Category: fraud

fraud, Social Security

Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to file fraudulent unemployment claims, often using someone else’s identity.  Scammers may even use the identity of someone who is receiving or applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI applicants and recipients who begin receiving — or appear to begin receiving — State Unemployment Insurance (UI) … Continue reading Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Social Security

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fraud, Social Security, Tips

Three Ways to Fight Scammers Who Target Your Social Security Benefits

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears.  The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails.    One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement.  They may claim … Continue reading Three Ways to Fight Scammers Who Target Your Social Security Benefits

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Elder Law of Michigan, fraud, Safety, Social Security

Social Security Informing You About Recent Scams

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams.  You should just hang up on any call you’re uncertain of and ignore suspicious emails.  Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears. One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents … Continue reading Social Security Informing You About Recent Scams

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Elder Law of Michigan, fraud, Social Security

Social Security Protects Your Investment

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We provide benefits to about one-fifth of the American population and help protect workers, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.  In 2020, we will pay about one trillion dollars in Social Security benefits to roughly 65 million people. One of our most important responsibilities is to protect the hard-earned money you pay into Social Security, which … Continue reading Social Security Protects Your Investment

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Elder Law of Michigan, fraud, Health, Money and Finances

Coronavirus Scam Alert

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan All disasters have something in common. From hurricanes and tornadoes to pandemics, any time the normal operation of daily life is disrupted people pull together and pitch in to help each other survive. Unfortunately, scammers also try to take advantage of people during these times. The coronavirus pandemic is no different. While many of … Continue reading Coronavirus Scam Alert

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Elder Law of Michigan, fraud, Social Security

Beware of Social Security Scams

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist There’s a widespread telephone scam involving callers claiming they’re from Social Security. The caller ID may even show a government number. These callers may tell you there’s a problem with your Social Security number. They may also threaten to arrest you unless you pay a fine or fee using gift cards, pre-paid debit cards, a wire transfer, … Continue reading Beware of Social Security Scams

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fraud, FYI, Money and Finances, Safety, Social Security, Tips

Beware of False Social Security and Medicare Advertisements

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers have become more aggressive and sophisticated in the digital age. With millions of people relying on Social Security and Medicare, scammers target audiences who are looking for legitimate program and benefit information. Scammers sometimes try to scare people into giving out their personal information. Never give someone who called you any personal information unless you absolutely … Continue reading Beware of False Social Security and Medicare Advertisements

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Elder Law of Michigan, fraud, FYI, Health, Insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Safety, seniors

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Genetic testing scam preys on seniors’ cancer fears and may be costing taxpayers millions

Via CBS News The trouble began for Ken and Judy Johnson – a pair of retirees from Austin, Texas – at a Fort Lauderdale arts festival. “There was a couple of people in there saying ‘come get your DNA tested,’” Judy recalled. The company, Genexe Health, billed itself as a genetic testing “one-stop shop.” With a quick cheek swab, the Johnson’s could learn if they … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Genetic testing scam preys on seniors’ cancer fears and may be costing taxpayers millions

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Elder Abuse, fraud, seniors, Social Security, Technology

Scams Come in Many Different Forms

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is at the forefront of keeping your online data secure, but you play a vital role in safeguarding your personal information too. Scammers commonly target people who are looking for Social Security program and benefit information. You might receive an advertisement in the mail, but it could be from a private company or even a … Continue reading Scams Come in Many Different Forms

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Elder Abuse, fraud, FYI, Health, Insurance, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Safety, seniors, Tips

Genetic Testing Scam Alert

By Kim Hill, Economic Security Client Services Manager at Elder Law of Michigan The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has issued a Medicare fraud alert involving genetic testing kits. Fraudulent companies are offering Medicare beneficiaries access to a free screening for cancer, Parkinson’s or other conditions, claiming that Medicare will cover the cost. These companies find their victims through phone calls, … Continue reading Genetic Testing Scam Alert

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