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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David M.
Someone called me at 6pm saying they were Social Security but started asking me the wrong questions. I believed the caller to be a scammer out fishing and told him so. The phone number was (484)464-4012. If it is really you sorry ’bout the language, someone is messing with me and I hope that’s their phone number.
Wanda
Please disregard previous reply concerning security code, I got the info. needed from the help desk. Thanks
Wanda
I’m still waiting for a reply concerning entering the security code given via email, where is the field to enter the code given?
BARBARA C.
I try to get into my account but don’t remember my user name or password and it won’t send me the info.
R.F.
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!
Peter B.
I have lost my passport and social security card.
I have a copy of the ssn card
But I fear for identify theft
Please let me know what I need to do
Thanks
R.F.
Hi Peter. See “What should I do if I think someone is using my Social Security number?“. Thanks!
Wanda
I’m having a problem signing on to my account. When I get a security code sent to my email address, I don’t know where the field is to enter that security code. Maybe I’m doing something incorrectly and need more instructions. Thanks
R.F.
Hi Wanda, 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!
REGINA M.
PLEASE UPDATE ME ELECRONCALLY ASI DID NOTREC. ENOUGH TIMETO RETRIEVE MY YAHOO.COM SECRET NUMBER
Debbra S.
I wish to discontinue direct deposit to my bank account, how do I do this
Dale G.
Wow, what a deal, we establish a fraud alert for protection on our credit report, and it keeps us from getting an online SS account. We can send a man to the moon, but can’t solve this.
R.F.
We apologize for any inconvenience, Dale. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions web page, for information on this topic. Thanks.
Dale G.
Unable to set SS account online. Nat. hot line operator unable to explain why. My local office is 130 miles away.