The Social Security Administration will start implementing new anti-fraud measures on Monday, April 14. The administration updated its verification technology system, which will now be able to identify suspicious activity with a person's account over the phone.
If irregularities are detected, the individual will be asked to complete in-person identity proofing to continue processing their claim, according to a press release.
The agency is also implementing a new policy barring beneficiaries from changing their direct deposit information by telephone. Beneficiaries will have to change their bank accounts through their “my Social Security” website or visit a local office.
“We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility,” said Leland Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”
The SSA, which is undergoing changes because of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced several changes over the course of the month, which it then backtracked, according to CNN. This caused much confusion, prompting many retirees and soon-to-be-retirees to head to their local social security offices, to only be turned away because there were too many people seeking to verify their identities or get questions answered.
