CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CALLS ON SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT SCAMS AGAINST SENIORS
Highlights opportunity for bad actors to create phishing scams by mimicking the Administration’s current official email formatting
(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle wrote a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin regarding potential risks to seniors within the SSA’s current email practices. Specifically, Morelle criticized the use of a “no-reply” email address and embedded links within official email communications.
“The use of embedded links sent from the ‘no-reply’ email creates an opportunity for bad actors to take advantage of unsuspecting recipients,” wrote Congressman Joe Morelle in his letter. “Malicious actors can easily mimic this format and trick users into releasing personal and private information for their criminal gain; this risk is especially acute among recipients who may not have the tools or knowledge to determine whether the message is authentic or not. This increases the likelihood that already vulnerable populations fall victim to phishing schemes.”
Morelle expressed his continued concern over these practices in his letter, which builds on his existing work to keep seniors—and all Americans—safe from bad actors online. Recently, Congressman Morelle partnered with Lifespan of Greater Rochester to provide older members of our community with the tools and knowledge needed to make safe, informed decisions during the holiday season.
To hear Congressman Morelle’s tips-and-tricks to combat scams and keep you and your family safe online, watch his video here.
To read the full text of Congressman Morelle’s letter to the Social Security Administration, click here.
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