I asked the Social Security to change notification back to snail mail

[question everything]

I really log in only once a year, to see what the new benefits would be.

But now it did not recognize my password. Has to have a new one with gazillion characters.

Then I had to have two modes of authentication. Until two years ago I did not have a "smart phone" so could not get a text or download an app. I provided the phone number but refuse to download one more "app."

So they have some kind of "backup codes."

Last, when I had to fill again all personal information I just quit. I am too old for this sh*t. Why would they do this for seniors?

I may complain to whoever is in charge. Or to a senator.

[ShazzieB]

1. I think they do it to protect us from having our information stolen.

I agree that it's a massive pita, but there are a lot of scammers out there, and we seniors are their favorite targets.

[BOSSHOG]

2. I'm with you My Friend

It’s scary logging in to anything.

I truly believe the SSA is doing its best to protect us and our investments. Lots of bad folks out there spending every waking moment figuring out ways to benefit from any systemic vulnerability. I don’t have a solution. But I do my damndest to pay attention to their instructions. Good Luck to you Fellow Old Timer and enjoy your next SSA raise.

[dweller]

4. Lots of bad folks out there spending every waking moment figuring out ways to benefit

And that’s just the repugs … common criminals want our SS $ too


✌🏻

[BOSSHOG]

6. You got their number dweller

[Nictuku]

3. Just went through something similar

I now have a different kind of account that allows me to log into a couple different systems. Our problem is they want to send a text message, but our cell coverage is so poor here that I have to go stand out on the drive way to receive texts. There is an option to do a phone call, but we have a VOIP system, and that also won't work (for one of the 2 systems). We have a similar problem trying to use Venmo, you have to be able to receive a text message.

Some people live in the country and don't have cell coverage. Some people don't have smart phones. It is getting more and more difficult, but at the same time, there is more and more fraud and people trying to steal our money.

So in the end, I accept it. Try to keep good records. If I have to run outside, then back inside to the computer, so be it.

[dweller]

5. I made up my forgetful senior mind to write down

All my login and passwords to all my accounts in my code, and lock them down in a secure location.

I haven’t had problems getting into anything anymore.

SS asks to send a code to my email to verify it’s me and I get right in to my account, even just once a year


✌🏻

[BOSSHOG]

7. Likewise

Each account has a 3X5 card with all pertinent data. They stay locked up somewhere in my home. I’ve had mostly good luck. If I sound paranoid it’s because I am.

[question everything]

8. I, too, have a list of all usernames and passwords but when they no longer recognize

them because they have to have at least one capital letter, one number, one special character it is too much. And, no doubt, next year will have to go through this process again.

[Joinfortmill]

9. Yup. I've been trying to login for 2 days..

With the new login choices. What a mess. I gave up.

[stopdiggin]

10. most systems (and I think SS is one of them)

allow several options for a 2K authentication (passcode). The most practical and solid option here is to have both a cellphone and another email address listed as 'options'. The email address is almost a never-fail method - in case one is occasionally let down by cellphone reception. (and it sounds like this is the way you should go)

Passwords: Another subject, but also one with some practical solutions. a) You have to have them written down and recorded - somewhere! This idea that we're always going to remember Aunt Mary's birthday - and then use it for 20 different accounts ... That's the person that the IT guys want to beat with a rubber hose! So b) Either use a password manager, which actually does a lot of the work for you - while saving you from mistakes, and the 'same password for 20 different sites' habit. And/or c) Manufacture your own password file/list - a plain old Excel spreadsheet works just fine - then lock that with a password, that can be as elemental and simple as you wish - and save it to 3 or 4 different places, including your phone (for when you're away from home), your computer, and maybe also a thumb drive, and your cloud storage account.

(and appreciate your frustration - but we really do not want to make it easier to get in to all these accounts .. and particularly those involving finances!)

[question everything]

11. Thank you for the detailed reply

I keep separate passwords for the different accounts. Mostly. And they usually have some meaning. For example, if I visited Disney World in 1975, one password would be Dis**75. (Just an example).

Also, all my loggings into financial sites are from my desktop computer, not the iPad nor the iPhone.

But… as I am typing this, seems that all my “devices” are now linked. I will have to keep the desktop separate..

[XanaDUer2]

12. When I worked

Seniors were confused as hell. I get usps SS mail. I'll sign in every once in a while.