Frauds & Scams, Online Services

Protecting Your Social Security

September 15, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

man and woman sitting at table, looking at laptop

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

Comments

  1. Barbara A.

    I was wondering. I have been working ever since I turn 62. Will My social security rates go up any. I have been paying in social security for the past 8 years and Have not got a raise yet.

    .

  2. Moroni C.

    Hello I’m trying to check my statement online

    • R.F.

      See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on this topic. 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. Thanks!

  3. Jeanie L.

    Hi I’m really really in a bad spot.The worker in Minneapois has totally got me messed up. I have been having so many problems with this ssi. I didn’t get a check this month and I opened a bank account as requested after going tru the eqifax breach and three or four times of identity theft. Computer hacking, false accusations, Etc I am staying in between Mpls, Mn 55418 and Deerwood Mn 56444 So the bank sent My new account info in using the po box number address that I have Npow he won’t answer me. Please help me to switcb fkield offices to brainard. I have a cell phone 612-437-5667 And my friend said messages can be left on his house phone as I am renting the camper on his property that is like an effiency on wheels’ 218-678-2892.Theres a lot more to this but this will give you an idea Thankyou

    • R.F.

      Hi Jeanie. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records via this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the office manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit your local servicing office, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. 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 in the week. Thanks.

  4. Janet K.

    Thank you so much for being patient with me. After moving from FL to MA, my paperwork is..?somewhere.

  5. Patricia L.

    I applied for Medicare benefits and then 2 weeks later I decided I needed to apply for SS benefits. I am 65 and have lost my job as a Home Care RN, due to agency closing … I have received a benefit letter with the wrong name and wrong SS #.. My address is correct .
    Did the other person receive my benefits ????
    That SS # is one off from mine !
    Where are my benefit checks and has the SS department at 130 Bellevue AVE Newport R.I. compromised my IDENTITY. ?

    • R.F.

      We apologize for any inconvenience, Patricia. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, 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 in the week. Thanks.

  6. BARBARA J.

    I am unable to log online even thou I used my last username and password.

  7. Carl R.

    Why do you need to put my ss number on each piece of paper you send me.

  8. Rodrick L.

    at Houston Texas is my new Address and I don’t know how to contact you about it would you know?

    • R.F.

      Hi Rodrick. Go to our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic.
      Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

  9. katrinesackett

    katrinesackett on November 29, 2017 at 6:56 am said:

    I am writing as a social lsecurity patron I was move d in to a apartment in Austin texas the building was a donated place to be use d as a apartmen t for the poor and homeless and those on social security but I t was donated because it was in bad shape and still is the elevator breaks down a lot stops running the air conditioner and heater comes on e ven when setting is on off switch and toilet and sink s plug up a lot and won’t drain correctly I had to go out and buy a showe r rod finally because the one they had was to shor t and would no t fit properly and would fal l off sometimes so I took my own money and bought a longer one which would not fall off then hopefully it will work then this address is

    • R.F.

      If you receive Social Security benefits and need to report a change of address, visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic. Thanks!
      Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels.

  10. katrinesackett

    Iamwritingasasocialsecuritypatroniwasmovedintoaapartmentinaustintexasthebuildingwasadonatedplacetobeusedasaapartmentforthepoorandhomelessandthoseonsocialsecuritybutitwasdonatedbecauseitwasinbadshapeandstillistheelevatorbreaksdownalotstopsrunningtheairconditionerandheatercomesonevenwhensettingisonoffswitchandtoiletandsinksplugupalotandwon’tdraincorrectlyihadtogooutandbuyashowerrodfinallybecausetheonetheyhadwastoshortandwouldnotfitproperlyandwouldfalloffsometimessoitookmyownmoneyandboughtalongeronewhichwouldnotfalloffthenhopefullyitwillworkthenthisaddressisspringterraceapartmentsat7101northIH35austintexasapartment214signedkatrineelizabethsackett32463

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