WaPo Reporter Gets Fact-Checked by DOGE After Spreading Social Security Misinformation

Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty faced criticism after posting a misleading claim on X about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) updated fraud prevention policy.

The DOGE’s official X account responded directly, correcting her assertions and clarifying the new requirements for changing Social Security direct deposit information.

The DOGE post stated:

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“This is inaccurate and misleading. @SocialSecurity is protecting our seniors by ensuring bank accounts aren’t changed with little to no authentication.

Approx. 40% of Social Security direct deposit fraud is associated with fraudsters calling SSA on the phone and changing the direct deposit bank account from the correct one to a fraudulent one.

Starting on March 29, in order to change the direct deposit bank account, one can:

• Change it online using 2FA (Call Center Technicians available to assist beneficiaries with website)
• Change it in person at a SSA Service Center

This is identical to the fraud protections at almost all major banks, where deposit changes are made either online or in person. All other SSA phone services remain unchanged.”

This is inaccurate and misleading.@SocialSecurity is protecting our seniors by ensuring bank accounts aren’t changed with little to no authentication.

Approx. 40% of Social Security direct deposit fraud is associated with fraudsters calling SSA on the phone and changing the… https://t.co/ciQnPrK1ET

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) March 12, 2025

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The clarification emphasized that the SSA’s updated policy aligns with standard fraud protection measures used by banks.

The move is aimed at reducing financial fraud targeting Social Security recipients by requiring additional authentication before allowing changes to direct deposit accounts.

The SSA’s decision to tighten security measures follows reports that approximately 40% of Social Security direct deposit fraud stems from unauthorized changes made over the phone.

Fraudsters have exploited weak authentication measures to redirect benefits to fraudulent bank accounts, resulting in financial losses for elderly recipients.

Under the new policy, which takes effect on March 29, Social Security beneficiaries will need to either update their direct deposit information online using two-factor authentication (2FA) or visit a local SSA Service Center to make changes in person.

These security protocols mirror those used by major banks and are intended to reduce financial crimes against seniors.

While all other SSA phone services will remain operational, phone-based direct deposit changes will no longer be permitted due to the heightened fraud risk.

Tumulty’s X post implied that the new policy was an unnecessary burden on Social Security recipients.

However, critics pointed out that the security measures are common practice in banking and long overdue for government benefits programs.

One X user responded, stating, “This is where the media loses so much credibility. They’re just way too desperate to report that every single move the Trump administration makes is bad and wrong. Protecting our vulnerable elderly should be one of those bipartisan moments where we can all nod and say, ‘good.’”

This is where the media loses so much credibility. They’re just way too desperate to report that every single move the Trump administration makes is bad and wrong.

Protecting our vulnerable elderly should be one of those bipartisan moments where we can all nod and say, “good.”

— Amygator *not an actual alligator (@AmyA1A) March 13, 2025

The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between media figures and the Trump administration, as some journalists have faced accusations of misrepresenting policy changes for political reasons.

While Tumulty has not issued a correction or response to DOGE’s clarification, the situation underscores the importance of verifying claims before spreading misleading information.

The SSA’s updated fraud prevention policy is set to take effect at the end of March, reinforcing security for Social Security beneficiaries while maintaining accessibility through online and in-person options.

The Washington Post has not commented on the controversy, and it remains unclear whether Tumulty will address the criticism or correct her post.

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