Uncle Sam making me go to the Bank

[GeorgeB71364]

     I live in Thailand where my SS check is sent. In the past I was able to transfer online and also had an ATM card. Now the Thai banks are saying that the US govt has said that all recipients must go to the bank in person for all transactions. Supposedly because of fraud, but it is a pain in the butt.

Is this true or not and if so, who can I complain to? Not that it will do any good, but it will make me feel better.

[JohnW150496]

maybe you could get some traction by contacting the US State Department and see what they say.

Also, your Congressman's office.  I have gone to my local Congressman for help on a few issues.

They have been very good.

[fffred]

@GeorgeB71364 

My own SS retirement benefit is direct deposited into my bank in Canada. I have heard nothing about any changes to this process. But I have read of problems/obstacles presented to expats in Thailand by other public and private agencies (generally involving transfer of funds).

I'll have to google some to find if the SSA has taken added some new rules specific to Thailand.

Good luck!

[fffred]

@GeorgeB71364 

Nope, Nothing unusual regarding Thailand shows up in some research at ssa.gov and https://www.usa.gov/social-security-abroad

Maybe try a group for US expats in Thailand on Facebook, Reddit, et al, for this question.

Edit:  maybe this is something the local bank has dreamed up? Or the Thai gov't?

[cat0w]

@GeorgeB71364 

Do you have a Social Security account? Have you signed in and checked to see what that shows or contact Social Security.

The United States Social Security Administration | SSA

[WebWiseWoman]

Also, try search "FDIC Thailand"; I saw some results that allow search by bank so that might help?