The US Social Security Administration has reversed its plan to require in-person verification of identities for telephone claims. Instead, it will use new anti-fraud software starting Monday. The change aims to improve customer service and reduce fraud.
The White House invested $16 million in the new software, which allows employees to flag suspected fraud over the phone. Individuals flagged will need to prove their identity in person, while those not flagged can proceed online without verification.
The move reverses a previous proposal that would have required most beneficiaries to verify their identities online or in-person at an office. Concerns about phone access were raised by the elderly and rural residents, who argued it is essential for critical services.
The Social Security program serves over 72 million people, with around 70,000 telephone claims flagged each year as potentially fraudulent. The agency has not specified what constitutes a “fraud-risk indicator,” but officials say the change will improve customer service for vulnerable populations.
Source: https://www.newsnationnow.com/politics/social-security-anti-fraud-measures-begin