SSA Confirms No $600 Increase or New Stimulus Check for Social Security Recipients
Officials Warn of Scams Exploiting False Claims About Social Security Payment Increases
According to International Business Times, in light of rampant misinformation the Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially clarified that there will be no $600 increase or new stimulus check for Social Security recipients this month. Misleading reports circulating on unreliable websites have caused confusion and alarm among beneficiaries. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley has firmly denounced these false claims advising recipients to stay alert and not fall for such deceptive information. According to O’Malley, “Reports of a $600 payment increase are FALSE please be aware and don’t fall for this stunt.” This misinformation has created unnecessary worry and frustration among those who depend on accurate updates from the SSA.
The surge in misinformation has prompted warnings from both the SSA and the U.S. Government advising Americans to verify any news about their Social Security benefits. Scammers are falsely claiming there will be a $600 increase in June 2024. The SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) cautions the public to be wary of these scams which aim to steal personal information under the guise of offering a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase. Inspector General Gail S. Ennis clarified that real COLA increases are automatic and do not need any personal information from recipients. She warned, “These false reports often aim to steal your identity or money.”
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SSA Advises Beneficiaries to Rely on Official Sources Amid Surge in False Claims
The fallout from this false rumor has been significant with the SSA receiving over 463,000 calls in a single day from worried beneficiaries. This flood of inquiries highlights the confusion and distress caused by the spread of misinformation. To avoid becoming victims of scams the SSA recommends that beneficiaries rely solely on official sources for information about their Social Security payments and COLA updates. Accurate and up-to-date details can be accessed on the SSA’s official website or through direct communications from the SSA. The next COLA if applicable will be announced in October 2024, with adjustments reflected in payments starting January 2025. This ensures that beneficiaries receive reliable and timely updates directly from the SSA, preventing further confusion.