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From what I known of seniors on fixed income, this idea is a horrible FAIL.
I don't know a single person over 65 who TEXTS. AT ALL.
Huh. My parents (late 70s) both text. As do all of my 65+ coworkers and (fairly) recent retirees. Some are more tech savvy than me. It's clear that folks can still get info over the phone and via the mail. Do all of these non-texting folks actually login to the SSA website and get info that way?
I applaud the SSA for requiring a higher level of security. In my opinion all critical accounts (SSA, banks, brokerages etc.) should require 2 factor identification. This service isn't new for the SSA, I've had it enabled on my account for years but they are now requiring it.
What I don't understand is why they require texts only for 2 factor. My credit union has the same requirement but gives you the option receive an automated call with the security code spoken for those without cells phones. Of course I don't understand why anybody would still pay for a land line when you can pick up a basic text enabled phone or gently used smart phone for cheap and pay $15/month for unlimited talk and texts.
Folks, you're not going to win this one. You're just not. The world is getting more and more technology oriented and the modern world is not going to dumb it down or hold it back to accomodate a relatively small number of holdouts. While there are various alternatives to text for 2-factor authentication, the more processes you support the more difficult it becomes to implement. We will be lucky if SSA can implement one option well, much less multiple options.
Simple solution for the holdouts - get a google voice number or equivalent. It's free. Then you can have it convert your incoming text to email.
I finally got my e-mail notifying me of this. Maybe it took so long because they were working their way through the alphabet. Lots of gnashing of teeth going on about this topic on their FB page too.
I have a cellphone, but I am often out of the country so text (all data) is blocked both on my phone and on my account - and for good reason - it consumes too much bandwidth and is incredibly expensive when 'roaming'. In my case though I have absolutely nobody TO text to or receive texts from anyway - the only texts I ever got were spam. The ONLY persons who apparently can penetrate the 'no texting/data' barrier in effect are Obama and Verizon (and even the latter apparently only from certain 'accounts' - I rarely see incoming texts from them until I re-cross the border).
Due to changes in the Canadian system recently I was forced to buy a new cellphone and Verizon sold me a phone which they said would actually work where I go for several months at a time, however it does not work at all. I spent countless hours online and on the phone trying to sort all this out but nothing can be done till I return to the US (they are 'not allowed' to send a new one in the 'mail' apparently). So I am currently without any cellphone access at all yet I am still paying hefty cellphone fees. That was enough of a 'trap' - no way will I take any chance on turning on data up here ... ever! I could however make a phone call from a landline (but it may not be one on file so if that is a requirement, that would be an issue too). Make me call though .. ask me pre-defined security questions, etc. and I would accept that. Or send me an email (a method which other organizations seem to use with some success still).
And many SS recipients may be in the same or similar positions - living or taking long trips out of the country, and may or may not have a cellphone but if out of the country they don't or can't use it, or they limit their data use for monetary reasons. Not only that but their physical access to an SS office may also be zilch.
I too hope this is re-thought and other methods are added.
p.s. I have received no email about this .. as yet.
From what I known of seniors on fixed income, this idea is a horrible FAIL.
I don't know a single person over 65 who TEXTS. AT ALL.
I'm closing in on 65. I have a cheap emergency cell phone that is only used for emergencies since I have a landline. I have an online SS account and really don't have a need to go online to look at it. I never use my phone for texting I mean if I need to get in touch with someone I call them. This new wave of no personal contact save a few letters on a small screen escapes me. Nothing is personal anymore. I think it sucks actually.
What about people living in areas where cell phone reception is spotty or nonexistent? Seems like a rushed plan without common sense. My credit union gives me the option of text verification or answer a security question.
What about people living in areas where cell phone reception is spotty or nonexistent? Seems like a rushed plan without common sense. My credit union gives me the option of text verification or answer a security question.
Surprising the govt. would rush something through w/o any thought?
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