The scammer switched direct deposit to another bank
of ConsumerAffairsMay 2, 2025
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A scammer hacked the author’s Social Security account and changed the Direct Deposit information without authorization.
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A quick visit to the local Social Security office allowed an agent to restore the correct deposit details and delete the compromised online account.
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Social Security online accounts are a common target for scammers and users should either frequently update passwords or delete unused accounts.
On my daily trip to the mailbox, I discovered I had a letter from the Social Security Administration. It was unexpected, so I opened it immediately.
The letter acknowledged my recent request to change my direct deposit information to another account. It advised me to keep the old account open until the monthly payments began arriving at the new account in June.
There was just one problem. I had made no such request. Having written about scams for the last 20 years, I immediately knew my account had been hacked.
What to do
I called my local Social Security office in Richmond, Va., and told them what happened. The agent suggested I come in.
We can rectify this in about five minutes, she said.
I arrived at the office and checked in. When my number was called I was sent to a Social Security agent well call Bob.
When I explained the situation, Bob checked my ID and pulled up my online account.
Yep, its been changed, Bob said. Do you use the online account very much?
Hardly at all, I replied.
The safest thing to do is just delete it, he said.
Do it, I replied.
Just like that, the scammers access to my Social Security account was ended and Bob restored my real direct deposit information. And like the first agent predicted, it all took about five minutes.
Social Security online accounts are a tempting, and sometimes easy, target for scammers. If you use yours regularly, it is wise to constantly change the password. If you dont use it, like Bob suggests, just delete it.
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