I got a strange email today from ssa.gov (supposedly) saying I had a message, to log into the acct (there's a link), etc.
Alarm bells go off that it's phishing.
So I go to ssa.gov by typing the URL into a browser window, log in, and there are no new messages and nothing in the message archive so.. the email was phishing.
BUT. I just happened to notice the 'you last logged in' date said I logged in yesterday. I did not. Now other alarm bells are going off.
I changed the password, added security questions, etc.
The 'my ssa' site offers "additional security". Says it will ask for 8 digits of a credit card, W2 info, or info from a 1040-SE (self employment return) and there is a 10 day snail-mail paper process to add the extra security.
The credit card is a no brainer (assuming they use a current card), I haven't had a W2 in 6 years. Never had a 1040-SE.
I don't expect a bureaucracy to ask a question I'll recognize.
Has anybody else enabled the extra security feature on the SSA site?
Any problems?
My other option is to disable online access... don't really want to do that as I turn 62 next year... I don't plan to claim at 62, but I'm also hemorrhaging cash the this year and want to keep options open.
Alarm bells go off that it's phishing.
So I go to ssa.gov by typing the URL into a browser window, log in, and there are no new messages and nothing in the message archive so.. the email was phishing.
BUT. I just happened to notice the 'you last logged in' date said I logged in yesterday. I did not. Now other alarm bells are going off.
I changed the password, added security questions, etc.
The 'my ssa' site offers "additional security". Says it will ask for 8 digits of a credit card, W2 info, or info from a 1040-SE (self employment return) and there is a 10 day snail-mail paper process to add the extra security.
The credit card is a no brainer (assuming they use a current card), I haven't had a W2 in 6 years. Never had a 1040-SE.
I don't expect a bureaucracy to ask a question I'll recognize.
Has anybody else enabled the extra security feature on the SSA site?
Any problems?
My other option is to disable online access... don't really want to do that as I turn 62 next year... I don't plan to claim at 62, but I'm also hemorrhaging cash the this year and want to keep options open.