Hello Toni,
Since you deal with Social Security matters related to Medicare, maybe you can help me. In April, I received an email stating I am to receive a $600 increase in my Social Security check, and I have not received that increase or any information by mail or email explaining what day in June this increase will happen. Do you know who I should contact at Social Security to have my question answered? Thanks, Toni.
— James from Atlanta
James,
Great question because on June 14, Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General announced this misinformation is spreading, cautioning “be keenly aware of the attempts from persons seeking to gain your personal information for you to receive a cost-of-living adjustment from SSA.”
The new cost-of-living adjustment for 2025 will be announced in October. The adjustment for 2025 will begin with your new 2025 Social Security check amount payable in January 2025.
James, you received bogus information. Visit SSA.gov to view the “Scam Alert” on the SSA.gov website, or go directly to the full statement at tinyurl.com/ppr577u6.
Inspector General Gail S. Ennis stated in the scam alert, “The annual cost-of-living increases issued by SSA are ALWAYS automatic. No additional information is required for you to receive the legitimate COLA increase.” Ennis advised recipients of the scam-related attempts to steal their identity, their money or both to safeguard their personal information.
Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley advised Americans to “please be aware and don’t fall for this stunt.” O’Malley advised the Social Security Administration sends notices directly to beneficiaries in early December regarding the amount for the upcoming January payments. Visit SSA.gov/myaccount to view your cost-of-living adjustment online once the new Social Security adjustment is announced.
Below are a few tips to help protect you against Social Security, Medicare or IRS fraud:
— Have a safety script by your phone for scam/fraud calls. Tell anyone who asks that you do not give out personal information over the phone. (Get your children or a friend to help you write your script.) Stick to the script no matter what.
— For scam/fraud emails, do not open the email or reply. Just delete the scam/fraud email. If you are not comfortable deleting the email yourself, or if you are uncertain of its legitimacy, show it to your children or a friend who helps you stay safe.
— Never give your Medicare or Social Security number to strangers who call you on the phone, come knocking on your door or ask for it in an email. Just like you tell your grandchildren not to talk with or reply to email from strangers, you need not talk to them either. Play the stranger danger game for yourself.
— Do not accept “free” offers in exchange for your Medicare number. Remember, nothing is free. These scammers will have Medicare pay for whatever they are offering, and they will use your Medicare number to get it paid for!
Social Security, Medicare and IRS fraud is exploding, so please let your friends and family members know what I have just told you. Americans need to stand together and stop those who only want to make a “fast dollar” from Medicare, your checking account/credit card and most of all from you.
Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. She has spent nearly 30 years as a top sales leader in the field. For a Medicare checkup, call the Toni Says call center at 832-519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com regarding your Medicare plans and options. The Toni Says “Medicare Survival Guide Advanced” edition is available at tonisays.com. Toni’s Medicare Moments articles have just been released: familytalktoday.com/medicare-moments.