Fishy sounding?

[Peaches Lee]

My grandfather calls my mother and says that he has just found out that his retirement has come in. He would like to put her and I on as his beneficieries, so will need our Social Security # and our birthdate. He has been retired for a long time, more than 20 yrs ago, has a shady side and has been sort of estranged from us due to my mother's idiot brother causing family trouble.

So, we are really wary about giving him our Socials, we haven't spoken in about 2 years and all of a sudden, by phone we are suppose to hand this info out. It has us scratching our heads. I was hoping someone on here might be able to give me some info from their experience with this kind of stuff. A couple people I have spoken to are a bit doubtful that all is legitimate with this deal.

So, to be a beneficiary, do you have to hand over your Social Security # and birthday info?, because we are incredibly leery to do so.

Thanks for any input.

 

[ChooksinChoppers]

I don't really know for sure....but I would think he only needs your names on the paperwork. Maybe call a lawyer that specializes in this kind of thing ...heck even the secretary would be able to tell you.

 

[Mattemma]

Ask him to make a copy of the paperwork,and to mail it to you. I would not give out that info to anyone including family. The idea of free money is tempting,and I bet he hopes you give info over for that free cash.

Recently my mom opened up accounts at a credit union for her and the grandkids. New laws required finger printing along with SS numbers and birthdays.

Ask for a copy of the forms your relative is filling out.He should not get mad that you want to read things over first. If he does get mad and is reluctant to send the papers then you know he is trying to scam you.

When my mom did a surviorship deed for her house she only needed my name to redo the deed.

 

[Peaches Lee]

Thanks guys. Yeah, it is really suspicious sounding, and I do agree with you, Mattemama, I'm wondering if he thinks we will be all excited about the money (which we aren't

) and hopes we'll just throw that info to him.

We are planning on calling a lawyer as well. Thanks for your replies.

 

[sourland]

I'd recommend being cautious. Contacting a lawyer is a very good.

 

[mrkpero]

My mom actually just asked for mine yesterday for the same beneficiary reason you mentioned. That being said, due to what you said, you should proceed with caution. Good luck!

 

[DanEP]

If its a pension like mine it will cease upon his death and will the only one that can benifit from it would be his spouse unless it has some kind of cash value.

 

[Baymule]

With such a close loving relationship as you describe a call for personal information would set off clanging bells in my head. Check it out thoroughly. or get the contact info and give your info directly to his "retirement" fund.

 

[chickbea]

I had to submit my husband's SS# for him to be a beneficiary of my retirement fund. I think we also had to submit it for my life insurance at work.
However, in your situation I would proceed with extreme caution. It sounds like your suspicions are raised, and for good reason.

 

[goobhen]

I had to give my human resource department my son's social security number to add him as a beneficiary. My son got a job at my work just a different department, he wanted to put my husband as his beneficiary and he had to put DH's ss# on the form too. I would be leery if you have not had a relationship with him, and you have not spoken with him for two years? You can do a lot with a person's date of birth and ss#.... buy a house, get credit cards.....cause a lot of trouble for someone!
Good luck!