The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is alerting the public about a new scam involving false claims of a $600 increase in Social Security benefits. The misinformation, which suggests a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase will be issued in June 2024, has been flagged as fraudulent by SSA officials.
Key Points:
- False Claims: Scammers are circulating deceptive information about a $600 increase in Social Security benefits. The SSA has confirmed that these claims are entirely false.
- Official Statement: Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized, “Reports of a $600 payment increase are FALSE. Please be aware and don’t fall for this stunt. We are addressing these bogus claims at the source.”
SSA 800 # was slammed on June 3. Over 463,000 calls — 140k more calls than a few days earlier. Why? In part because of a bogus news story about a $600 payment increase. This is FALSE: No COLA until January 2025. Big thanks to all SSA staff who helped customers with this rumor.
— Martin O'Malley (@OMalleySSA) June 12, 2024- No Immediate Increase: The SSA has clarified that no COLA increase will occur until January 2025. Any adjustments to benefits are automatically processed annually in December, with notices issued to claimants at that time.
Public Advisory:
- Protect Personal Information: Be cautious of attempts to gather personal information from individuals claiming to facilitate a COLA increase. Scammers may try to steal identities or funds.
- Verify Information: For accurate and official information, visit the Social Security Administration website. The SSA will release any new COLA details in October, effective for January 2025 payments.
Stay Informed: Ensure you only rely on official sources for updates regarding Social Security benefits and COLA adjustments. For any concerns or doubts, consult the SSA directly.
Contact Information: For further assistance, contact the SSA Office of the Inspector General or visit the official SSA website.