AARP Hearing Center
New Law Will Improve Social Security Administration's Assistance for Identity Fraud Victims
AARP-backed legislation requires SSA to streamline help for older adults whose Social Security numbers have been stolen or misused
The Voorhes
Key takeaways
- AARP has long advocated for the Social Security Administration to improve customer service for older Americans who’ve experienced identity fraud.
- The new law requires the SSA to provide identity fraud victims with a single point of contact.
- The agency must track each case to completion and coordinate with specialized units to resolve issues quickly.
Identity fraud has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., costing Americans an estimated $15.8 billion in 2025, according to reports to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Social Security numbers in particular are like gold to criminals hoping to perpetrate identity fraud, which often leaves victims facing not only money loss, but “a daunting and frustrating process to reclaim their identity,” notes Bill Sweeney, AARP’s senior vice president for government affairs.
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Long wait times and inconsistent service at the Social Security Administration (SSA) have made resolving problems caused by these crimes even more onerous than necessary, but change is coming: A new law requires 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, endorsed by AARP and signed into law on October 7, compels 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.”
Join Our Fight Against Fraud
Here’s what you can do to help protect people 50 and older from scams and fraud:
- Tell lawmakers to stop criminals from using crypto kiosks to steal from us.
- Sign up to become a digital fraud fighter to help raise awareness about the latest scams.
- Read more about how we’re protecting older Americans from scams and fraud and fighting for you in Congress and across the country.
- AARP is your fierce defender on the issues that matter to people 50-plus. Become a member or renew your membership today.
“We’re excited to see it signed, because it means victims get faster answers and a quicker path to putting their lives back together,” says Chad Mullen, AARP’s director of financial security for government affairs.
AARP’s work to improve service at the SSA
AARP has been working for years to protect Social Security and improve customer service. It was also among the loudest voices that successfully insisted that the SSA walk back a 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 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 advocates for stronger fraud protections at the state and federal levels.
- At AARP's fraud Helpline (877-908-3360), trained volunteers provide victims and family members with support and guidance on next steps..
- 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.
More resources
Victims of identity theft can report the crime at IdentityTheft.gov or 877-438-4338. Online identity theft can also be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, IC3.gov.
The ITRC has a Help Center for identity theft victims.
AARP also offers information on preventing identity theft, what to do if your identity has been stolen, and the latest Social Security-related scams.
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
By storing sensitive records in the secure, encrypted AARP Digital Vault, you can reduce the risk of important information being misplaced, exposed or vulnerable to fraud. The add-on AARP membership benefit is just $20 a year.
The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.
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