Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allows lower-income individuals who have a disability (or who are over the age of 65) to receive an additional source of financial assistance. Many people across the country rely on SSI benefits to help them afford basic necessities like housing and food, especially when they are unable to work because of age or disability. Although most SSI recipients are able to access these benefits without incident, scammers often target vulnerable individuals who rely on SSI benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most common SSI scams and the steps you can take to prevent yourself and your loved ones from becoming targets of SSI fraud in the future. Whether you think you have been the victim of an SSI scam or you simply have questions about SSI eligibility, reach out to a highly qualified and caring Spokane SSI and SSDI attorney for customized legal guidance.
Recognizing SSI Fraud in Washington State
It’s unfortunate that scammers spend their days attempting to deprive people of their hard-earned money and benefits. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people reported losing a total of $10 billion to scams in 2023 (which is one billion dollars more than the reported losses in 2022). The most common scams involved imposters (i.e., cases of identity theft or scammers impersonating officials), fictitious prizes and lotteries, and illegitimate investments. In recent months, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has launched a “Slam the Scam” campaign to educate the public about potential scams so individuals can recognize fraudulent calls, text messages, emails, and social media posts.
Spotting an SSI Scam
Most people recognize that phone calls from suspicious numbers, especially if the caller requests sensitive information without explaining why, are likely scams. Unfortunately, scammers often play into peoples’ trusting nature by claiming to be government officials or SSI agents who need immediate access to the individual’s account information. If you receive a call like this, you have the right to ask for more information about the caller to verify that they are actually associated with a government agency. One of the most popular scams at the moment involves a caller who insists that you purchase a gift card to pay the caller. However, it’s essential to recognize that the IRS, Social Security, and other government entities never request payment via gift cards. If you ever receive such a demand or an email or text message instructing you to do so, report the fraudulent activity as soon as possible with the Social Security Administration.
Seek SSI Legal Assistance Today
If you think you’ve been targeted by a Social Security disability scam, reach out to an experienced and trusted SSI and SSDI attorney to discuss your options. SSI disability law firms are committed to helping SSI applicants and recipients employ effective strategies to protect their benefits from potential scams, identity theft, and other fraudulent activities. Enlisting the guidance and support of an empathetic lawyer specializing in SSI cases can provide valuable assistance and legal expertise in navigating situations involving fraud.
If you are interested in learning more about SSI fraud prevention strategies, the dedicated legal team at Schott Law is ready to assist you. Please call our Spokane office today at (509) 328-5789 to get started with an experienced and caring supplemental security income attorney.
