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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tags: fraud, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Office of the Inspector General, OIG, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Denise R.
Someone is claiming my son on their taxes and they have nothing to do with him,,, it’s fraud
Lori D.
Marlyna98@yahoo.com
I cant get into my account because I cant remember my user id or email I provided. When I try all I have available I get the message an account already exists in my name.
What can I do to fix this and get into my account?
Sandra M.
every time I try to activate my social security account it tells me the activation security code does not exist. Your ease use of the social security account is very frustration.
R.F.
We apologize for any inconvenience, Sandra.You can speak to a Social Security representative for help with a my Social Security account between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” please say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account.
Note: Although our regular telephone service representatives are not available after 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, our Help Desk representatives can assist you until 12:00 midnight Eastern Time. TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.: 1-800-325-0778
Duane
Hello I have not received a statement in quite a few years. I’m very concerned that my SS # may have been compromised. Could someone please contact me ASAP. In regards with this question. Thank you
R.F.
Hi Duane, You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your my Social Security account. If you need further assistance, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this helps!
Carol R.
I need to make an appointment to talk to someone at my local office. How do I do that?
R.F.
You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make an appointment. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.
Keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website. We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more. Thanks!
Mark H.
your system is not working: I know I have entered entriely lunique user names and you say they are in use, Impossible!
Robert W.
I have applied for benifits for SSI and SSID and am waiting for a decision, I have moved since I applied and need to change my address, so I would like to change that, How do I go about it.
R.F.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Also, you should report the change to the local Social Security office in your new area. Thanks!
Cathy L.
Hello, My husband and I receive monthly direct deposits to our checking account. Unfortunately this account has been tampered by fraud. Do We Really Need to wait 2 months before closing our account? We have a Saving account at the same Bank/Credit Union. We are very nervous about leaving this open for 2 more months. We changed the account/direct deposit info this weekend online with you. In an emergency/Fraud case can it Not be done a little sooner, maybe One month? Thank You. Cathy Murphy
R.F.
Thank you for using our online services, Cathy! Generally, when you make a change to your direct deposit information online, you can decide when your change will take effect. To confirm or to make adjustments, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Douglas A.
I am having trouble logging In How do I go about making sure my password or login hasn’t expired or changing them?
R.F.
Hi Douglas. You can speak to a Social Security representative for help with a my Social Security account between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” please say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account.
Note: Although our regular telephone service representatives are not available after 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, our Help Desk representatives can assist you until 12:00 midnight Eastern
Rashad H.
Hi I’m having extreme difficulty in receiving help with my social security card. It has been stolen and I will like to know what to do
R.F.
Hi Rashad. If you’re concerned about identity theft, these issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You 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.