HOW WE ARE DEALING WITH COVID-19
Like everyone else, the Forsythe Firm is concerned about the current COVID-19 pandemic and is trying to protect everyone. At the same time, our clients still need access to legal representation when trying to obtain disability benefits.
How are we handling the current situation?
1. Our main lobby is closed to the public but we are seeing clients by appointment only. Call (256) 799-0297 to schedle an appointment.
2. We ask that if you have a fever, cough or other symptoms of illness, you please wait about coming to see us until your symptoms have been clear for at least 14 days. If you are a possible victim of COVID-19, we'd like for you to get a medical clearance prior to your visit.
3. When you come to our office for an appointment, we will attempt to minimize your contact with other people, other than the person you have come to see, to the extent possible.
4. Often, we can handle your needs over the telephone. We can give advice, answer questions, and in some cases file applications or appeals without your need to visit the office at all. Call us at (256) 799-0297.
We would also like to add a word of caution. There are many impersonators taking advantage of the current crisis to scam good people out of their money. If you get a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration, the US Treasury, or the IRS--it is probably a scam call. These callers may sound very legitimate; however, they often speak with a thick accent and sound like they are not in the United States. In fact, many times they are not.
Keep in mind the following facts:
1. Social Security never calls threatening to suspend or stop your benefits unless you give them personal information or make some type of payment. This is always a scam.
2. The Treasury Department, IRS, or other federal agency never calls to offer you a payment, a relief grant, or other benefit. The official stimulus program recently passed by Congress is the only such program, and the checks will be mailed without any phone contact whatsoever. Anyone claiming to be from the Treasury or IRS is a criminal impersonator because those federal agencies do not contact people by telephone to conduct business.
3. If you are asked to provide your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card information, date of birth or other personal information--rest assured you are dealing with a scammer who wants to steal your information for illegal purposes. Social Security already has your information and will NEVER call you to confirm it. Do not provide any information to someone over the phone, no matter what they promise (or threaten). Some of these scam artists can be persuasive. Just hang up.
4. If anyone calls and offers you a benefit (or says you may keep a benefit) if you send them cash, provide a credit card, wire transfer, or send them a gift card--it is ALWAYS a criminal scam. Do not send any money, wire transfer or gift cards to anyone who calls you. If you do, your money will be gone and it cannot be recovered. Just hang up.
5. Take extra steps to protect your personal information during this crisis. This includes posting any information about yourself on the internet, too.
6. Hang up on robocalls. They have nothing or you.
7. Do not respond to offers of free money or grants on the internet or in your spam folder. Always a scam.
How are we handling the current situation?
1. Our main lobby is closed to the public but we are seeing clients by appointment only. Call (256) 799-0297 to schedle an appointment.
2. We ask that if you have a fever, cough or other symptoms of illness, you please wait about coming to see us until your symptoms have been clear for at least 14 days. If you are a possible victim of COVID-19, we'd like for you to get a medical clearance prior to your visit.
3. When you come to our office for an appointment, we will attempt to minimize your contact with other people, other than the person you have come to see, to the extent possible.
4. Often, we can handle your needs over the telephone. We can give advice, answer questions, and in some cases file applications or appeals without your need to visit the office at all. Call us at (256) 799-0297.
We would also like to add a word of caution. There are many impersonators taking advantage of the current crisis to scam good people out of their money. If you get a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration, the US Treasury, or the IRS--it is probably a scam call. These callers may sound very legitimate; however, they often speak with a thick accent and sound like they are not in the United States. In fact, many times they are not.
Keep in mind the following facts:
1. Social Security never calls threatening to suspend or stop your benefits unless you give them personal information or make some type of payment. This is always a scam.
2. The Treasury Department, IRS, or other federal agency never calls to offer you a payment, a relief grant, or other benefit. The official stimulus program recently passed by Congress is the only such program, and the checks will be mailed without any phone contact whatsoever. Anyone claiming to be from the Treasury or IRS is a criminal impersonator because those federal agencies do not contact people by telephone to conduct business.
3. If you are asked to provide your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card information, date of birth or other personal information--rest assured you are dealing with a scammer who wants to steal your information for illegal purposes. Social Security already has your information and will NEVER call you to confirm it. Do not provide any information to someone over the phone, no matter what they promise (or threaten). Some of these scam artists can be persuasive. Just hang up.
4. If anyone calls and offers you a benefit (or says you may keep a benefit) if you send them cash, provide a credit card, wire transfer, or send them a gift card--it is ALWAYS a criminal scam. Do not send any money, wire transfer or gift cards to anyone who calls you. If you do, your money will be gone and it cannot be recovered. Just hang up.
5. Take extra steps to protect your personal information during this crisis. This includes posting any information about yourself on the internet, too.
6. Hang up on robocalls. They have nothing or you.
7. Do not respond to offers of free money or grants on the internet or in your spam folder. Always a scam.
Comments
Post a Comment