Summary

Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) have been granted access to the U.S. Treasury’s federal payment system, raising concerns about security and misuse.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent approved the move after a top Treasury official was ousted for resisting.

Critics warn Musk could freeze payments to government programs or manipulate federal contracts.

The move coincides with DOGE’s takeover of the Office of Personnel Management.

Experts call it a dangerous power grab, as Musk holds no official government position.

  • atzanteol@sh.itjust.works
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    2 days ago

    Everyone has my social security number. It’s one of the stupidest security fails of all time that nobody seems to want to fix. And now there is an entire “credit protection” industry so it will remain that way.

        • prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          2 days ago

          Unfortunately, most people have their taxes withheld from their paychecks, and file their returns so they get a refund.

          If people didn’t file returns, the IRS would end up with more money.

          • dan@upvote.au
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            7 hours ago

            and file their returns so they get a refund.

            which is unfortunate since it means you gave the government an interest-free loan during the year. It’s better to adjust withholding amounts to try and break even, or owe money (but not too much that you get hit with an underpayment penalty)