US Census: Beware Scammers
October 27, 2009
The US Census, conducted every ten years, is underway. You can count on scammers to use the opportunity to try to rip people off.
A Census worker will be coming to your door. They will have an identification badge, a copy of the letter that was previously sent to you by the Census Bureau, a bag or laptop with the Census Bureau insignia, and a hand-held device.
They will ask you for your name so that they can verify your address.
Legitimate census workers will NOT ask for your Social Security number, your credit card number, bank account numbers, or any other confidential information.
If anyone does claim to be with the Census and asks you for your Social Security number, credit card, or bank information, ask them to leave.
Also note that the Census will not contact anyone by email. If you receive an email claiming to be from the Census, it is not legitimate.
Keep an eye on your neighborhood, especially the homes of elderly neighbors. Seniors are particularly susceptible to scam artists.
If It Sounds Too Good to be True…
July 9, 2009
Right in our own backyard, another financial planner has been charged with scamming seniors. His pitch was that his investments would allegedly earn guaranteed 12% returns – not bad – and not likely. Further, he allegedly implied that these investments were safe; Bill Galvin’s office says they were patently risky. Regardless of how these charges turn out, the lessons remain - be very wary of whom you invest your money with, research it well before writing a check, and most importantly, if it sounds too good to be true, ….
Beware Scammers Calling About Your Stimulus Payment
April 8, 2009
As you have probably heard by now, recipients under the various Social Security Programs (Retirement, Rail Road, SSI, SSDI), will receive one-time payments of $250. The Social Security Administration will send these payments to you in the same form that you receive your regular payment. For example, if your Social Security is direct deposited into your bank account, then the stimulus payment will be direct deposited, too.
Social Security will not be calling you or emailing you looking for personal information. If anyone does call or email you concerning the stimulus payment, they are scammers. Do not give them any personal information.
For more information on the stimulus payments, see Social Security’s pamphlet.