Defend against scammers who target your Social Security benefits

Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears. The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails.

One common tactic scam-

Things are looking bright at Briarcliff Health and Rehabilitation

Briarcliff Health and Rehabilitation held its first annual community carnival Saturday, June 3.

With an attendance of well over 400 people, it was so great to see so many community members come out. From face painting, to snow cones to amazing live entertainment, there was something for everyone.

Briarcliff served lunch for all in attendance and everything was provided at no cost to the participants. Briarcliff plans to hold another community carnival next summer with even more fun activities.

Chris Gill assumed the role of administrator approximately four months ago and things couldn’t be brighter at Briarcliff. He has brought together an entire nursing supervisory team and the results are simple, better oversight and attention to each and every resident.

Gill shared that there are so many great features at Briarcliff. He said it has a full therapy department, which includes physical, occupational and speech therapy, which are making great strides in the overall quality of life for the residents. He shared that the quality indicators, as tracked by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has improved significantly over the past year. mers use is posing as federal agents or other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. Here are three things you should do:

Gill also shared that he has an infection preventionist nurse on staff to help with preventing infections and outbreaks, such as COVID. In this role, she continues to educate staff and residents on ways to help prevent illness. In addition, he shared that there is a wound care nurse on staff specifically trained to treat and help prevent wounds from developing. In collaboration with the wound nurse, a wound physician rounds every week at Briarcliff ensuring the most beneficial treatment for residents.

If you are looking for shortterm, long-term or memory care be sure to stop by Briarcliff and give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information, contact admissions at (574) 318-4600. Briarcliff is located 5024 Western Ave., South Bend. Visit www.BriarCliffSouthBend.com for more information.

• Hang up right away or do not reply to the email.

• Never give personal information or payment of any kind.

• Report the scam at oig.ssa. gov to immediately notify the law enforcement team in our Office of the Inspector General.

You should continue to re- main vigilant if you receive a phone call from someone who claims there’s a problem with your SSN or your benefits. If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter explaining your rights, payment options, and information about appealing.

There are a few ways you can identify a scam call or email. Remember that we will never:

• Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.

• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.

• Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.

• Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Securityrelated problem.

• Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

If you do not have ongoing business with our agency, it is unlikely we will contact you. Again, if you get a suspicious call claiming to be from us or law enforcement about Social Security, you should hang up and report it right away to our Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.