Social Security Fraud/Scam

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

MrsWD has gotten two letters from the "Social Security Administration" in the past couple of weeks. They came in blue 6x9 envelopes.I get a lot of mail from SSA and it is always in a white #10. Much of the information in the letter looks legit, it shows the real address of a regional SSA office and even an invitation to visit the local SSA office with its correct address.
But.
It asks to call 888-719-8891 rather than any of the numbers on my official SSA correspondence.
It uses MrsWD's maiden name - a name she hasn't used in over 30 years.
It claims she is owed some money by SS. I've gotten refunds from SS, they just send a check with a vague explanation of why they sent it.

I'm guessing this is an attempt to get her to give up her social security number to some scammer.

freeform911 · freeform911's Garage

Why not go to your local ss office?
I'm sure if there's anything owed to you it would show in there system.
Definitely don't call the number, seems like scam...

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeform911

Why not go to your local ss office?
I'm sure if there's anything owed to you it would show in there system.
Definitely don't call the number, seems like scam...

Last time I went to our local SS office I got there at 7:00 to get in line for their 8 AM opening. After an hour in line I went to their automated appointment scheduler to see if I could get an appointment and not have to stand in line. The next available appointment wasn't for 3 months. I got back in line and got to talk to someone about 9:00. SS has no concept of customer service.

flatbutt · 02-02-2019, 06:42 AM

She can access her account online and review her financial status. I've had refunds as well as underpays reconciled just by having my monthly payment adjusted accordingly. Never had to call though it was an option. I'd appreciate it if you guys reported this attempt to SSA.

freeform911 · freeform911's Garage

Well....
How bout finding a known good # to ss office n giving them a call?
Definitely feel your pain with waiting in lines..i personally don't have the patience for it..

Someone's definitely fishing for info. Unfortunately there's alot of older people that don't question letters n such and give up all there info.
Good for you on being sceptical..

freeform911 · freeform911's Garage

Just a dumd question since I'm not close to ss.

If moneys are owed to you why would they just not send it to you?

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Searched on the 888 number. Scroll down in link for a few comments that makes it appear a scam.

https://findwhocallsyou.com/8887198891?CallerInfo

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

Calling the SS office is the definition of poor customer service. After long waits, you might get to talk to someone. I had an issue where 6 months of taxes were not showing up in my statement. After numerous faxes, and two years of phone calls, they suggested I go in person. They set up an appointment and I arrived 10 minutes early. They were 30 minutes late, but I finally got to see an SS official. I showed him all the original paperwork and documentation, he finally called over a supervisor, and I got to go through it again. She sat down at the computer and in 30 seconds the issue was solved forever. So until you talk to the one supervisor that has real brains, you are just wasting time.

asphaltgambler · 02-02-2019, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Last time I went to our local SS office I got there at 7:00 to get in line for their 8 AM opening. After an hour in line I went to their automated appointment scheduler to see if I could get an appointment and not have to stand in line. The next available appointment wasn't for 3 months. I got back in line and got to talk to someone about 9:00. SS has no concept of customer service.

They're hoping you die before its your turn at the clerk's window so they can revoke the upcoming check.

freeform911 · freeform911's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Calling the SS office is the definition of poor customer service. After long waits, you might get to talk to someone. I had an issue where 6 months of taxes were not showing up in my statement. After numerous faxes, and two years of phone calls, they suggested I go in person. They set up an appointment and I arrived 10 minutes early. They were 30 minutes late, but I finally got to see an SS official. I showed him all the original paperwork and documentation, he finally called over a supervisor, and I got to go through it again. She sat down at the computer and in 30 seconds the issue was solved forever. So until you talk to the one supervisor that has real brains, you are just wasting time.

WOW!!!
Can't wait for my turn in all that fun.😁 20+ years from now..

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatbutt

I'd appreciate it if you guys reported this attempt to SSA.

I’m sending the letter to the local SSA office.

flatbutt · 02-02-2019, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I’m sending the letter to the local SSA office.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

She sat down at the computer and in 30 seconds the issue was solved forever.

As a kid I applied for SS twice. It took over two weeks to get the first set of info so with my big 16 year old brain I decided it was best I apply again.

So I have been getting earnings notices for two SS numbers with all my income against only one number. Figured it was no big deal but still kind of sweated it for four decades.

Applied in July of last year. Told the guy about the "cripple" SS number. He found it and just said "Pffffft", that don't mean nuttin'.

So 30 seconds put forty years of an uncertainty to bed.