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
Comments
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Harvey R.
I attempted to open a My Account with Social Security. I entered my first name, middle initial and last name. I entered my Social Security number. Both as on my Social Security Card reflected. I then entered my birth date (month, day and year).
I was advised by the site that they could not identify me with that information. I attempted it a total of 3 times inputing the correct information each time. I tried one more time and was advised that I had been refused 3 times and I was now locked out.
This is not a customer friendly situation and it should possibly be checked for these types of probably be checked for a problem.
Beverly
Applying for social security and disability benefits on my daughter Bri A nna
sharon j.
Im locked out of my ss account. please fix it.
Mary S.
It is 7:40 in the morning 11/9 and I have been trying to call. What time zone are the call centers in, because I am getting nothing but the automated system telling me to call between 7am. and 7pm.? I tried to create an account last night and the system would not let me. It said I had to call to find out what was wrong.
Also, correct the website where it says your call center is open later than 7pm.
Thanks,
Mary Stacey
J.Y.
We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone. We are experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday but generally it’s best if you call later in the day.
john v.
how do I change bank where my monthly checks cks are sent
J.Y.
Hi John. If you are referring to direct deposit, you can create a my Social Security account and change your direct deposit online by going to http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. Thanks!
Sarah L.
I have tried to get a temporary password for my account for over 2 months. They said it would take 10 days. I can’t get into my account I have tried calling social security and the wait is ridiculous.. so please could you send me one
J.Y.
We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone. We are experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday but generally it’s best if you call later in the day.
Christopher A.
I really need some help…. Please contact me at 512-368-1845 Christopher Atherton AKA Christopher Howard. My social is*** – ** – **** ALTHOUGH THIS IS UNWISE, I AM DESPERATE. I NEED MY SOCIAL TO STATE BOTH LAST NAMES. I HAVE NO PICTURE DOCUMENTATION TO SUPPORT THE LAST NAME OF HOWARD WHICH YOUR OFFICE CHANGED IN 2009. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT CHRISTIAN.ATHERTON.CH@Gmail.com I can provide 7 forms of proof of identity as Atherton. Including Federal tax returns. Thank You
Patricia S.
I want to report fraudulent use of my social security number (***-**-****). Chicago Police report #JA501321.
↵Please advise what I should do next?
↵Thank you.
R.F.
Hi Patricia. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You or your client can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”. We hope this helps.
Summer313
If you put your Social Security Number on a public forum or other social media you can certainly expect someone will take it. You are simply making it easier for those who have no honor. Don’t enter ANY private information on a public forum. Your real name, address, phone number, bank account numbers, social security number, credit card numbers—they are called PRIVATE for a reason. Don’t post them on any platform that is open to the public.
GILBERT F.
I have registered my fictitious entity/business I am alive please allow me to access all my benefits under civil law usufruct thank you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Deloris M.
I forgot my password and maybe users Id’
Mu name is Deloris. Please send a reset to my email address xxxxx@msn.com
R.F.
Hi Deloris. We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. 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.
Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. We hope this helps!