Be Aware of the Notice of Termination Social Security Scam

In 2016, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) first started alerting families about a Social Security scam going around. Senior citizens throughout the United States started getting official-looking letters saying it was a Notification of Termination of Social Security Benefits.

Home Health Care in Amagansett NY: Termination Social Security Scam

Your mom or dad may have already experienced this scam. Some seniors paid the donation not knowing it was essentially a scam. They thought their benefits were being cut. Here’s what you need to know.

What the Letter Says

The letter arrives with a bold print stating “Notice of Termination Enclosed” and “Do Not Discard.” Inside is a letter stating “Notice of Termination for Social Security Benefit Cuts.” Seniors see that bold print and worry that they are about to lose their Social Security benefits.

If you continue reading the letter, it discusses sections of The Social Security Act that allegedly removes any guarantee that you’ll get Social Security benefits. It states 60 million senior citizens are threatened by this act unless The Social Security Guarantee Act passes. The letter then asks for the senior to send “a generous donation” to the National Council for Survivors in Washington, DC.

The BBB’s Warning

The BBB urges families to not send a check or fill out the form for a credit or debit card donation. Doing so puts banking info in the recipients’ hands. It’s important to know that a person you’re sending money to is legitimate. Research an organization first to make sure it is valid. You can use the BBB, GuideStar, and CharityNavigator to learn more about organizations that ask for money.

In addition to those sites, your mom or dad should talk to the attorney general. If there are complaints against a company or it’s a known scam, the attorney general’s office will have more information. If it is a scam, they can help your parent report it.

Ways to Avoid Mail Scams

To avoid mail scams, you can have your parents’ mail redirected to your home or a P.O. box. To make sure your parent doesn’t miss getting mail, send small gifts or letters and have family members and friends do the same.

Have your parent set aside any letters they receive. Go through the mail with them. If you live too far away, hire a caregiver from an elder care agency to help them sort and open mail. Caregivers can help them decide when something is a scam or a real donation request. Learn more about the benefits of elder care by making a call.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Health Care in Amagansett, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Sources:
BBB.org