50+ Lifestyles

Protecting Yourself from Social Security Scam and Fraud

By Anne Coffman
Marketing Director at Ridgecrest Village

Today over 63 million people collect Social Security
benefits. Over your lifetime you have worked hard for these benefits, and in retirement, it is time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Unfortunately, there are people out there trying to steal your hard-earned Social Security benefits. More than 2.4 million Americans have been targeted by scammers impersonating IRS officials and at least 14,700 taxpayers have lost more than $72.8 million since 2013, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Social Security benefits scams usually begin with a phone call. Sophisticated predators are able to replicate the Social Security Administration number on your caller ID. The caller sounds professional and may tell you that your account has been suspended. It all seems legitimate and it is easy to be tricked into to giving away personal information including your address, bank account and last four digits of your social security number. Before you realize what has happened, these criminals have all the information they need to steal your Social Security checks. Phone scams are just one of the ways your benefits can be stolen. Now is the time to learn how to protect yourself so you do not fall victim to these predators.

We personally invite you to join us for our December Lunch and Learn lecture “Protecting Yourself from Social Security Fraud”. Our featured speaker will be Courtney Mau, Acting Public Affairs Specialist from the Social Security Administration.  She will explain:

What Social Security fraud involves

• How to recognize red flags from callers
• How to report any suspicious activity
• What steps to take to protect your finances
• What to do if you have been a victim of a Social Security Scam

Please join us for our

December Lunch and Learn:

Protecting Yourself from
Social Security Scam and Fraud

December 18th, 2019
12:00pm Lunch ($5.00)
1:30pm Program (no charge)
@ Ridgecrest Village
4130 Northwest Blvd, Davenport

Please RSVP by December 16th
to Karen McCoy at 563-388 3563
or email: kmccoy@ridgecrestvillage.org

Our monthly Lunch and Learn educational lecture series feature guest speakers that educate our residents and any interested members of the community. These events are free to attend, and we invite you to join us for lunch ($5). Be sure to make time after the lecture to take a tour of our campus. We have ambassadors who are happy to show you around our wonderful community that we have here at Ridgecrest Village.

Anne Coffman is Marketing Director for Ridgecrest Village in Davenport, Iowa.  For more information about Ridgecrest Village, contact Anne at 563-388-3215