Protect Your SS Information from Fraud
AAFCPAs would like to make clients aware there have been reported incidents of identity theft involving Social Security Administration (SSA) accounts. These incidents highlight the importance of setting up SSA login credentials, enabling email notifications, and regularly monitoring your account for any suspicious activity.
There have been reports of unauthorized changes to SSA account information, including address, email, and phone number. If email notifications are not enabled, this fraudulent activity might go unnoticed for a longer period of time. In some cases, unauthorized changes have resulted in fraudulent claims for benefits, which can have serious consequences for your financial stability. Protecting your SSA account from such activities is essential to safeguard your benefits and personal information.
What we advise.
Set Up SSA Login Credentials: Ensure you have a secure login for your SSA account. Dual authentication, also known as two-factor authentication, provides an extra level of security for your SSA account.
Enable Email Notifications: Turn on email notifications to receive alerts for any changes made to your account.
Use Strong Passwords: Utilize strong, computer-generated passwords to enhance security.
Regular Monitoring: Periodically check your SSA account for accuracy in wages/taxes recorded and to monitor for any fraudulent activity.
Identity Theft Protection: Many service providers offer identity theft protection that may not detect changes to your SSA account but can alert you to the use of your Social Security Number in activities such as credit applications and new bank accounts. These services often monitor additional personal information like your driver’s license, passport number, email addresses, and phone numbers, providing a broader spectrum of monitoring to help safeguard your personal information.
In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information is more critical than ever. AAFCPAs advises clients to take proactive measures to help prevent identity theft and ensure the security of your SSA account.