National Data Privacy Day

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Far too often, the news alerts consumers about potential data breaches and concerns over the privacy of their personal data. In 2018, several major breaches affected millions. Questions and concerns about data and privacy are on the rise.

To highlight the importance of data privacy, Congress decreed January 28 as National Data Privacy Day. This day is an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness about data privacy, the importance of individual privacy rights, and the need to protect personally identifiable information (PII) from improper use and disclosure. Continue reading →

Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Social Security

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

In the digital age, frauds and scams are an unfortunate part of doing business online. During the holiday season, Social Security has traditionally seen a spike in phishing scams, and we want to protect you as best we can. Continue reading →

National Consumer Protection Week

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

man and woman sitting on couch looking at laptop Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? This week, March 4-10, is National Consumer Protection Week, when we join the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help consumers understand their rights and make well-informed decisions about money. Continue reading →

Is that Phone Call From Us?

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

woman talking on the phone It’s the morning of a busy day at home and you get a call from an unknown number. You answer only to find yourself on the receiving end of a threatening message saying your Social Security benefits will stop immediately unless you provide your personal information. It happens every day to thousands of Americans. And it’s not Social Security calling. Continue reading →

Don’t Become the Catch of the Day

Posted on August 31, 2017 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

hook holing a tag Verifying and protecting your identity is of great importance to us at Social Security. We dedicated an entire section of our website to explaining how we process your information online and verify Social Security numbers. We include helpful tips you should be aware of on avoiding identity theft schemes and ways to make your online presence more secure! Continue reading →

Inspector General Warns Public About SSA Employee Impersonation Scheme

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director

woman looking at cell phone The Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is warning citizens about a new Social Security Administration (SSA) employee impersonation scheme. SSA and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have recently alerted citizens about an OIG employee impersonation scheme and a scheme targeting former clients of Kentucky disability attorney Eric Conn; the agencies are now receiving reports from citizens across the country about other phone calls from an individual posing as an SSA employee. The caller attempts to acquire personally identifiable information from victims to then edit the victims’ direct deposit, address, and telephone information with SSA. Continue reading →

Adding Additional Security to Protect What’s Important to You

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Social Security continues to evaluate and improve how we protect what’s important to you. We take this responsibility seriously, and we have a robust cyber-security program in place to help protect the personal information you entrust to us. Adding additional security measures to safeguard your personal information — but making them easy to use — is a vital part of keeping you safe and secure. Continue reading →

Protecting Your identity is Important to Us

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Social Security is committed to protecting your identity and information. We often say that our online services are convenient, cost-effective, and secure to use.

We know that in certain instances, like for victims of domestic violence, completely blocking access to your information may be necessary. If you are a victim of domestic violence, Social Security may be able to block access to the electronic record we keep on you. Our online Block Electronic Access service is a resource for those who need extra security. It’s also available to certain victims of identity theft. Continue reading →

Don’t Let Scammers Prey on Your Generosity

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Natural disasters bring out the best in people. The ever-present generosity of Americans is front and center right now, as we try to help the victims of the Louisiana flood. Millions have given their time and donated to the relief funds and charities.

Unfortunately, times like these also bring out people looking to profit from others’ misfortune. For example, by creating fake charities and devising other ways to take advantage of donors. Continue reading →

Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Every year, millions of Americans become victims of identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personally identifiable information and pretends to be you. They can use this information to open bank or credit card accounts, file taxes, or make new purchases in your name. Continue reading →

Social Security Matters

The Official Blog of Social Security

Category Archives: Privacy & Identity