AARP Backs Effort to Improve SSA's Assistance for Identity Fraud Victims

Identity fraud has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S, costing Americans an estimated $47 billion in 2024, with roughly 18.2 million victims, according to "Breaking Barriers to Innovation," an AARP-sponsored report from Javelin Strategy & Research. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 1.13 million identity theft reports in 2024, up from 650,000 in 2019.

Social Security numbers in particular are like gold to criminals hoping to perpetrate identity fraud, which often leaves victims to “face a daunting and frustrating process to reclaim their identity,” notes Bill Sweeney, AARP’s senior vice president for government affairs.  

Long wait times and inconsistent service at the Social Security Administration make trying to resolve problems caused by these crimes even more onerous than necessary.

That’s why AARP has sent a letter to Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) endorsing Senate Bill 2392, legislation that will require the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make it easier for victims to get their lives back after their Social Security numbers are stolen and used for fraud.

The Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act will compel the SSA to provide a single point of contact to assist victims, track the individual's case to completion, and "coordinate with other specialized units to resolve case issues as quickly as possible.”

AARP’s work to improve service at the SSA

AARP’s longtime efforts to protect Social Security and improve customer service have amped up in recent months. The organization is calling on older Americans to tell Congress to fight back against declining access to and responsiveness of Social Security customer service.

It was also among the loudest voices that successfully insisted that the SSA walk back a recent plan to implement burdensome new in-person measures for identity verification that could have prevented millions of older Americans from applying for benefits by phone.

“SSA's guarantee of phone access for claims is a win for older Americans,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer, when the plan was dropped. “We look forward to further improvements in their customer service.”

How AARP is fighting for you against fraud

• AARP’s Fraud Watch Network helps teach older adults how to spot scams. We organize events and education, with hundreds of trained volunteers working to prevent fraud and scams and supporting victims when needed. We also report on the latest scams with timely stories you can find online.
• AARP's fraud Helpline answers about 500 calls a day. Trained specialists help guide those who have experienced fraud or scams and help prevent them in the future.
• We offer a free online victim support group program led by trained facilitators to address the emotional impact of fraud on victims and their families.
• AARP's award-winning Perfect Scam podcast highlights compelling real-life scam stories and advice for avoiding fraud.