After Elon Musk warned that scammers were stealing benefits via the Social Security Administration’s call-in lines, the government put anti-fraud measures in place to safeguard consumers who submit claims over the phone.
With immediate effect, the agency has implemented safeguards that would “identify suspicious activity in telephone claims by analysing patterns and anomalies within a person’s account,” the SSA said.
According to the government, the claimant will have to “complete in-person identity proofing to continue processing their claim” if the technology finds any anomalies.
All in-person claims will still be subject to identify verification by the agency.
The action, according to Social Security acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, is an attempt to update the agency’s public service delivery model, “enhancing both security and accessibility.”
“These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits,” Dudek stated.
The SSA claims that this modification will enable it to “maintain the security of its services while continuing to expand access for customers who may be unable to file online or visit an office in person.”
In an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” last month, Musk and other DOGE officials claimed that a sizable percentage of the daily calls that Social Security fields come from individuals attempting to alter the direct deposit locations of legitimate recipients in an attempt to steal their benefits.
Aram Moghaddassi, a DOGE engineer, stated, “One of the first things that we learnt at Social Security is that they get phone calls every day of people trying to change direct deposit information.” “So, you can call Social Security to modify your bank account. We discovered that scammers account for 40% of the calls they receive.
Baier questioned Musk in particular on the worries of some that DOGE’s actions would unintentionally cause legitimate Social Security recipients to lose their benefit payments. Musk, however, retorted that the team’s work will guarantee that recipients receive the compensation they are due.
“What we’re doing will actually benefit them. Because of DOGE’s efforts, legitimate citizens will receive more Social Security, not less,” Musk stated. “I want to emphasise that: as a result of the work of DOGE, legitimate recipients of Social Security will receive more money, not less money.”
Last month, the Social Security Administration underwent a two-week period of transition “to stronger identity proofing procedures for both benefit claims and direct deposit changes.” The agency started requiring both in-person and online digital identity proofing as part of the modifications.
For example, anyone can begin their claim for benefits over the phone if they are unable or unable to use the agency’s online mySocial Security services. However, until the person’s identification is confirmed in person, the claim cannot be finalised.
