The Social Security Administration (SSA) is pushing back against media claims that it’s axing telephone services, calling the reports “inaccurate” in a statement released today.
Instead, the agency is tightening security to combat a surge in direct deposit fraud, ensuring beneficiaries can still reach out by phone for most needs while safeguarding their funds.
The tweak targets a glaring vulnerability: 40% of direct deposit fraud stems from scammers calling SSA to reroute bank details, exploiting a system that relied solely on verbal ID checks.
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Starting now, beneficiaries updating bank info must either use two-factor authentication via the “my Social Security” online portal or visit a local office to verify their identity in person.
SSA stressed this isn’t a service rollback—only a fraud shield. All other phone support, from benefit inquiries to general assistance, remains intact.
“SSA continuously investigates and analyzes potential threats to strengthen and secure our programs and protect people who receive benefits,” said the SSA. “Approximately 40 percent of Social Security direct deposit fraud is associated with someone calling SSA to change direct deposit bank information. SSA’s current protocol of simply asking identifying questions by telephone is no longer enough to prevent fraud.”
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For America’s seniors and other recipients, it’s a trade-off: a little more legwork for a lot more peace of mind.
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