“Anti-Fraud” screening at Social Security eases need for in-person identity checks - The Hill
In what appears to be a concession due to public outcry over the need to visit a local office to verify identity for some SSA transactions, the Social Security Administration has announced a new “anti-fraud” check which will flag telephone transactions which have potential fraud characteristics. This eases a previously announced rule which would have required all telephone applications for new benefits, or changes to deposit accounts, to provide proof of identity with an in-person visit to a local Social Security office. With this latest announcement, applying for benefits over the phone, or changing where your SS payment is deposited, is still a viable option, but SSA agents will flag any transaction which appears suspicious. Only those telephone transactions so flagged will need the requestor to visit an SSA office to prove their identity. Of course, as previously announced, those who request such services using their online “my Social Security” account are exempt from the need to prove their identity because their online account is considered sufficient proof of identity. Read about the latest SSA announcement in this article by Lauren Irwin appearing at The Hill.
It’s important to know that these anti-fraud measures at the SSA do not apply to those who conduct SSA business using their “my Social Security” online account, or anyone who is already receiving benefits but requires no change. The new anti-fraud rules apply only to those applying for SS benefits for the first time, or those changing where their monthly payment is deposited.