Scam Alert: Inspector General Warns: $600 June Increase Is Bogus

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Scammers are circulating misinformation around a $600 fake Social Security benefit increase that they are alleging will be issued in June 2024. Any information regarding a current $600 increase is false and should be ignored.

SSA will announce a new COLA in October, if it applies. The COLA would begin with benefits payable in January 2025.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is advising the public to be keenly aware of any attempts from persons seeking to gain your personal information for you to receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) from SSA.

“The annual cost-of-living increases issued by SSA are ALWAYS automatic. No additional information is required for you to receive the legitimate COLA increase,” said Inspector General Ennis. “Safeguard your personal information as these reports of misinformation are often scam-related attempts to steal your identity, or your money, or both.”

Refer to ssa.gov/cola for accurate COLA information.

“Reports of a $600 payment increase are FALSE, please be aware and don’t fall for this stunt,” said Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “We are alerting the public to these falsehoods, and we are addressing these bogus claims at the source. No Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase will occur until January 2025.”

Since 1983, SSA has consistently issued its annual COLA in December. SSA sends notices directly to beneficiaries in early December about benefit amounts for their upcoming January payments. Further, my Social Security accountholders will be able to see their COLA notice online once the adjustment is announced.

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