The Social Security increase for 2023 is welcome news for seniors, but it’s already being followed by an increase in scam attempts. Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments are increasing 8.7 percent in 2023. This is the annual cost-of-living adjustment required by law, according to AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl.
“Rampant inflation produced an 8.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security beneficiaries in 2023, the biggest percentage jump since 1981,” Voskuhl said. “That translates into a $146 boost in the average monthly retirement benefit. Unfortunately, that means scammers are more eager than ever to steal money from seniors.”
Voskuhl said these scams include robocalls, letters, and more.
“Scammers who impersonate Social Security Administration officials are adapting their pitches to the 8.7 percent increase, claiming targets have to pay a fee or provide personal or financial data to get their bigger benefits,” Voskuhl said. “They are trying to trick beneficiaries into providing personally identifiable information. However, the increase is automatic, and recipients don’t need to take any action to receive it.”
Voskuhl also provided some tips for when you think you might be contacted by a scammer.
“Scammers seek to cause a strong emotional response,” Voskuhl said. “So, stop and think. Better yet, hang up or ignore the message. Don’t transfer money, be skeptical, and don’t provide personal or financial data, even if the caller has some of your information already. Block unwanted calls and text messages, and don’t click on links or attachments in texts or email from unfamiliar senders.”
For more information, visit aarp.org.
Social Security increase followed by increase in scams | Iowa … – Iowa Agribusiness Network
