What could do wrong?
Plenty, but, the one I have in mind is a scam by a company affiliated with a phone number easily dialed without realizing what our elderly are getting involved in. The entire paradigm scam scares me for all those that do not use direct deposit and find this card the only access they have to their benefits.
On the back of the card is a Customer Service (USA) phone number. The number is 1-888-741-1115. Easy enough. Convenient. Toll free.
There is a company that solicits for a coupon program they claim will provide at least $1000 of coupons at their website and magazines.
The coupon savings program is called "Grocery Savings Book" which is stated to cost $99.95. There are magazines they offer called "My Magazines." The cost of the entire program is suppose to be a one time charge of about $118.00. And of course the purchaser can try before they buy. The customer is allowed a month before their card is charged. Actually the charge takes place in about 21 days after the card number is provided and at least four days before the end of the 'opportunity to cancel' occurs.
The problem is this the company's phone number is 1-800-741-1115. It is exactly the same as the SSI Direct Express Card by design. After I learned about this I spoke with a representative using a charm offensive. He admitted he makes very good commissions and the card number was known by the sales personnel to match the Direct Express phone number but with an 800 number rather than 888 number.
The number that is supplied to the elderly to cancel the charge to their card and end the program is automatically answered and produces an email confirmation nearly immediately once the automated answer is completed. But, it doesn't matter, the Direct Express Card is charged anyway even if the call is placed before the cut off date to cancel.
Look, if a senior has difficulty seeing and that is nearly a given for the elderly and simply dials an 800 rather than 888 they are going to be connected to these sales people when they never intended to. They are going to be sucked into a scam and the circus begins they can't stop unless they ask SSI for a new card which I think costs at least $5.00.
When I spoke to an SSI office they were not aware of this problem and stated they encourage all their recipients to seek direct deposit with a bank of their choice so they have a relationship with them. I don't think that is good enough. There needs to be an investigation and the opportunistic phone number(s) need to end. This is exploitation of the innocent and the salespersons know it and proceed to make lots of money for themselves and their employers.
