Wednesday, Septembder 5, 2001
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Wednesday, Septembder 5, 2001 |
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Collins cautions seniors about misleading mailers U.S. Rep. Mac Collins is warning seniors to beware of an ongoing effort to drain them of their assets and supply confidential information as a part of misleading mass mailers. Senior citizens are being targeted by misleading mailings and flyers which are sent by groups that seek to bilk them of their savings and capture their Social Security numbers and other personal information, Collins said. "These groups sell or rent the data for profit, or in some cases use that information to solicit future sales or donations," he said. "They entice seniors to turn over sensitive personal information and money by misrepresenting the facts and making promises they cannot keep. This kind of solicitation is just plain deceptive, and it must be stopped," he said. The Social Security Subcommittee, on which Collins serves, recently conducted a hearing on misleading mailings that target seniors. Despite the fact that the law prohibits deceptive communications, the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General continues to receive complaints and conduct investigations of SSA-related solicitations, Collins said. Recently, the IG completed an investigation focused on one mailing that promised "notch baby" seniors $5,000 in additional Social Security benefit payments. This mailing indicated that the payments would be coming from SSA, but that to receive the funds, the individual must supply personal information, including Social Security number, to a National Victim's Register. All replies were directed to the TREA Senior Citizens League, an independent affiliate of The Retired Enlisted Association. These organizations have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration. The fliers they are distributing lead many seniors to believe all they have to do is send in their information and the check is on the way, Collins said. "This kind of scam targeted at seniors is clearly misleading and simply unconscionable," Collins said. Seniors are best equipped to protect themselves when they have the information about these organizations. Collins stressed that individuals should never send confidential information or money in response to these kinds of solicitations. "The best way for an individual to make their voice heard on any legislative issue before the state Legislature or Congress is to contact their elected official directly," he said. For information on this issue read the recent statement issued by the Social Security Administration at http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/TREAfact.htm.
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