Retirement Social Security

Trump Has a New Plan for Social Security Fraud Victims - And It Gives Them a Direct Line to the SSA

A new bill could improve how fraud victims receive support.

By Paige Cerulli , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Oct. 1, 2026

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Millions of retirees receive Social Security senior benefits, so if an individual's Social Security number is stolen or misused, they might face a situation that impacts their monthly income. A new bill seeking to simplify the process of getting help after identity theft might make it easier for victims to quickly get the answers they need. The bill is now on President Trump's desk after passing through Congress.

Here's what the bill might change and how it might help you.

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The Social Security identity theft bill

Representative David Kustoff introduced H.R. 5345, the Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act, in September 2025. The bill is designed to support victims who have experienced identity theft involving their Social Security numbers.

Under current law, such victims may have to navigate the Social Security Administration's (SSA)s general phone line in an attempt to find the help that they need. The bill seeks to change that by providing identity theft victims with a single point of contact at the SSA. That contact point would continue to support victims through the resolution of their case.

"Victims of identity theft deserve clear, consistent support rather than getting lost in a maze of federal bureaucracy," said Kustoff.

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The creation of a single point of contact

The bill calls for the creation of a team or subset of specially trained SSA employees to support victims of identity theft. That team would help track each victim's case through its completion and coordinate with any relevant specialized SSA teams.

The team would help to resolve the victim's issues as quickly as possible and would provide more consistent contact, so victims wouldn't have to repeatedly explain their situation to multiple SSA employees. The bill is designed to provide support for people who currently get bounced between departments and have trouble getting the consistent support they need throughout the resolution of their identity theft issue.

The prevalence of Social Security number identity theft

Social Security number identity theft is a significant issue in the United States. The Identity Theft Resource Center's 2025 Annual Data Breach Report indicated that 3,322 data compromises occurred in the U.S. in 2025. Of those compromises, 2,236 involved Social Security numbers.

The Federal Trade Commission reported a 19.6% rise in identity theft reports from 2024 to 2025; reports reached 1.36 million in 2025.

Social Security number identity theft may have significant financial consequences. Thieves who are able to access Social Security numbers may be able to open fraudulent accounts. Victims may experience inaccurate credit reports, improper benefit claims, and even consumer disputes over fraudulent charges.

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Support for the Social Security identity theft bill

The bill received bipartisan support. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said that having a dedicated point of contact at the SSA may help reduce fiction and make resolving identity theft less stressful for victims. Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan said that the existing resolution process could be long and confusing for victims, plus it also puts unnecessary demands on the SSA's resources.

Organizations including AARP, Social Security Works, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare also endorsed the bill.

The bill's current status

The bill passed the House Committee on Ways and Means 39-1 and received a unanimous vote from the House of Representatives on December 1, 2025. On September 17, 2026, the bill received a unanimous vote from the Senate.

The bill must be presented to Trump, and if he signs it, it becomes law.

What to do if you suspect you're an identity theft victim

If you suspect your Social Security number has been compromised, consider immediately freezing your credit with the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Freezing your credit prevents a thief from opening new accounts in your name.

Next, report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) so that they may help you determine the best steps to take. You may report the theft on the FTC's website, IdentityTheft.gov, and may receive a personalized recovery plan.

It's important to carefully monitor your credit for any accounts that you haven't opened. All three major credit bureaus provide you with a credit report, so review it carefully for any unusual activity and immediately report any transactions that you didn't make.

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Bottom line

President Trump hasn't yet signed the bill, so it isn't law and hasn't changed the process for victims of Social Security number identity theft. If the bill does become law, it may make the process of reporting and recovering from identity theft easier, giving victims a consistent point of contact to guide them through the process.

Remember that carefully protecting your Social Security number may help you avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place, shred any paperwork with your Social Security number on it, and watch out for unsolicited communication requesting your Social Security number and other personal information. Doing so may help you avoid financial mistakes and protect your identity.

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