SIGNED INTO LAW: Hassan-Grassley Legislation to Support Victims of Identity Theft

WASHINGTON - The Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act authored by Senators Maggie Hassan and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was signed into law yesterday. The bipartisan legislation makes it easier for identity theft victims to get help from the Social Security Administration.

"Too often, victims of identity theft are forced to navigate a long, confusing process to get support from the Social Security Administration. This process is frustrating to victims and unnecessarily drains the agency's resources," said Senator Hassan. "My bipartisan bill will help streamline support from SSA for so that victims of identity theft can get the help that they need more quickly. I worked with colleagues across the aisle to pass this commonsense legislation, and I am glad to see it signed into law. I will continue pushing to make the government work more efficiently for victims of theft, fraud, and scams."

"Millions of Americans suffer from identity theft each year, and Social Security numbers are a top target. Unfortunately, when an identity theft victim calls up the Social Security Administration, they can be jerked around from one contact to another, having to reexplain the situation each time. By providing victims a single point of contact at the agency, our bill will help ease this frustrating and stressful process and make life easier for Iowans who may find themselves in this unfortunate situation. I want to thank my colleagues for their overwhelming support to get this legislation over the finish line," said Senator Grassley.

The Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act provides a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration to more efficiently and quickly resolve and identity-theft victim's issues.

The legislation was endorsed by numerous groups, including AARP, Social Security Works, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), Justice in Aging, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR).

Read the full text of the bill here.

This bill builds on Senator Hassan's longstanding efforts to protect taxpayers, prevent waste and fraud, and help government work more effectively for the American people. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan ReportScams.gov Act to establish a centralized portal where Americans can report scams and get help. She also introduced the bipartisan No Aid for Ghost Students Act to prevent fraudsters from using stolen identities to steal federal student aid. As Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, Senator Hassan is leading a comprehensive investigation into combating scams, and as part of that, she led a Committee hearing earlier this year during which she secured commitments from the FBI and Department of Justice to improve coordination and strengthen the federal response to scams.

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