Contact 6: Scammers targeting social security recipients

MILWAUKEE -- FOX6's Contact 6 is issuing a warning for those receiving social security checks and says not getting an actual check may be better in the long run!

On March 1st, 2013, those receiving social security will be required to use direct deposit. That means no more checks coming in the mail. Instead, they'll be automatically sent to your bank account.

Senator Herb Kohl recently issued a warning about potential scams that target your bank account or credit card information. Scammers are trying to get your personal information and re-route your money into their bank account.

To do this, the scammers are acting like they are social security and making phony phone calls and emails, asking for your address and bank account information.

Contact 6 says social security will never send you an email asking for that kind of information.

If you get one of these emails, don't reply! Simply call your local social security office.

Sometimes, the local social security office will be calling to verify information, but because of these phony calls, social security is asking you to check the number to your local office and call them back - don't take the caller's word that they are legit.

You can report suspicious activity to the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

CLICK HERE to file a complaint with FOX6's Contact 6.