|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior
Alerts!
|
|
|
|
The Social Security Administration and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging have issued an Alert that addresses two scams making the rounds. Both promise financial compensation for past injustices.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scam
1
|
|
|
|
The first scam leads black Americans born before 1927 into believing that they are entitled to federal payments under the
"Slave Reparations Act." Individuals are asked to provide personal information to a
"National Victims Registrar." However, no such law exists, and seniors should not respond to any mail they may receive about this scam.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scam
2
|
|
|
|
The second scam targets seniors born between 1917 and 1926, the so-called
"Notch Babies." A flaw in the cost of living formula used in the late
1970's resulted in fewer Social Security benefits being paid to this group of seniors.
The law has never been corrected. This provides fertile ground for scam artists. The most recent scheme involves notices to seniors in this age group advising them that they are entitled to $5,000 each as compensation for the past inequity. They, too, are asked to provide personal information and register with the
"National Victims Registrar." This is a scam. No such compensation law exists. Seniors should refuse to respond to any mail they receive about this scam.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you receive a letter regarding either scam, send a copy of the letter and the envelope it came in to:
US Postal Inspector Service
Post Office Box 330119
Detroit, Michigan 48232-6119
If you have been the victim of fraud, file a complaint with your nearest law enforcement agency. For more information about this Alert, contact the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging at
517.373.4076 or at the OSA Web site at: www.miseniors.net.
|
|
|
|
