While browsing social media, you might come across a video featuring President Joe Biden encouraging you to sign up for additional Social Security benefits that you may be eligible for. Although the hypothetical video may appear genuine, the promise of extra benefits is false. Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention at AARP's Fraud Watch Network, warns that it is one of the ways artificial intelligence can target Social Security beneficiaries. Unexpected communications can heighten emotions and increase susceptibility to falling for such scams. Disclosing personal information could place it in the hands of criminals who may redirect your monthly Social Security benefits to an unauthorized account. Stokes emphasizes the challenge of trusting anything in a world where everything appears legitimate. Artificial intelligence, including chatbots like ChatGPT, deep fakes, and generative AI, can deceive individuals with human-like conversations, phony audio or video, and fabricated text or media responses. In a letter to the Social Security Administration, Gail Ennis, Inspector General at the Office of the Inspector General, highlights the need to recognize the potential risks AI poses and its impact on society. Ennis acknowledges that criminals will exploit AI to execute fraudulent schemes more easily and rapidly, enhance credibility and realism in deceptions, and increase profits from fraud. To combat this issue, the OIG has established an internal task force to study AI and determine the necessary resources for preventing AI-related fraud, while also considering the effective utilization of artificial intelligence in oversight efforts. However, Haywood Talcove, CEO of the government business of LexisNexis Risk Solutions, warns that the initiative is already lagging behind in addressing the issue, emphasizing the urgency due to criminals focusing on government payments. Talcove explains that criminals find it easy to engage in such activities with a low probability of getting caught, as government funds are seemingly limitless.

Furthermore, criminals closely monitor government agencies, scrutinizing webpages, reading blogs, and exploiting vulnerabilities. The Social Security Administration collaborates with the OIG to undertake appropriate measures to combat fraud, utilizing techniques to identify and respond to suspicious actors. Maria Freese, Senior Legislative Representative at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, notes that Social Security has long been susceptible to identity fraud and benefit theft, likening AI fraud to modern versions of stolen checks from mailboxes. Addressing these new threats presents a unique challenge for the underfunded agency, requiring ongoing and costly efforts. Recognizing communication that is unexpected, heightens emotions, and evokes urgency is crucial to protecting personal financial information and monthly income for Social Security beneficiaries. Stokes highlights that scams often involve these three elements. Talcove suggests several steps for protection, including monitoring credit at all three bureaus and locking it, as assuming one's information has already been stolen is prudent. Social Security beneficiaries should notify the agency of any changes to the bank account receiving benefits. Additionally, regular password changes for online Social Security accounts are advised. Ignoring correspondence regarding a change in account information when no action has been taken is especially important. Talcove empathizes with the challenges faced by elderly individuals in navigating a system after having their benefits stolen, emphasizing the need to address potential criminal activity, which can remain silent unless confronted.