(DailyEmailNews.com) – President Donald Trump’s administration is cracking down on Social Security fraud with strict new identity verification requirements that will be put in place by the end of the month.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will eliminate phone verification and require all beneficiaries to verify identities either online or in person at field offices.
This security upgrade comes as fraudsters drain over $100 million annually through direct deposit scams targeting America’s seniors.
The sweeping policy change affects millions of Americans who receive Social Security benefits, with potential challenges for rural and elderly recipients.
SSA Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek defended the measures as essential safeguards.
“The Social Security Administration is losing over $100 million a year in direct deposit fraud,” he explained. “This is a common-sense measure.”
“Americans deserve to have their Social Security records protected with the utmost integrity and vigilance,” Dudek stated when announcing the policy.
“For far too long, the agency has used antiquated methods for proving identity. Social Security can better protect Americans while expediting service,” he added.
The change aligns with President Trump’s promise to protect entitlement programs while eliminating waste.
“I’m not going to touch Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Now, we’re going to get fraud out of there,” the president said while campaigning on the issue.
The policy eliminates what the SSA calls “knowledge-based authentication” over the phone.
Critics say the process has become vulnerable to fraudsters who could access personal information through data breaches.
Under the new system, beneficiaries must either create a “My Social Security” online account or visit an SSA office in person to verify their identity.
At the same time, the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plans to streamline operations by closing 47 underutilized field offices.
“What we’re adding here is caring and competence,” Musk stated about the reforms.
The changes face opposition from Democrats like US Rep. John Larson (D-CT), who claims they are designed to “create chaos and inefficiencies at SSA so they can privatize the system.”
Labor unions have filed lawsuits to prevent DOGE from accessing sensitive Social Security data.
Rural advocates worry about access issues for Americans with mobility challenges or limited internet connectivity.
Despite these concerns, the administration is moving forward with implementing additional security measures.
The SSA will expedite direct deposit processing to one business day, down from the previous 30-day hold, while implementing an Account Verification Service for instant bank verification.
With over 72.5 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits, the administration recommends beneficiaries schedule in-person appointments well in advance of the deadline.
BREAKING:
It’s Official, the Social Security Administration now Requires in-Person Identity Checks for New and Existing Recipients
And just like that… most of the fraud is wiped out.
• Beginning March 31st, people will no longer be able to verify their identity to the SSA… pic.twitter.com/qGz9fWzLAv
— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) March 19, 2025
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