"the gubmint is trying to strong arm people into doing so."
When I got into the process of applying for SS, my bank account was totally depleted, but I had to give a bank account number anyway. I told them I was closing the account. My checks came in the mail, for several months, and stopped coming. It turned out that someone at SS had forged my signature on the form requesting direct deposit, my funds were transferring to the bank, and the bank was kicking them back to SS. I discovered this because my ex sister in law worked at the bank, and discovered the problem by chance. SS claims I signed the form, but won't let me see it.
It all worked out, after 3 months with no income.