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Protect Yourself from Fraudulent QR Codes

Quick response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to obtain information. QR codes are barcodes that can be scanned to visit an internet site. However, scammers can create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information.

For example, scammers may:

• Cover official QR codes with fake ones on parking meters, menus or magazines.
• Send QR codes via email or text message pretending to be delivery companies.
• Request that you confirm your information due to suspicious activity on your account using imposter QR codes.
• Place harmful codes in ads on social networks.

Below we offer some tips to avoid related scams.

check the source

Before scanning a QR code, make sure it comes from a trusted source. Legitimate Social Security QR codes will always take you to a secure website on www.socialsecurity.gov.

Inspect the code

Scammers can use tactics that mirror a legitimate QR code. Take a moment to carefully examine the QR code. Look for signs of tampering, unusual colors, or spelling errors. If something seems suspicious, it is best to avoid scanning the QR code.

Be careful with unsolicited QR codes

Avoid scanning unsolicited QR codes received via email or text message. Be careful with codes from unknown sources. We will never send you a QR code via text message or email asking you to confirm your information.

Be on the lookout for urgent requests using QR codes

Scammers often pretend to be government officials and use fake QR codes to defraud people. For example, a scammer may pretend to be a Social Security employee, claiming that you have an outstanding debt or that there is a problem with your account and demanding immediate payment. A scammer may send fake QR codes via text message or email requesting payment. Remember, Social Security will never request any form of QR code payment.

Stay informed

Stay up to date on the latest QR code scams and frauds. Follow trusted sources such as cybersecurity blogs, news media, and official government websites for updates. QR codes are an easy and convenient way to obtain information, but it is important to be vigilant when using them. For better information, you can review the consumer alert from the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumidor.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/2023/12/los-estafadores-ocultan-enlaces-perjudiciales-en-codigos-qr -to-steal-your-information. You can report suspected Social Security imposter scams on the Office of Inspector General's website at www.oig.ssa.gov/report. We encourage you to learn more about fraud and scams on our Protect yourself from scams website at www.ssa.gov/espanol/estafas. Please share this information with those who may need it.

WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY OR SSI OVERPAYMENT

An overpayment occurs when Social Security pays a person more money in Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments than it should have paid. The overpayment amount is the difference between the payment received and the amount owed. The law requires Social Security to adjust benefits or recover debts when an overpayment occurs. If you receive an overpayment notice, we will explain why we paid you benefits incorrectly, the amount of the overpayment, your payment options, as well as your rights to appeal and request a waiver of debt.

After you receive an overpayment notice, you can:

Pay the overpayment in full or through a payment plan by check, money order, credit card, or through monthly reductions to your Social Security benefit. You may be able to make a full or partial payment using Pay.gov or your bank's online bill payment option. We offer flexible payment plans, including payments as low as $10 per month.

Appeal the overpayment if you disagree with the reason for the overpayment or if you believe the amount is incorrect. You can request a non-medical reconsideration online or you can submit a completed Form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration, to your local Social Security office.

Request an exemption of the overpayment if you believe that you are not at fault for causing it AND you cannot pay the money back or if it is unfair for some other reason. You may request a waiver by submitting a completed Form SSA-632, Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery, to your local office. If your overpayment is $1,000 or less, we may be able to process your waiver request quickly over the phone. You can contact your local office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 and press 7 for Spanish, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Request to pay the debt with a different amount if you cannot cover your necessary living expenses due to the amount of
current payment. If you are unable to pay the debt within 60 months* due to the negotiated payment amount, you will be asked to complete Form SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate ). You can find the form at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-634.pdf (only available in English).

*This is a recent policy change. The previous policy required filing Form SSA-634 if the overpayment could not be refunded within 36 months.

To learn more about overpayments and our related processes, visit our Understanding SSI Overpayments website at https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-overpay-ussi.htm (only available at English), read our Overpayments fact sheet at https://www.ssa.gov/marketing/assets/materials/EN-05-10106.pdf (only available in English), or watch our video about overpayments at www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxYYcjqkFvM (only available in English).

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THIEVES

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to pretend to be you or steal from you. These crimes can affect your physical, mental and emotional health, and result in lost opportunities that are often difficult to calculate. Becoming more informed about identity theft can help you keep your personal information safe.

Types of identity theft

There are 2 types of identity theft that you should be aware of:

• Thieves who steal your data, physically or digitally, without contacting you directly.

• Thieves who contact you directly and convince you to provide confidential information. In these cases, you may never know how the thief obtained your information.

How identity thieves use your information

Identity thieves steal personal information such as your name, address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number (SSN), and health insurance account numbers. They use this information to:

• Buy items with your credit cards or bank accounts.

