Protecting Your Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
At Social Security, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. We continue to evaluate and improve our robust cyber-security program to safeguard your information. The thing is, we can’t do it alone. You can help us secure your information by taking one of these steps:
- Open your personal my Social Security account. A my Social Security account is your gateway to many of our online services. Create your account today and take away the risk of someone else trying to create one in your name, even if they obtain your Social Security number.
- If you already have a my Social Security account, but haven’t signed in lately, take a moment to log in. We’ll send a one-time security code to your cell phone or to your email address each time you sign in with your username and password. The security code is part of our enhanced security feature to protect your personal information. Keep in mind that your cell phone provider’s text message and data rates may apply. If you suspect identity theft, report it to our Office of the Inspector General.
- If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, and you don’t want to do business with us online, you can contact us to 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 us and ask us to unblock it after you prove your identity. This resource is available to certain victims of domestic violence or identity theft and those who need extra security.
We will continue to do our part to protect what’s important to you. And we’ll continue to advise you on how to protect yourself.
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Tags: fraud, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Office of the Inspector General, OIG, Social Security benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Edward P.
I tried accessing my social security on-line account after 7 years of not using it and was blocked after I entered the username and password I have set up in the past. Does that mean my account has been compromised? What do I do to gain access to Mysocialsecurity going forward?
R.F.
Hi Edward, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Also, you can contact your local Social Security office directly and explain your situation. Thanks!
Nabila M.
Good
Candace G.
I have been scammed so much and have proof but people don’t care this is the USA and the government should not let this happen to anyone
Carl T.
For several days, I could not sign in to My Social Security. It would tell me “I don’t know who you are”. Or, “The information entered was not correct. Try again in 24 hours”. I kept trying and was finally able to sign in yesterday, always using my same User Name and Password. Again, today, it will not recognize my User Name and Password. The problem is, some days it will accept my information but most days it will not. I am becoming very frustrated.
R.F.
We are sorry you are having issues setting up your account, Carl. We have established a dedicated MySocialSecurity Hotline to assist you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling”, say “Help Desk”. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. Thanks.
Linda A.
I need. Ss award letter,
R.F.
Hi Linda! Please visit: How can I get a benefit verification letter?
sahadeo N.
i am being blocked from signing in…
Charles F.
1 I need to have you contact Gardian Angels Life Services of Kenesaw Ne 68986. 402-752-3670. This was my payee in Nebraska. Most of the time they worked with me, but family members and others up there as well as here in St. Joseph Mo. like to fuck with me in the Social Security Offices of both locations.
2 I would like to Cancel this payee and work with the International Social Security Office directly.
3 I do believe some fraud has been made on my no. over the years there might be some back pay or fines involve if there are please make sure your office pays them not a 2nd or third party involved as well I don’t think I’m entitled to pay them.
4 G.A.L.S. said at one time the only fines that may apply is I should’ve gotten an apartment instead of living in a men’s shelter.
I also need a new S.S. card one may be on the way I’m not afraid to provide I d or answer question one has or has not been sent on the way.
Marlania J.
I don’t remember opening up a ssa account. I don’t know the user name or password to get to my information. would you be able to email it to me if possible.
R.F.
Hello Marlania. If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.
Lois P.
Tried twice with 2 activation codes and neither was accepted.
R.F.
Hi, Lois. If you’re referring to an employer’s “activation code”, click here for more information. If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.
Thank you for using our online services!
Lois P.
activation code is not recognized by you after several attempts