Chances are, you’ve already been targeted. An unsolicited call or text or email from a government agency demanding immediate payment or personal information.
And you need to give it right away. Or else.
It’s a dead giveaway. Whether a scammer is threatening you with prosecution or cutting off your benefits, their goal is to make you act in a hurry. Kimberly Reece, Regions Fraud Prevention Customer Advocacy team
It’s easy to panic when that happens. After all, no one wants to be on the bad side of the government. But creating fear is the trademark of a scammer.
“It’s a dead giveaway,” said Kimberly Reece of the Regions Fraud Prevention Customer Advocacy team. “Whether a scammer is threatening you with prosecution or cutting off your benefits, their goal is to make you act in a hurry.”
Regions Bank wants to protect you from scammers. So, on March 6, it’s teaming up with the Social Security Administration and the Inspector General to help Slam The Scam (#SlamTheScam).
And you have a part to play.
Is It A Scam? Or Is It For Real?
The first and only rule of thumb: no federal agency will ever call, text or email with an unsolicited message.
“If you’re talking about the United States government agencies, they follow very strict protocols on how to communicate. And they will never call you about an unpaid debt – or any other issue,” Reece added.
Instead, the only form of communication that should be trusted comes in the tried-and-true way – the U.S. Mail.
“If you receive a letter from any federal agency, that’s when you should take notice,” Reece continued. “Aside from that, any other form of unsolicited communication should be ignored. Even better, it should be reported.”
What are Common Scams?
When it comes to scammers impersonating the government, here are three that are tried the most:
- The Social Security Administration, threatening to take away benefits unless you pay. If you think you are being scammed report it to Social Security at https://oig.ssa.gov/report/.
- The Internal Revenue Service, promising punitive measures if you don’t resolve an unpaid tax bill. If you get this kind of message, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or go to their website (irs.gov/balancedue).
- Medicare, claiming you need a new card, one that can only be issued after you provide your account number. If you need a new card, Medicare will send you one directly, without calling you.
If you get these kinds of solicitations, do not respond. Break off contact at once and report it. The sooner you act, the sooner fraudsters can be stopped.
The Elderly are Often Targeted
While it’s important to be on guard against scammers, it’s also a good idea to look out for those who are vulnerable.
Sad to say, but the older you are, the more likely a target you are for scammers. Even those without cognitive impairment are more likely to fall victim to fraudsters who demand cash, wire transfers or prepaid credit cards.
As a result, Reece counsels vigilance – not just on the part of the elderly themselves, but others as well.
“If you are in a position of responsibility with an older parent, family member or friend, it’s always a good idea to double check for unusual activity in their accounts. At the same time, take the initiative and alert them to the tactics that scammers use. After all, forewarned is forearmed.”
So, if you are contacted by someone claiming to be a government agency, don’t panic. Instead, ignore their demands and notify the authorities.
That way, you can help Slam The Scam for good.
Additional Resources from Regions.com
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The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud.