Frauds & Scams, Online Services

Protecting Your Social Security

September 15, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

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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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Ann D.

    You all are so caring to so many people. I applaud you all for the work you put in protecting others.. So will you send me the link to sign up to protect my Social Security number?
    Thank You

  2. Jayson

    Hi wanted to see if I can change my address from Hilo to Maui.

  3. Pat

    All mailings be it from Social Security related correspondence or end of year earnings from employer, bank, investment firms, etc. should NOT print your social security number on the forms. We have a terrible mail delivery person who is always putting the wrong mail in the wrong mailbox. This opens one to identity thief when in the wrong hands. Please stop printing our social security numbers on forms mailed to us!

  4. Tokko

    I lost my wallet which has SSN card, driver license, bank card, insurance card etc. Please advise. I called your office multiple times but always on hold and could not report that was lost ?. I filed with police

    • R.F.

      To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. Remember, you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. 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

      When you get a new SSN card, lock it in your household safe, do not carry it in your wallet. Memorize your number.

  5. lawrence s.

    what is your phone number

  6. Bryan M.

    congress jimmy gomez xavier becerra kamala harris 2327 Ridgeview ave home care center in los angeles ca.gov 90041 http://www.sba.gov http://www.dor.ca.gov sign Marylou.miranda@gmail.com or bryanmiranda1028@gmail.com

  7. Kimberly L.

    Just updated me with any information from social security

  8. mark l.

    I support the protection, but if a login step is forgotten, having to wait days or weeks for a special code in a letter that must be delivered by USPS is more a form of punishment and sabotage rather than a nifty way of keeping hooligans out of the identity theft business. If something is forgotten, allow the my social security user a few minutes to prove they are the real deal and let them quickly and without delay continue to access their personal information and get on with their lives.

  9. Fletcher H.

    If I know that my Mother is dead and, I wonder if the death of my Farther would have any bearing on me at this point in time how would I find out?

  10. Henry H.

    It would be nice to get some sort of confirmation that I signed up successfully. Thank you very much.

Comments are closed.