"These

groups sell or rent the data for profit, or in some cases use that information

to solicit future sales or donations," he said. "They entice

seniors to turn over sensitive personal information and money by misrepresenting

the facts and making promises they cannot keep. This kind of solicitation

is just plain deceptive, and it must be stopped," he said.

The Social

Security Subcommittee, on which Collins serves, recently conducted a hearing

on misleading mailings that target seniors. Despite the fact that the

law prohibits deceptive communications, the Social Security Administration's

Office of Inspector General continues to receive complaints and conduct

investigations of SSA-related solicitations, Collins said.

Recently, the

IG completed an investigation focused on one mailing that promised "notch

baby" seniors $5,000 in additional Social Security benefit payments.

This mailing indicated that the payments would be coming from SSA, but

that to receive the funds, the individual must supply personal information,

including Social Security number, to a National Victim's Register. All

replies were directed to the TREA Senior Citizens League, an independent

affiliate of The Retired Enlisted Association.

These organizations

have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration. The fliers

they are distributing lead many seniors to believe all they have to do

is send in their information and the check is on the way, Collins said.

"This

kind of scam targeted at seniors is clearly misleading and simply unconscionable,"

Collins said.

Seniors are

best equipped to protect themselves when they have the information about

these organizations. Collins stressed that individuals should never send

confidential information or money in response to these kinds of solicitations.

"The best

way for an individual to make their voice heard on any legislative issue

before the state Legislature or Congress is to contact their elected official

directly," he said.

For information

on this issue read the recent statement issued by the Social Security

Administration at https://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/TREAfact.htm .