Power Pack
Beware: Social security scams are no laughing matter By Kylle’ McKinney
Being the butt of a joke is fine sometimes when it’s good-natured fun. But no one wants to fall victim to a scam artist or identity thief. You may think you’re safe simply by not carrying your Social Security card with you and not providing your personal information over the Internet, by email, or by telephone. But scam artists have become shrewd. Never reply to an email claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your Social Security number or personal information. In addition, never give out your bank information or Social Security information over the phone until you verify the call is from the Social Security Administration. Identity theft is one of the fastestgrowing crimes in America. If you think you’ve been the victim of an identity thief, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.
ftc.gov/bcp/edu/ microsites/idtheft. Or, you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1877-438-4338). Some people who receive Social Security and Supplemental McKinney Security Income (SSI) benefits are often victimized by misleading advertisers. Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. These services include getting a: • corrected Social Security card showing a bride’s married name; • Social Security card to replace a lost card; • Social Security Statement; and • Social Security number for a child. Some direct scammers suggest that Social Security is in dire financial shape and that people risk losing their Social Security or Medicare benefits unless
Parnell elected president of Alabama Farmers Federation Jimmy Parnell of Stanton, a fifthgeneration Chilton County farmer who raises timber and beef cattle, was recently elected president of the Alabama Farmers Federation at the organization’s 91st annual meeting in Montgomery. Parnell, 48, was elected to a two-year term of the state’s largest farm organization. He has a long history with the Federation, including service on its state board of directors from 19992008; chairman of the Federation’s State Young Farmers Committee in 1997; and president of the Chilton County Farmers Federation since 2006. Parnell said it’s an honor to represent Alabama farm families as the Federation works to strengthen agriculture’s 10 february 2013
position as the state’s largest industry. “I’m humbled by the support I received from farmers across Alabama,” Parnell said followParnell ing his election. “I look forward to representing them as we work with elected officials, government agencies and other farm organizations to protect the families who grow our food and fiber. For 91 years, the Alabama Farmers Federation has worked to improve the way of life for all Alabamians. I’m excited about the opportunity to build on the foundation established by farmers who started this organization.”
they send a contribution or membership fee to the advertiser. If you receive or see what you believe is misleading advertising for Social Security services, send the complete mailing, including the envelope, to: Office of the Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. Also you can contact the Alabama State Attorney General’s Office of Victim Assistance at 1-800-626-7676, the Consumer Affairs Office at 1-800-392-5658, and the Better Business Bureau in your local area. Learn more about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064. html. Read about misleading advertising at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10005. html. Please don’t let a scam artist or identity thief get one over on you. Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914, ext. 26265, or by e-mail at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov.
Don’t forget! Severe weather sales tax holiday begins Feb. 22 Alabama’s severe weather sales tax holiday will begin Friday, Feb. 22 at 12:01 a.m., and will end Sunday, Feb. 24 at midnight. The state will waive its four percent sales tax on certain items needed to prepare for severe weather emergencies. Emergency kit recommended items: flashlight battery-powered or handcrank radio extra batteries a first-aid kit cell phone charger two-way radios a manual can opener plastic sheeting duct tape tools and supplies for securing your home, such as tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope Where to find out more: An easy resource for consumers to find out more about the severe weather sales tax holiday is: www.alabamaretail.org/ alabamasalestaxholiday/.
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