Don’t be scammed!
Unless you are in the process of signing up for your Social Security benefits or Medicare, you will not receive emails, calls or texts from either agency. Here are a few tips to help you identify and avoid being scammed:
Beware of Email Scams
Tips for Identifying Scam Emails
1. Check the Sender's Email Address: Legitimate agencies will have official email addresses. Be wary of addresses that look suspicious or use a public domain like Gmail or Yahoo.
2. Look for Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Government agencies typically have professional communications, so emails with errors can be a red flag.
3. Beware of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action. Always verify the information before responding.
4. Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it seems off, don't click it.
5. Verify Through Official Channels: If you're unsure about an email, contact the agency directly using information from their official website.
Beware of phone/text scams
Tips to identify phone/text scams
Unexpected Contact: Be cautious if contacted unexpectedly, especially by someone claiming to be from a government agency or company.
Urgency and Threats: Scammers often use urgency or threats to prompt quick action, like saying your account will be closed.
Request for Personal Information: Legitimate entities won’t ask for sensitive information like passwords or bank details via phone or text.
Unusual Payment Methods: Be wary if asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as these are often untraceable.
Poor Grammar and Spelling: Errors in messages can indicate a scam.
Too Good to Be True Offers: Extravagant offers for little effort are likely scams.
Check the Caller ID or Sender's Number: Scammers can spoof numbers, so verify contact info independently.
Verify Through Official Channels: Contact organizations directly using known contact info to confirm legitimacy.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Avoid engaging further.
Use Call Blocking and Reporting Features: Block unwanted contacts and report scams to help prevent them.
Staying vigilant and informed is the best way to protect yourself from scams. Let's start this week with a commitment to keep ourselves and our information safe.