The Social Security Identity Theft Bill allows the victims to attain justice and prevent money scams. In addition, the Social Security Administration offers a legal cushion to the individuals; the bill has been reintroduced in light of increasing identity thefts through the internet. ThinkAdvisor reports that Senators Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz, Chuck Grassley, and R-Iowa were involved in the bill’s resurfacing.
The bill will encourage efficient resolution of identity theft issues, mainly during the application process. Millions of Americans benefit from Social Security; this makes the theft more pronounced. The beneficiaries, too, need to be aware of the probable threats and be equipped to counter them.
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Pandemic halted the SSA services
ThinkAdvisor quoted Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works. She said, “This bill would take an important step towards helping victims of identity theft by giving them a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration. For over a decade, SSA field offices have been starved of resources.
Then, field offices were shuttered for two years due to the pandemic; this has left people no choice but to use the internet or phone to interact with SSA when applying for benefits and dealing with SSA for other purposes. Unfortunately, this is where identity theft occurs. Congress should ensure that SSA has sufficient funding to reopen and staff field offices this spring fully. Contributors and beneficiaries are safest from identity theft and other scams when they deal with SSA in person.”
Several government bodies are involved
ThinkAdvisor reports that the AARP, Social Security Works, the Association of Mature American Citizens (AAMC), the National Council of Social Security Management Associations (NCSSMA), and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) are the governing bodies associated with the bill.
ThinkAdvisor quoted senators, who said, “SSA has a responsibility and a duty to provide timely and quality service to the public, whether it is provided online, via telephone or in-person. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has amplified and exacerbated gaps in service for all. We write to request an update on the Social Security Administration’s efforts to improve service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to modernize its business processes going forward.”
