We're told we need to keep our Social Security number private.
It identifies us.
And thieves can use it to steal our identities, setting up accounts in our name.
So when viewer Kathy got an email supposedly from the Social Security Administration talking about her account, she wondered if it was real.
She says "when I got the first notice, I ignored it. Now I’m glad I did. But will the SSA really be emailing to set up an account?"
The danger is the link in the email. Hackers use links to get you to click. And then they can get into your computer.
In this case, the "mySocialSecurity" email is real. And the link is safe.
You can tell by hovering over the link with your mouse.
That will show the real website address.
All legitimate Social Security links end with a .gov immediately followed by a forward slash.
The slash must be directly after the .gov, not later.
This will show you more about legitimate Social Security emails.
But even though I know it's real, I still don't click links in emails.
Instead, I go to the legitimate site and do what I need.
Check out the latest scams we're seeing. Sign up for our monthly email newsletter by clicking here.
Need my help? Call the Assistance League of Phoenix volunteers at 1-855-323-1515. You can also send me an email or a video email where you attach a video explaining the problem.
And you can reach me on Twitter, "like" the Let Joe Know Facebook page and tell me about it there.
AND WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you want to be a volunteer and help other consumers, let me know.
