Social Security is on everyone’s radar, including con artists. They would love to get their hands on some of that money.

In AARP’s Special Report in their November Bulletin, Sid Kirchheimer writes about three social security scams that are prevalent.

Your personal information needs updating. Thieves are pretending to be Social Security Administration (SSA) employees and call, email or mail seniors with the intent of getting personal information. The con artists say they are updating your records and need your Social Security number, birth date, mother’s maiden name and bank account number. Before giving any information call or visit a Social Security office to verify that the contact is real.

You can get additional benefits beyond your present regular Social Security payment. All you have to do is pay a “filing fee.” SSA does not charge filing fees. AARP says appealing for higher benefits is complicated. You may want to hire someone to assist you in the appeal. Social Security does regulate what these people can charge.

You didn’t get a cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in your Social Security benefits for the past two years. Now you can get that money in a lump sum of about $3,000. Not really. It is a scam to charge you to file new tax forms --- plus, you will have given personal information that can lead to identity theft.

As always, don’t give out personal information unless you have initiated the contact and you are positive you are working with a legitimate agency or company.

Do you know of any other Social Security scams?