Protect Your Money and Identity With Direct Deposit

Do you still get your Social Security or other federal benefit by check? You should know there’s a safer, easier option - direct deposit.

Each month millions of Americans get their Social Security payment sent to their homes. What you may not realize is that criminals know when these benefit checks arrive in mailboxes, and can target them for theft and forgery. Last year alone, about 57,000 U.S. Treasury-issued checks were forged - nearly $54 million in estimated value.

You can protect yourself by signing up to have your federal benefit payment direct deposited into your checking or savings account. It’s a small but important step that will help eliminate the risk of stolen checks and help protect you from identity theft. You can go to the Social Security web site for instructions: http://www.ssa.gov/deposit/howtosign.htm. You can also call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Direct deposit is not only safer than checks, but it’s also easier and more convenient because your money goes straight to your account on payment day. You gain more control over your money - and your time. If you or those close to you are still receiving Social Security or other federal benefits by check, please consider switching to the safest, easiest option - direct deposit - today!