payam Javan: The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on March 12 that it will no longer allow people to change their bank information via phone calls, a move aimed at reducing fraud. While all other phone services will remain available, the agency said this decision follows an internal review that found nearly 40% of Social Security fraud related to direct deposits was linked to individuals changing bank account details over the phone. Instead, beneficiaries must now update their banking information through the SSA’s online portal or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which supports fraud prevention efforts, stated on social media that the change will take effect on March 29.

The SSA reassured the public that other telephone services, such as updating addresses and checking benefit application statuses, remain unchanged. The agency has previously encouraged people to use its website rather than calling, as fraudsters have also exploited the online system. The SSA Office of Inspector General reported that between 2013 and 2018, fraudsters misdirected $33.5 million in benefits by altering direct deposit details online. Additionally, criminals have used stolen Social Security numbers to fraudulently claim benefits, with one audit revealing that scammers stole $4.6 million using the Social Security numbers of just 37 individuals over five years. The SSA continues to warn the public about scams and reminds beneficiaries that official communications are typically sent through the mail.