Unfortunately, in some cases predators like to take advantage of people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as they feel like beneficiaries are easy targets for scams.
Recently, the Better Business Bureau issued a public warning about an email scam that has been designed to trick recipients into giving out personal information, including Social Security numbers, addresses and names that can be used for identity theft.
According to CBS News, the scheme involves an email coming from a sender impersonating a worker for the Social Security Administration, which asks if you would like to qualify for a new benefit. To claim the benefit, the sender asked the recipient to fill out a form that includes personal information such as your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, employer and driver’s license or government ID number.
The scam is also apparently targeting Service Canada and other government agencies worldwide through the same means.
If you have concerns that you may have given out personal information to a scammer, you should call your local Social Security office immediately. Additionally, you should check your credit scores and report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission.
When checking your credit report, make sure to look for oddities such as new credit lines or accounts in dispute. The information used by scammers could allow them to impersonate you to apply for loans or credit cards.
How Can I Collect Social Security Disability?
Again, there are only three ways someone can apply for Social Security benefits—this can be done at your local Social Security office, over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 or through the Social Security Administration website.
If you have a question about applying for benefits, our attorneys are here for you. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you will not have to pay us unless you receive a favorable outcome with your case.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
Troutman Touts: SSDI benefits are available in some cases to recipient dependants.