Are you using the Social Security Administration’s new “my Social security” website or have you considered doing so? Launched in April, the new site provides online access for millions of Americans to their Social Security accounts.
Now it turns out that seniors are falling victim to a “phishing” scheme:
- Scammers are sending emails purporting to be from the Social Security Administration, encouraging you to create an account.
- The link in the emails goes to a site that looks like – but is not – an SSA site; any information you enter there is at risk.
- The Social Security Administration says it has not – and will not – send any emails asking people to set up accounts or to give any personal info.
If You Receive an Email from the “Social Security Administration”
- Do not click any links in any emails you receive inviting you to create an account on the Social Security Administration or any other government or financial site.
- If you receive an email that you believe is “phishy,” forward it to this email address: phishing-report@us-cert.gov
How to Open a Social Security Administration Account
- To open a personal accounts on my Social Security, you should go directly to the my Social Security page. You can access that page by clicking here. When you click on “create my account” from the homepage of my Social Security, the URL in the address bar should look like this:
COMMENTS
12 responses to “Scam Alert: Fake Emails from “Social Security Administration””
I received the same scam. once I saw they wanted my S S # I backed out.
The web makes it super easy to scam seniors. All anyone has to do is go online, go to a site that give info on anyone, type in a last name, and everything about them will be shown for free. The age is also shown as well as other family members and where the person lives. There is NO NEED for that information to be public on the web without people paying for it so it will be known who is requesting the information.
Intellus, Whitepages, etc. are examples.
Congress should shut them down because they are helping criminals.
Most of these scams are towards older people. Whast could they do abot them if they don’t have internet access?
hi mikeyjoe , as I said , what left me open for fraud was TWO things -1) Someone got a hold of my SS# [I suspect a State Agency I recently dealt with, having to supply my SS#
2) Since I did not have an online account [and no desire to open one ] THAT allowed whoever had my SS# to go online and open an account with their own screen name and password – once done the thief change my Bank Routing # and my Bank Account # – Had it not been for the practice of the SS Administration of FIRST notifying recipients by mail to confirm that change of status [opening an online account ] I would not have known of this fraud until my next check was not deposited . I immediately called and told SS I had not opened an account , and instructed to “lock ” my account , and no changes to be made unless I went to an SSOffoce and made a change in person . After all there are only three things that one would need to change – Bank Acct #/ Mailing Address / or death . I personally see n need for any online communication , however by opening an online account with your own screenname and password , would in fact prevent any one from doing so in your name . The fact that I didn’t -left me open for fraud . So by not opening an online account and not notifying SS Admin . to lock the account – that left me exposed . But the letter was the prime ingredient in avoiding losing atleast one check . That is why a valid mailing address is essential , and of course reading any communication from SS Admin . Checking your SS check is deposited is a double-check that nothing has gone wrong .
Thank you, Barbara. I was using a public wifi before, and i think the connection was not so good. Your link works fine now that I am home.
I applied for ss at age 62, and was surprised to learn all about the earnings test. I didn’t know anything about that. Guess I get to wait four more years.
Thanks for all you do.
the link to the ssa doesn’t seem to work.
Hi Fred, we just tested that link, and it worked for us. You could try again by clicking on this link: https://seniorplanet.org//www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/
Just received a letter from SS that I had opened an online account on May16 2013 . Called SS today only to find out that account was opened but not with my e-mail address . I advised SS that I did not open any e-mail account and to cancel . Checked with my bank to see if SS Check was deposited – it was . The letter from SS did advise to contact them immediately if I did not open an account . I also called Experian to put a fraud alert / freeze on all inquiries . I have not given my SS # to anyone online or over the phone and don’t know how it might have been obtained . Apparently there’s been a scam to redirect SS checks prevalent in my area -S.E.Fla . SS stated that any change would be confirmed with a letter to me , which they did send . Be aware and pay attention to any such letters . I caught this immediately and there was no damage done . Hope this is helpful to all .
Lou
Lou, thanks for that info. I’m sure it will be useful to many others.
You’re welcome Barbara. Here’s some additional info , since all this inquiry occurred today . I called the local SS Office just to make sure that account showed cancelled and was advised that my bank routing and account #’s had been changed . The regional Office did not volunteer that info to me . That means that whoever attempted this fraud has a bank account . Hopefully SS will pursue this and nail the culprit [s] .
Lou
Thanks for the info. I got a letter today also. But the phone number to call checks out with the one on my app for SS. Calling them now to make sure no comprimise.
Hi Candy , the actual scam is to open an online account with SS , and change your bank routing number and acct.number ,thereby redirecting your SS check to the thieves account . Fortunately the SS Admin . practice is to send out a confirmation letter confirming any changes ..I advised SS no changes unless I do so in person at the Local SS office . Since I have no use for an online account , and anticipate no changes , I blocked any future on line account initiations . The Local Office was extremely helpful in handling this matter over the phone after proper verification was given as to my identity . I later confirmed all with the regional office by phone just to make sure bank routing # and acct.# were correct and unchanged . There really is no need for an online acct . Since everyone knows their check amount and date to be sent out . Unless one is disabled and there is a need to change information , I see no need to do those things online . The same can be accomplished over the phone if necessary and after proper ID of you , the caller . It is therefore essential to have a valid mailing address on record with the SS Admin . since no change will be effected without a confirmation letter first going out to you . Reading all communications sent to you by SS Admin , is therefore imperative , and a good double-check is to access your bank account and make sure your check has been direct deposited on your assigned day .The same precautions should be taken with Medicare and SS Disability benefits .
A permanent LOCK on your credit info with Experian , and the other two Credit reporting entites can be accomplished with a notification to just one of them [ Experian in my case ] which again was confirmed by them via letter sent to me from all three . This will prevent any credit inauiry or application without a confirmation by YOU FIRST . This can be done at the time you may be purchasing a car etc or applying for a credit card as when they inquire, the BLOCK will be apparent and you can unblock for that particular inquiry or application at the time of such inquiry .
Best wishes to all , again , hope I Have been helpful .
Lou
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