Phil Cannella thinks with 55 million Americans receiving Social Security, it makes sense, tragically, that crooks are out to defraud retirees as well as their families using 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 an automatic red-flag.”
Phil Cannella On Fraud

Phil Cannella Complaints

It is possible that the authorized Social Security Administration (SSA) representative may contact you by phone or regular mail ifyou have previously asked to update your records. If a person is on the other line or writing to you proclaiming that the SSA is updating their records and they’ll need your Ssn, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, bank account number, etc., you can be sure someone has gone out to defraud you. “If that occurs, you certainly want to reach out to the Social Security Administration yourself,” says Phil Cannella. “Call them at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office to confirm the legitimacy of the person contacting you, the number they’ve used 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 as an SSA Rep, and offers a bigger Social Security check in exchange for some “filing fee.”
“SSA workers are never allowed to charge filing fees plus they may face justice if they even try,” says Phil Cannella. “If you believe you can get a higher benefit check, then by all means file an appeal on your own. Or hire someone to help you with the complicated process.” The important thing to keep in mind, Phil Cannella emphasizes, is the fact that an SSA representative might not be involved with initiating this method.
Phil Cannella addresses Concerns & Questions

Phil Cannella IRA

To better comprehend the appeals process, or if you have any questions about your Social Security, again, call 1-800-325-0778 to speak with an agent in order to locate 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 the right path, says Phil Cannella, “I’ve heard about cases when they say you may be in a position to claim a lump sum payment of the items you’re supposedly owed in line with the absence of a COLA [Cost-of-Living-Adjustment] in 2009 and 2010. Trust me, you won't ever observe that phony lump sum payment. On the other hand the people of this type will use any personal information you gave these to engage in identity 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 your Social Security payments safe by following the above mentioned advice listed and not give out private information for an “iffy” source.