There are some new protections set in place thanks to the Social Security Administration, and if you don’t want to get lost in the specifics of the SSA anti-fraud measures, then we’re here to break it down. The SSA changes in 2025 have been designed to “protect beneficiaries and streamline the customer experience,” but there has been considerable confusion about what the changes are and how they affect Social Security beneficiaries.
The decision to announce some of the clarifications around the anti-fraud SSA policies on Twitter/X has been extremely unusual, considering the primary users of Social Security are unlikely to be on the platform, which is why we’re breaking down the changes here. HR leaders who want to show employees some support could do well to share such resources with their team so they can better help their loved ones.
The Social Security anti-fraud measures are meant to discourage any external parties from trying to claim the benefits guaranteed to the original claimants. (Image: Freepik)
The SSA Anti-Fraud Measures Have Caused Some Confusion
The new SSA fraud rules were inspired by DOGE, and they were initially expected to go into effect on March 31. The initial introduction of the Social Security changes in 2025 caused considerable confusion as recipients were unsure of whether they had to appear at local field offices to verify their identity and file for retirement and disability benefits.
The SSA changes announced for 2025 initially mentioned a ban on filing for retirement and disability benefits over the phone. Those who wanted to file for the benefits had to do so online or in person. Many who arrived at the offices were turned away because the centers were already flooded with similar claims, and this left recipients unsure of what to do.
This policy was revised twice. First, it was narrowed to exclude disability, SSI, and Medicare applications, and the start date was moved to April 14th. Before long, the SSA further reversed course, stating that all applications could still be filed by phone, but only those flagged for fraud would need to verify their identity in person. The agency estimates about 70,000 out of 4.5 million phone claims will be flagged.
Now, the finalized SSA anti-fraud measures have been announced, and they went into effect yesterday, April 14, 2025.
What Are the New Anti-Fraud SSA Policies?
The SSA’s fraud prevention strategies center around the ability to file for retirement and disability benefits over the telephone, and as a result, the agency spent $16.5 million last month in order to modernize telephone services nationwide. The first detail of note is that applicants can continue to file claims over the phone for all programs.
The SSA’s anti-fraud measures will utilize pattern recognition tools and check for anomalies in relation to a person’s account to identify suspicious activity in telephone claims. The administration has also mandated 5-day in-person work for its employees to ensure they are fully staffed to support walk-ins.
“We are modernizing how we serve the public—enhancing both security and accessibility,” Leland Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, said in the announcement regarding the Social Security anti-fraud measures. “These updates improve our ability to detect and prevent fraud while providing more flexible options for people to access their benefits.”
So what does the Social Security fraud prevention update involve?
Anti-Fraud Checks on Telephone Claims
The SSA will now conduct an anti-fraud check on all phone applications for benefits and use enhanced technology. Approximately 70,000 out of 4.5 million annual phone claims are expected to be flagged for in-person verification, so the larger majority should not be greatly affected by the Social Security fraud prevention measures. There are a few things to know about the new SSA fraud rules:
- Benefit claims can still be made over the telephone
- The SSA will analyze patterns and anomalies within a person’s account
- The purpose of the check is to identify suspicious activity
- Only in case irregularities are detected will individuals have to verify their identity in person at an SSA field office
Restriction on Telephone Changes to Direct Deposit Information
While claims for all programs can still be made over the phone, the SSA’s new fraud policy will restrict changes to the direct deposit information over the telephone. The agency claims that 40% of direct deposit fraud stems from such calls. Here’s what you need to know about this SSA change for 2025:
- Direct deposit information can no longer be changed over the phone
- Changes must be made online through a personal “my Social Security” account or in person at a local SSA office
- According to the SSA, those who need to visit the office can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment
- Beneficiaries should familiarize themselves with the “my Social Security” account and its features so they are prepared to take action online if their local offices are still overwhelmed with other applicants
In-Person Identity Proofing Is Necessary for Certain Claims
As per the new SSA anti-fraud measures, certain applicants may have to prepare to go to a local SSA field office for identity verification procedures to solidify their claims.
- Application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are exempt from any in-person identity verification requirement and can complete their claim online or via telephone
- Those who apply for retirement, survivors, or auxiliary (spousal or child) benefits and cannot verify their identity online using “my Social Security” must do so in person at an SSA field office
Enhanced Identity Verification Procedures to Come
The new SSA fraud rules are doubling down on the importance of identity verification, and the procedures are growing more elaborate. This includes transitioning to more robust methods for those unable to use online services, ensuring protection against fraudulent activity.
- SSA plans to use the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service’s payment integrity service, Account Verification Service (AVS)
- This will allow for instant bank verification services to prevent any possible fraudulent activities
- More changes will likely be made to the application and verification procedures in the coming months
Here are the facts:
If you are changing your direct deposit information, the Social Security Administration will continue conducting anti-fraud checks in-person and online.
The Social Security Administration has rolled out several new anti-fraud measures to protect our…
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) April 9, 2025
The Social Security Changes in 2025 Went Into Effect on April 14
The SSA’s anti-fraud measures have already been implemented, so those who want to interact with Social Security services should look into these rules to know how they affect them. Considering we are in the early days of the new SSA fraud rules, it is likely that changes will be made to the system in the coming months depending on the issues that are detected.
The SSA fraud prevention efforts are commendable, and they still allow for a large number of the processes to be conducted via telephone, which is essential to retain for the senior citizens who might struggle with online or in-person claims.
Employers and HR leaders should proactively spread this information to their workers to ensure they are not left behind by the changes being made to critical institutional systems. There are many ways for employers to look out for their teams, and this is certainly one of them.
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