Scammers are targeting Americans receiving Social Security payments related to the annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The scammers are spreading false information that beneficiaries need to take certain actions to access the COLA increases, the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) said in an Oct. 11 press release.
Annual COLA adjustments are “automatic, and beneficiaries do not need to take any action or provide additional information to receive the legitimate increase,” said Hannibal Ware, acting inspector general for the Social Security Administration.
“Be wary of any communication that asks you to take extra steps or provide personal details for this increase, as it’s likely a scammer attempting to steal your identity or financial assets. Our office is dedicated to protecting the public and deterring these criminals from exploiting honest, hardworking people.”…