New scam pilfers social security checks at banks

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A new scam is diverting social security checks from seniors by re-routing the checks using direct deposit systems at banks.

Scammers typically gain the name and bank account number of victims through phony lottery and sweepstakes schemes. Then the scammers call the Social Security Administration posing as the victims and re-route the checks to an account the scam artists can tap.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is asking the agency to notify recipients by e-mail, text, letters, and automated phone calls whenever their account is altered.

The Social Security Administration found more than 19,000 unauthorized attempts to change direct deposit accounts and receives another 50 each day.