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SOME TRICKS CAN BE HORRIFYING TO YOUR RECORD

Distributed By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Wisconsin

You’ll probably be passing out treats to costumed hobgoblins and ghosts in your neighborhood this Halloween night. But be cautious that you’re not tricked by a different kind of trickster looking for a handout of your personal information.

You should always safeguard your personal information such as date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and your Social Security number. Why? Because it’s that type of information identity thieves are after. 

You may think you’re safe simply by not carrying your Social Security card with you and not providing your personal information over the Internet or by e-mail. But scam artists have become tricky. Never reply to an e-mail claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your Social Security number or personal information.

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. If you think you’ve been the victim of an identity thief, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft. Or you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.

Another trick: Some people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are victimized by misleading advertisers. Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. These services include getting a:

• Corrected Social Security card showing a bride’s married name;
• Social Security card to replace a lost card; and
• Social Security number for a child.

If you receive or see what you believe is misleading advertising for Social Security services, send the complete mailing, including the envelope, to: Office of the Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. If you see misleading advertising online, you can report this information online at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/guidelin.htm. Also, advise your State’s attorney general or consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau.

Learn more about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html. Read about misleading advertising at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10005.html.

Enjoy the treats of the season, but be cautious of tricksters trying to steal more than a sack of candy. The results of becoming the victim of identity theft can be horrifying. Please protect your identifying information.

Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin.  You can contact Ken at 2023 Lake Park Dr., Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at kenneth.hess@ssa.gov

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SEASONS AREN’T THE ONLY THINGS THAT CHANGE

 Distributed By Ken Hess

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Wisconsin

Many people enjoy watching the changing seasons. In our part of the country we find ourselves at that time of the year when the shifting from one season to another seems most enjoyable. The lush green foliage gradually fades to an autumn rainbow of yellow-orange-red-brown. Cool air brings light jackets out of closets. Pumpkins and decorative corn begin to appear on porches and doorsteps.

But seasons are not the only things that change. When it comes to some changes, we at Social Security need to know about them.

If you receive Social Security benefits, there are certain things that we need to know about you in order to continue paying your benefits. Here is a reminder of some of the most important reporting responsibilities for people who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Your address. Even when you receive your payments by direct deposit or debit card (as most people do), we still need a good mailing address so we can get in touch with you when we need to. You can inform us of a change of address, as well as telephone number, at our website, www.socialsecurity.gov.

Your direct deposit information. If your payments go to your financial institution for direct deposit, you need to notify us of any changes. If you change your account information without letting us know, your payment could go to the wrong place. You can change your deposit information at our website, www.socialsecurity.gov.

Your work, if disabled. If you receive disability benefits, we need to know about any work you do. If you start work, stop work, or have any change in your work, hours, or pay, we need to know.

Your living arrangements, if you receive SSI. People who receive SSI are paid, in part, based on financial need. Payments may change based on your living arrangements. Because of that, we need to know how many people are in your household and how the expenses are shared.

There are other things we need to know about, such as if you’re institutionalized, if you’re no longer able to handle your finances, or if you’ve been convicted of a crime.

Learn more about reporting responsibilities for people receiving retirement or survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10077.html.

Learn more about reporting responsibilities for people receiving Social Security disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10153.html.

Learn more about reporting responsibilities for people receiving SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html.

Some changes can be reported online at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can report changes to us by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contacting your local office.

Seasons change; there’s little to report there. But when it comes to changes in the lives of people who receive benefits from Social Security, please remember to keep us informed.

Ken Hess is the Public Affairs Specialist for Northern Wisconsin.  You can contact Ken at 2023 Lake Park Dr., Marinette, Wisconsin 54143 or via email at kenneth.hess@ssa.gov

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