A strange and shocking rumor recently spread across social media: a man aged 360 years was reportedly receiving Social Security payments in the United States. This story caught the public’s attention and even led Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to call it “the biggest scam in history.” People quickly started questioning how something like this could happen in one of the government’s biggest programs.
While the idea of someone living for over three centuries is clearly impossible, the story revealed something more important. It showed that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has serious problems with how it manages its data. The 360-year-old man never existed, but the error in the database caused a lot of confusion and worry about fraud.
This incident may sound silly, but it highlights real issues that need fixing. Errors in Social Security records are more common than many think, and if left unchecked, they could lead to fraud. This article explains how this mistake happened, what problems exist in the SSA system, how officials are fixing them, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Did Someone Really Live for 360 Years?
The viral claim started with a strange record in the SSA database that listed a person’s age as 360. It led many to believe that someone this old was receiving monthly benefits from the U.S. government. Memes, videos, and wild theories followed, and Elon Musk’s comments made the news spread even faster.
But the truth is very different. No such person ever received benefits. The record was a mistake caused by outdated systems and poor data handling. Sometimes, very old records are never properly updated, or placeholder dates are used when information is missing. This results in absurd entries like someone being hundreds of years old.
Even though the idea of a 360-year-old man sounds like science fiction, it exposed how easily database errors can lead to false claims and public panic.
Why These Mistakes Happen in SSA’s System
Old Technology Still in Use
The SSA runs one of the largest databases in the U.S., managing records for over 65 million people. However, the system was built many decades ago using an old computer language called COBOL. Because it’s so outdated, very few people know how to work with it, making updates and repairs difficult.
Errors from Manual Data Entry
Many errors come from the days when data had to be entered by hand. If a person’s birthdate was typed incorrectly, or if a blank space was filled with a default number, it could show the wrong age. For example, someone could be shown as being 360 years old instead of 76 just because of a small mistake.
Lack of Instant Updates
Another issue is that the SSA often doesn’t get quick updates when someone dies. This means people who have passed away may still be listed as living in the system. Without real-time communication between agencies, records can stay wrong for a long time.
Elon Musk Sparks Debate About Government Tech
When Elon Musk tweeted about the issue, calling it the “biggest scam in history,” many people started looking more closely at how the SSA operates. While Musk’s comment was based on a mistake, it drew attention to the real problem: the technology used in government systems is too old.
Experts quickly clarified that no fake payments were made to a 360-year-old man. But Musk wasn’t entirely wrong to raise concerns. The fact that such a mistake could happen shows that the system needs better updates and protections.
Even though no fraud occurred in this specific case, outdated systems make it easier for real fraud to go unnoticed. That’s why many people believe it’s time for the government to upgrade how it handles data.
Real Dangers: Actual Social Security Fraud
Even though the 360-year-old story was false, Social Security fraud is a real and serious issue. Criminals use many tricks to take money from the system.
- Stealing SSNs: Fraudsters use stolen Social Security numbers to collect benefits illegally.
- Faking Disabilities: Some people lie about being disabled to receive extra money.
- Using Dead People’s Benefits: Family members sometimes continue collecting benefits after a loved one dies without informing the SSA.
- Creating Fake Identities: Criminals mix real and fake data to make new identities and apply for benefits.
The SSA investigates thousands of fraud cases every year and works to recover lost money. But with so many people in the system, it’s hard to catch every scam.
Steps SSA Is Taking to Improve the System
To fix these problems, the SSA is making big changes to protect against future errors and fraud.
- Electronic Death Records: A new system helps the SSA quickly update records when someone dies.
- AI and Data Checks: The agency is now using artificial intelligence to find unusual patterns and stop fraud early.
- Cross-Checking Data: SSA is working with other agencies to make sure all information matches and is correct.
- Educating the Public: More programs are being launched to teach people how to avoid scams.
- Policy Changes: New laws are being considered to make systems safer and catch fraudsters faster.
These updates are a step in the right direction, but it will take time to fully fix the system.
How You Can Protect Your Benefits
You can take simple steps to keep your Social Security information safe.
- Check Your SSA Records: Sign up at ssa.gov and look at your statement often to catch mistakes.
- Keep Your SSN Private: Don’t carry your Social Security card or share your number unless absolutely necessary.
- Watch for Scams: The SSA will never ask for money or threaten you by phone or email. Be careful.
- Use Identity Protection Services: Consider using services like LifeLock or Experian to get alerts for any misuse.
- Report Fraud Quickly: If you suspect anything strange, contact the SSA Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or oig.ssa.gov.
Lessons from the 360-Year-Old Claim
While no ancient man is collecting benefits from the SSA, this story reminded everyone of a serious issue: the need to modernize our government systems. Elon Musk’s tweet may have been over-the-top, but it got people talking about real problems.
Errors like the 360-year-old entry do not mean widespread fraud, but they do show how outdated systems can cause confusion and open the door to real risks. Fixing these problems is not just about better technology—it’s about rebuilding trust in an important public service.
Stay alert, protect your personal data, and don’t believe every headline you see online.