SENIOR NEWS LINEby Matilda CharlesMy Social SecurityThere is an easier way to get answers from Social Security than sitting on hold on the phone.Social Security's website (http://socialsecurity.gov) has a long list of things you can do online after creating a My Social Security account: get your benefits verification letter, get your statement, apply for retirement or disability benefits, appeal a disability decision, estimate your retirement benefits, check your application status and so much more.The biggest concern, however, is that if you've done a Google search about the topic, you easily could end up at a fake website that is not Social Security.For example, replacing your card is free, but if you accidentally wander to a scam site, they'll want to charge you as much as $50. Not only that, but they'll have your Social Security number when you type it in.If you marry and want a card in your new name, you'll need to contact Social Security directly. Don't fall for an online scam.Even if you haven't hunted online for information yet you receive what looks like Social Security email, beware. Social Security will never send you email asking for information such as your name or number. Any emails asking for that are from scammers. If you receive that kind of email, call the real Social Security administration immediately at 1-800-772-1213 or the fraud hotine at 1-800-269-0271. Do the same if you receive a phone call from someone pretending to be from Social Security. They might have excuses, such as their computer system went down or they need to verify your banking direct-deposit information. If you sign up online for a genuine My Social Security account, beware. Be sure what webpage you're on. Remember to look for the ".gov" at the end of the address.Matilda Charles regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.(c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.