By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to impersonate you or steal from you. These crimes can impact your physical, mental, and emotional health and lead to lost opportunities that are often hard to measure. Learning more about identity theft can help you keep your personal information safe. Types of Identity Theft There are 2 … Continue reading How you can protect yourself from identity thieves

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website. However, scammers can create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information. For example, scammers may: • Cover official QR … Continue reading Protecting yourself from QR Code Fraud

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: What is the estimated average Social Security payment that a person receives each month? Answer: The estimated average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2024 is $1,907.00. The average monthly Social Security benefit for a worker with a disability in 2024 is $1,537.00. Question:  Can I refuse to give my Social Security … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 47

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Running a small business can be a 24-7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, services, and marketing can be challenging.  If you’re a small business owner, or you work for one, our online suite of servicescan help make your life easier.  Our online business services at www.ssa.gov/employer will save you valuable time when you file electronic W-2s and W-2Cs and verify employee names and Social Security … Continue reading SOCIAL SECRUITY SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We celebrate Financial Literacy Month (FLM) every April to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. FLM also serves as a reminder that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Our online tools are here to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future.  You should periodically review your Social … Continue reading PLAN FOR YOUR FUTIRE DURING FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Did you join us for Slam the Scam Day in March?  If so, you know how important it is to raise awareness about government imposter scams.  That’s why we want you to have all the information you need to protect yourself.  Check out our top 5 scam awareness articles below:  1. We work with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to … Continue reading SOCIAL SECURITY TOP 5 SCAM AWARENESS ARTICLES

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Want to learn how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts?  The tips below will help you protect yourself and your family.     How fraudsters create imposter accounts Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and vocabulary, making them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by us.  They also create imposter social media … Continue reading HOW TO SPOT AN IMPOSTER SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist America Saves Week, which runs from April 8 to 12 this year, is an excellent opportunity for organizations to promote good financial habits and for people to assess their own saving status. This year’s theme is “Saving for What Matters Most.”  Planning and saving are key to a successful retirement.  The earlier you start saving for retirement, … Continue reading MAKING THE MOST OF AMERICA SAVES WEEK 2024

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Questions and Answers Question: How can I protect myself against identity theft? Answer: First, don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it secure at home with your other important papers. Second, don’t readily give out your Social Security number. While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords, and others will request your number, it is your decision … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 46

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait.  Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications.  For example, the OIG may impose a penalty against anyone … Continue reading HOW WE PROTECT YOU FROM MISLEADING ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATIONS