Dealing with Social Security - A word of caution

I lost my Social Security card years ago. Recently, I had business to take care of through the Social Security Administration.

Yesterday I went online and THOUGHT I WAS ON THE REAL SOCIAL SECURITY SITE. I went through the process on this site of applying for a replacement card. I used a credit card for the $19.95 fee, giving not only my credit card number, but other personal identifying information - including my social security number. That should have been a red flag there that the government would charge me $19.95 to replace my card. I looked at the URL at the top of my screen and it said something to the effect of "online support Social Security.org"

This morning I went in person to the local Social Security office to take care of my business there. When I finished taking care of that business, I told the woman, "I applied online yesterday for a replacement card. Is there any way you can give me the card now or do I have to wait for it to be mailed to me." I knew by the look on her face when I said that, that there was something really wrong here. She explained that the only way you can get a replacement card is to come in person to the office and answer certain questions under oath. She went on to say that they have had this situation come up in the past. She asked me to bring in any mailings I get from this online company and they attempt to put an end to these kinds of businesses. Only a card issued by the REAL SSAN is valid and they do not deal with third parties.

I came home and immediately called my credit card company. There was an authorization yesterday for a company called "Free Loader. . ." for a charge of $29.95. (Note that I was told on the website the fee would be $19.95)

I explained to the customer service representative at the credit card company what had happened and that I felt this charge was fraudulent. He made a note of it and told me to call back when the charge shows up on my account.

Bottom line, I THINK I have cleared this matter up. No sooner had I hung up from speaking to the credit card company than my phone rang again. This time it was the phony company that I handed over my personal information to. She began explaining that there is a disclaimer on their site that they do not represent any government agency and their fee. . . At this point, I interrupted her quite sternly and told her I felt her company had misled me and I did not want to do business with them. She said they would issue a credit for the charge. I thanked her and hung up.

I also asked my credit card company to issue a new card to me with a different number.

Yes, I am embarrassed and hurt over what has happened. I am usually VERY careful about things like this and don't often get "taken." But I wanted to share this with my readers in hopes of spreading the word about the kind of scams out there. Please feel free to pass this on to anyone you know that is "Social Security Age!"