Protecting Your Social Security Benefits: What You Need to Know About Direct Deposit Changes
Recent media reports suggesting the Social Security Administration is eliminating telephone services are simply not true. Instead, Social Security is taking proactive steps to protect seniors and benefit recipients from potential fraud and scams that target their benefits.
Understanding the Social Security Fraud Risk
Did you know that approximately 40 percent of Social Security direct deposit fraud occurs through telephone-based account changes? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recognized that traditional identity verification methods are no longer sufficient to safeguard your hard-earned Social Security benefits.
New Ways to Update Your Social Security Financial Information
If you need to change your bank account details for your Social Security benefits, you now have two secure options:
- Use two-factor authentication through the “my Social Security” online service
- Visit your local Social Security office in person to verify your identity
These updated security procedures mirror practices used by most major financial institutions, ensuring your Social Security benefits remain protected.
What Hasn’t Changed with Social Security Services
It’s important to understand that these new security measures do not mean the end of SSA telephone services. All other Social Security telephone support remains fully operational, so you can still count on getting the help you need with your benefits application or questions.
The Social Security Administration’s primary goal is to continuously strengthen program security and protect the millions of Americans who depend on these critical benefits. By implementing these enhanced verification methods, they’re working to keep your personal and financial information safe from potential fraudsters.