• Get new credit cards or accounts in your name.

• Use your Social Security number to get a job.

• Open telephone or utility accounts in your name.

• Steal your tax refund.

• Use your health insurance to obtain medical care.

• Pretend to be you if arrested.

How to detect identity theft

To detect identity theft:

• Keep track of your mail to detect missing bills or other documents.

• Review your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized transactions.

• Obtain and review your credit reports periodically to make sure they do not include accounts you have not opened.

Ways to prevent identity theft

Although no plan is perfect, taking the following precautions can help you better protect your personal information:

• Protect documents that contain personal information.

• Ask questions before giving out your Social Security number.

• Protect your personal information online and on your phone by using a strong password and adding multi-factor authentication when offered.

• Be cautious with your information on social media platforms. What to do if you think someone has stolen your identity

• Report the fraud to the company where it occurred.

• Contact a credit bureau to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.robodeidentidad.gov.

• File a police report.

To learn more about how to protect your Social Security number from identity thieves, read our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number at www.ssa.gov/pubs/ES-05-10964.pdf. Please report suspected Social Security imposter scams and other related fraud on the Office of Inspector General's website at http://oig.ssa.gov/report.

It is important to protect yourself against identity theft because it can damage your credit status. Repairing this damage can cost you a great deal of time and money.

Please share this information with your family and friends.

ALWAYS IN MOVEMENT? YOU CAN STILL USE SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE WHEN YOU TRAVEL

Social Security is there for you when you travel, whether you are in the US or another country. Our online services page at www.ssa.gov/espanol/serviciosporinternet provides you with a wide variety of self-service options that you can use on your mobile phone, tablet or computer.

Through our online services you can:

• Find out if you are eligible to receive benefits.

• Apply for Social Security retirement, disability and Medicare benefits.

• Obtain your Social Security Statement.

• Apply for a replacement Social Security card.

• Appeal a decision.

Do you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits? If so, you can create or log in to your personal my Social Security account to:

• Get your benefits verification letter.

• Verify your information and benefit amount.

• Change your address and phone number.

• Start or change your direct deposit.

• Obtain a replacement Form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.

• Report your wages if you work and receive disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Create a personal my Social Security account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount (available in English only) to take advantage of these easy-to-use features. Also, please share our online services page with family and friends who need this important information.

SOCIAL SECURITY HONORS OUR MILITARY HEROES

On Memorial Day, our nation honors military service members who have given their lives to preserve our freedoms. Families, friends and communities come together to remember the great sacrifices of military members and ensure their legacies live on.

The benefits we provide
They can help families of deceased military service members. For example, surviving spouses and dependent children may be eligible to receive Social Security survivor benefits. You can learn more about these benefits at www.ssa.gov/espanol/beneficios/sobrevivientes.

We also offer support to wounded service members. Social Security benefits protect veterans when injuries prevent them from returning to active duty or performing other work. Both the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Social Security have disability programs. You may be eligible for disability benefits through one or both programs. Read our fact sheet, “Social Security Disability and Veterans Affairs Disability — How Do They Compare?” Social Security and Veterans Affairs Disability Benefits: How Do They Compare? at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-64-125.pdf. Depending on your situation, some members of your family, including your dependent children or your spouse, may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits.

Injured military service members can receive faster processing of their Social Security disability claims. If you are a veteran with a permanent 100% full compensation rating from Veterans Affairs, we will expedite your disability claim.

Are you thinking about retiring or know a veteran who is? Military service members can receive Social Security benefits in addition to their military retirement benefits. For more information, visit our veterans website, available at www.ssa.gov/people/veterans.

Share this information with military families you know. We honor and thank the veterans who bravely served and died for our nation and the military service members serving today.

DO YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE OF COMMITTING FRAUD, WASTE OR ABUSE AGAINST YOU?
SOCIAL SECURITY?

REPORTING TO THE SSA INSPECTOR GENERAL OFFICE IS EASY AND SECURE.

SUBMIT A REPORT OF SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS HTTPS://SECURE.SSA.GOV/IPFF/HOME?LOCALE=ES

SUBMIT A REPORT OF SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD, WASTE OR ABUSE (AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH ONLY) HTTPS://SECURE.SSA.GOV/PFRF/HOME

OTHER WAYS TO REPORT FRAUD

BY MAIL:

SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD HOTLINE
PO BOX 17785
BALTIMORE, MD 21235

FAX: (410) 597-0118

PHONE: (800) 269-0271

10:00 AM UNTIL 4:00 PM ET,
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, EXCEPT FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

(866) 501-2101 TTY

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