The 'Save Social Security' scam

It's evident that Social Security is at risk. But, watch out for a letter claiming you can help “save Social Security.”

Here’s how this scam works. You get a letter in the mail that seems to be from a nonprofit advocacy group and the letter claims Congress is attempting to abolish Social Security. The writer explains this group is working to save the benefits and needs your help. They are allegedly mailing referendum ballots to every senior citizen in the country, allowing citizens to vote to keep the government program.

In order to succeed at its mission, this group needs your donation of $16.45. If you send anything, you’ll just be out the money, and if you make a credit card donation, you open yourself up to ID theft.

The scam varies slightly in different reports. The name of the advocacy group often changes and so does the exact language used. Different letters may request a different donation amount. Some reports say the letters imply recipients have been “exclusively” selected and must act now to save their benefits.

If you get such a letter, do a web search to see what pops up in association with the supposed organization name and letter. Also, referendums are not held on the national level and differ from state to state. Outside organizations do not pay for referendum ballots to be sent to voters.

Beware.