Protecting Your Identity is Important to Us
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: April 7, 2023
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 or identity theft, Social Security may be able to block access to the electronic record we keep on you.
You can block any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record. No one, including you, will be able to see or change your personal information on the internet or through our automated telephone service. If you block access to your record and then change your mind in the future, you can contact Social Security and ask us to unblock it.
It is an unfortunate reality for many Americans that guarding against the release of your personal information sometimes becomes a necessity. If this is the case for you, or someone you know, Social Security can help.
In most cases your Social Security number is with you for your lifetime, but when evidence shows you are being harassed, abused, or your life is endangered, we can assign you a new one.
For more information, please read our publication, New Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims. You can also visit our blog article, Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft, for ways to help us safeguard your information.
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Tags: fraud
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Jaquay R.
How often does social security recipients experience identity theft yearly ?
R.F.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the agency, which receives and analyzes public complaints related to identity theft. Thanks!
Emil H.
I have been trying to get access to my online information for years and given the runaround by local agents, there needs to be a way to reverse block online and telephone access (online)
Patricia D.
What do I do? My sister, Annette Michelle Heath, who lives in Kentucky, Louisville came for a visit and stole my social security card. She has stole my identity in the past when she was 14 years old. What do I do? Can I request a new number on a new card?
I contacted the 3 credit reporting agencies and placed a fraud alert on my social security number.They will require additional information to verify my identity….my social security card would probably do the trick. Please help me to know how to handle this situation. The last time she stole my identity I was arrested for something I didn’t do.
A.C.
Hi, Patricia. We’re sorry to hear you’re having this problem. Victims of identity theft should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number. Thanks, we hope this helps.
Ruben
Im trying to report identity theft but I find no option
R.F.
Hello Ruben, please go to our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic, then visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan. Thanks!
Augustus B.
How do I unblock my account?
V.V.
Hi Augustus, thank you for the question. If you block access to your record and then change your mind in the future, you can contact Social Security and ask us to unblock it. Call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office.
Stephen n.
Trying to get online refused by SSA with no way to access because of refusal. My password and user ID have been used in the past.
R.F.
Hello Stephen. We’re sorry that you had difficulty accessing your my Social Security account. If you encounter a problem with your, please call our dedicated my Social Security Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” or
contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
tammy L.
I’m in a domestic abuse situation I need a new ssn
V.V.
Hi Tammy. For information about changing your Social Security number in domestic violence cases, see New Numbers For Domestic Violence Victims.
Laura M.
I forgot my ss account password. How can I change it.
R.F.
Hi Laura, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page on “Password & Login Problems“. If you need further assistance, call our dedicated my Social Security-Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” or contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Dorothy H.
There is a number from Gratton ND 7019222423 calling saying they are an investigator from the social security administration. He gives his name as Mr Green and gives a badge number. The say my number has been compromised and that they will fix this problem. He is pretty good as a scammer. He hung up when I refused to give any private information. I’m hoping it is illegal to pretend to be from the social security administration. How do I report him.
R.F.
Hello Dorothy. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone.
You may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!
Janet C.
I’ve been receiving security codes which leads me to believe that someone has been trying to access my online account. I changed my password and security questions today. I don’t have a credit card so I can’t use the other security feature. The only computer I use to access the internet is a MAC. I don’t use my phone or any other type of device. Is there anything else I can do to protect my online account?
R.F.
Hello Janet. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you properly. One of our representatives should be able to help you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
Also, visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page in relation to “my Social Security account/Enhanced Security”.
Thanks.