Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE – Friday, June 21, 2019 LETTER | FROM PAGE 13 posed underground parking is through the municipal parking lot between Ferry and Main Street. That lot is owned by the MRA. Rest assured that unless O’Malley and the MRA supported this project and this parking arrangement there is no way a developer would ever submit such plans to the city. It also begs the question: is there a phase two of this development contemplated which would involve developing the MRA’s parking lot? Someone who genuinely favors transparency in government would have early on called for the public’s involvement, input, and criticism of this development so these and other questions could be raised, argued, and answered before any formal plans or permit applications were filed. O’Malley would have us believe that there is no alternative option that we are stuck with this development, and the best we can do is move the Converse building. Instead of publicly opposing this monstrosity, he’s worked behind the scenes to help it move forward. Maybe his approach gives O’Malley some deniability should the project be approved. I think there’s another word for it: perfidy. Very truly yours, Frank F. Russell ~ Legal Notice ~ City of Malden seeks applicants for Department of Public Works Operator Heavy Motor Equipment The City of Malden seeks candidates for the position of Heavy Motor Equipment Operator in the Highway and Water Division of the Department of Public Works. The HMEO under the direct supervision of the DPW Director, Operations Manager, Supervisors and/or Working Foreman, to operate trucks with a rated capacity of more than 3 tons and up through 9 tons, including large tractors, dump trucks, tree bucket trucks, etc. Current Commercial Driver’s License - Class B with air brake endorsement required. For a full job description and details on how to apply, visit www.cityofmalden.org and click on Employment Opportunities. June 14, 21 & 28 2019 Savvy Senior How to Protect Yourself from the Social Security Imposter Scam Dear Savvy Senior, I recently received a strange call from a Social Security employee. He told me my Social Security number had been suspended because it was involved in a crime, and that I needed to reactivate it and secure my bank funds by withdrawing them and putting them on gift cards. Is this a scam? Worried Rita Dear Rita, Yes. It’s actually known as the “Social Security imposter scam” and it’s becoming a widespread problem in the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission has received more than 76,000 reports about this growing scam in the past 12 months alone. With average losses of $1,500, this scam is quickly becoming one of fraudsters’ favorite tricks. The Social Security imposter scam usually begins with a consumer receiving a call from someone claiming to be with the Social Security Administration. The caller informs the victim that their Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because it was stolen or has been involved in a crime. The phone call may be a robocaller with a message to “press 1” to speak with a fake support representative who then claims to be able to help reactivate the consumer’s SSN. In a variation on this scam, the caller may also reach out to tell a victim that they qualify for an increase in benefits. All they need to do is provide the scammer with some information. Typically, these callers will ask their victims several questions to get personal information that they can then use to steal their identity or drain their bank accounts. Because of the numerous data breaches, these scammers may Banking with a hometown touch. Open a free checking account with no monthly fees, and get access to Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and other features. Because no matter where you go, we’re right by you. Call or visit us to sign up. 418 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 781-7 76- 4444 WWW.EVERET TBANK . COM have access to accurate personal information – such as your SSN – that they can use to build trust and appear legitimate. Regardless, before concluding the scam, fraudsters will almost always request payment to “unfreeze” the SSN or to process the increase in benefits. The scammer may request that they be paid via an unusual payment method such as by gift card (and giving the fraudster the gift card number), or some form of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. While the scam can be devastating, there are several steps you can take to prevent yourself, and your loved ones, from falling victim to this scam: Don’t trust your caller ID: Scammers can make it look as if the Social Security Administration is calling and even use the agency’s real number. If you receive an unexpected call from Social Security, don’t answer it. Instead, call Social Security’s customer service number at 800-772-1213 to see if they were actually trying to contact you. Remember, Social Security will never suspend your number or call and demand money: If anyone tells you something different, you’re being scammed. Don’t give out personal information: Never give out your Social Security number, bank information or other personal details to an unknown caller. If you already did, visit IdentityTheft.gov/ SSA to find out what steps you can take to protect your credit and your identity. Don’t trust the caller just because they may know some of your personal information: It’s most likely a scam if the person on the other end asks to confirm your information. Talk about the experience: Those who’ve been targeted should alert friends and neighbors about the call to spread information and report the scam to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. Right by you. Member FDIC Member SIF Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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