Phil Cannella Complaints Phil Cannella thinks with 55 million Americans receiving Social Security, it stands to reason, tragically, that crooks are out to defraud retirees as well as their families from their Social Security money. Following are some tips from noted senior advocate Phil Cannella, founding father of First Senior Financial Group, on ways that Social Security recipients can avoid the scammer’s traps.
First, a Social Security Administration (SSA) employee will never contact you by e-mail. “Therefore,” says Phil Cannella, “ if you are getting e-mails regarding any facet of your social security benefits, it’s a computerized red-flag.”
Phil Cannella On Fraud
Phil Cannella ComplaintsIt's possible that an authorized Social Security Administration (SSA) representative may contact you by telephone or regular mail ifyou have previously inspired to improve your records. If someone is on the other line or writing to you proclaiming that the SSA is updating their records and they’ll need your Social Security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, bank account number, etc., you can be certain someone is out to defraud you. “If that occurs, you certainly wish to get in touch with the Social Security Administration yourself,” says Phil Cannella. “Call them at 1-800-772-1213 or go to a local office to confirm the legitimacy of the individual contacting you, the amount they’ve accustomed to contact you, or the letter they’ve sent you.”
Another hot scam is the place someone contacts a Social Security recipient, presents himself or herself being an SSA Rep, and offers a larger Social Security sign in exchange for many “filing fee.”
“SSA workers are never allowed to charge filing fees and they may face criminal prosecution if they even try,” says Phil Cannella. “If you believe you are eligible for a higher benefit check, then by all means file an appeal by yourself. Or bring in help to help you with the complicated process.” The important thing to remember, Phil Cannella emphasizes, is the fact that an SSA representative may not be involved with initiating this method.
Phil Cannella addresses Concerns & Questions
Phillip CannellaTo higher understand the appeals process, or if you've any queries about your Social Security, again, call 1-800-325-0778 to speak with a representative in order to find an SSA office in your area.
Lastly, don't let yourself be deceived if a scam artist contacts you claiming that you have some sort of special tax refund coming your way, says Phil Cannella, “I’ve heard of cases when they say you may be able to claim a lump sum payment of the items you’re supposedly owed based on the absence of a COLA [Cost-of-Living-Adjustment] last year and 2010. Believe me, you won't ever observe that phony lump sum. On the other hand the people of the type uses any personal information you gave them to participate in id theft.” As Phil Cannella’s eye-opening 2011 interview with FBI cyber-crime specialist Brian Herrick revealed, identity-theft fraud targeting seniors has been dramatically increasing recently.
Bottom line, says Phil Cannella, “Know how you can keep the Social Security payments safe by using the above mentioned advice listed and not hand out personal information to an “iffy” source.