How to watch out for Social Security scams

* EDITOR’S NOTE: The Better Business Bureau receives numerous consumer inquiries and complaints about direct mailings that use Social Security to entice consumers and then defraud them. Here are some tips from the bureau to avoid being scammed.

* There is a type of mailing that offers to provide, for a fee, various services from the Social Security Administration. What consumers need to realize is that consumers can receive many services of the Social Security Administration at no charge. Services such as obtaining a Social Security number for a newborn, notifying Social Security of name changes for newly married persons or obtaining personal earnings and benefit estimate statements are all free -- just call the Social Security Administration or visit www.ssa.gov.

* Another type of solicitation offers an extra Social Security check if people give out their bank account or Social Security numbers. Recipients are asked to fill out a form with their Social Security and bank account numbers so the filing fee can be “automatically deducted” from their bank account. Be aware that Social Security recipients usually get letters from the government when their benefits increase, when taxes are paid, or when future benefits are due. But the federal government never asks for someone’s Social Security number -- they already know it.

* If you or a loved one receives a Social Security or other federal benefit check, consider switching to direct deposit. Go Direct is a new campaign coordinated by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve Bank and the Better Business Bureau that is aimed at motivating Americans to select direct deposit for their federal benefit payments. Direct deposit eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, reduces fraud, protects against identity theft and gives you faster access to your money on payment day. For more information about enrolling in direct deposit of your Social Security or SSI payment, call the Go Direct helpline at (800) 333-1795 or sign-up online at www.godirect.org.

* If you receive misleading information about a Social Security service, send the solicitation to the Social Security Administration. If you have a complaint about a company that you believe may have defrauded you, contact the Better Business Bureau at www.labbb.org, www.bbb.org or (909) 835-6064.