3 Tips To Prevent Social Security Fraud

January 31, 2014

Each citizen of the United States has their work and income history attached to a set of digits, which is their Social Security number. It is important to protect the information associated with this number because, if put into the wrong hands, it could be used fraudulently and could cost the victim thousands in benefits.

The Social Security Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin explain the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently informed an Ohio-based company that personal information of their more than 500 employees, including Social Security numbers, may have been accessed illegally.

According to SC Magazine, the announcement was made on January 23. Since that time, the company has hired a computer security firm to overhaul their safeguards and are offering identity theft monitoring to each of the victims for one-year free of charge.

The attorneys with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are aware of the risks posed by identity theft and are offering citizens several Social Security safety tips to protect their information, including:

• Protect Social Security Numbers– Never carry your Social Security card on yor person. Instead, keep it locked away in a safe location with other important documents. Never offer your Social Security number to another person over the phone or through an unsecured website.
• Destroy Unnecessary Documents– Mail and other documents that contain sensitive numbers should either be shredded or burned. Never throw these documents away in the trash.
• Be Cautious of Scams– If you receive a strange letter, email, or phone call, investigate before offering any information.