- Corrected Social
Security card showing a bride’s married name;
- Social Security card
to replace a lost card; and
- Social Security number
for a child.
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If you receive or see what you
believe is misleading advertising for Social Security services, send
the complete mailing, including the envelope, to: Office of the
Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration,
P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. If you see misleading
advertising online, you can report this information online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/guidelin.htm.
Also, advise your State’s attorney general or consumer affairs
office and the Better Business Bureau.
Learn more about identity
theft at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html.
Read about misleading advertising at
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10005.html.
Enjoy the treats of the
season, but be cautious of tricksters trying to steal more than a
sack of candy. The results of becoming the victim of identity theft
can be horrifying. Protect your identifying information.
By Judith Bartels
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL |
