SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- Social Security recipients are frequent scam targets, but an email sent to a large group of beneficiaries is legitimate, the agency says.
The email notifies users of important changes to their accounts. It was sent to customers who created online accounts before Sept. 18, 2021. Those users had logins with "my Social Security" and need to transition to updated credentials with Login.gov.
This is not a scam. After being contacted by Nexstar's WSYR, the Social Security Administration issued a press release, alerting people of the changes.
"We are changing the way people access all our online services ─ including my Social Security," the SSA explained. The change is being made to "align with federal authentication standards" and make sure online sign-in remains secure.
Anyone concerned they may be impacted is encouraged to ry and log into their online account. If they need new credentials, they will be presented with an option to make the changeover to Login.gov. "Once their account is successfully linked, a confirmation screen will appear, and they will have immediate access to their personal my Social Security services or other service that they were attempting to access," SSA said.
While the email described above is a legitimate message from the Social Security Administration, the federal agency is often impersonated by bad actors. One such example, the Better Business Bureau warns, falsely alerts recipients that they must apply to receive the annual cost-of-living adjustment. Scammers ask you to verify your personal details, including your Social Security number, in order to access your bank accounts.
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) also received reports this year of fraudsters impersonating SSA agents and convincing targets to hand them cash or gift cards in person.
"SSA OIG agents will never pick up money at your door or in any type of exchange. This is a SCAM!" the Office of the Inspector General said in March.
Other scammers will call out of the blue and say there's a problem with your benefits, also in an attempt to get your personal account details.
The Social Security Administration reminds people they will never threaten recipients, demand immediate payment, suspend your Social Security number or require wire transfer or gift card payment. When in doubt, hang up the phone and reach out to the Social Security Administration directly.
