INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Identity thieves are seeking to redirect Social Security Benefits, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) is warning the public and Social Security beneficiaries in particular, to be aware of fraud scams that target personal information.
Social Security has a new system for all clients to change their checks into direct deposit. The most recent scam, according to authorities, involve thieves obtain personal information of Social Security beneficiaries and use that information to attempt to open a “My Social Security” account on the SSA website.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, if successful, criminals then use that account to redirect the beneficiaries’ direct deposit benefits to an account controlled by the thieves. The Social Security Administration has reported that there have been 2,400 known victims so far this year.
Authorities are advising if you receive information from the Social Security office that you have opened an account and you did not, you should contact the Social Security office so that appropriate action can be taken and the matter may be referred to the Office of the Inspector General.
To set up an account call your local SSA office, or call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213.
If you think you have been a victim of identity theft report that to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/idtheft
