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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Gail O.
I tried to set up a new account. but when I got to the end of questions and contact information a pop up showed as follows:
We cannot create an account for the social security number you entered.
Could you check and see what the problem is.
Thank You
The email address is my husbands acct. billkal@ aol.com & is ok to send to that address.
R.F.
Hi Gail, 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
patrick w.
I am still working and will retire in March of 2018. I am full retirement age and have been getting benefit for a year or so..
Can I sign up for Medicare on line?
I will have full medical from the VA.
R.F.
Hi Patrick. With our online application, you can sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
Generally, -if you already get Social Security benefits- we automatically enroll you in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). However, if you’re actively working and you are covered under your employer’s group health insurance program, you can delay enrollment into Medicare Part B until you stop working or the health coverage is dropped.
We suggest that individuals speak to their health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for them, and to prevent any penalties or delayed enrollment in the future. Also, if you have coverage under a program from the Department of Defense, your health benefits may change or end when you become eligible for Medicare. You should contact the Department of Defense or a military health benefits advisor for information on whether you need to be enrolled in Medicare medical insurance (Part B).
To learn more visit http://www.Medicare.gov. For specific questions about your case, call 1-800-772-1213, M-F between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and ask a representative to assist you, or you can contact your local Social Security office directly. Hope this helps!
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RAMS
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Antonio B.
None I don’t wish to share my opinion
Antonio B.
none
Leslie M.
My name is Leslie Maureen Crowder Brown. My social security number is *** – ** – ***. Date of birth is September 12, 1945. I was born in San Diego Naval Hospital. My parents were Norman and Katherine Chase Crowder. Both mow deceased.
I retired in 2010 after working for Johnson & Johnson for almost 28 years.
I have been a victim of identity theft for the past six years. The hackers are my daughter and her husband. Amy Eliabeth Bornstein and her husband Shawn Bornstein. They live in Chattanooga Tenneessee off of Hwy. 58 just down the street from Booker T. Washington Park.
As a result. of the fraud I had a massive heart attack October 1, 2017. All my teeth have fallen out and my hair comes out by the handful in the shower from the stress they cause. He is a professional hacker. Spends 14 to 18 hours a day on the computer hacking into people’s bank accounts.
The stress of my situation caused my attorney to drop dead of a heart attack at the age of 44. He filed formal complaints with the FBI, TBI and the FTC reporting this criminal activity prior to his death. Not heard from anyone back and the illegal activity is still going on.
What do I need to do to protect my hard earned income from these thieves? I’m at wits end with stress.
Please advise me. Here is my contact information:
Leslie Maureen Crowder Brown
Social Security *** – ** – ***
3650 Waccamaw Blvd.
Myrtle Beach S.C. 29579
PHONE: 483-429-0607
Any response will be greatly appreciated. I need help before it kills me.
Respectfully,
Leslie Maureen Crowder Brown
R.F.
Hi Leslie. Generally, identity theft 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). If you suspect or know of someone committing fraud against Social Security, we ask you to report it. Allegations of fraud are reported to our Office of the Inspector General.
Just a reminder –Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks!
amanda j.
lossed check card on my account trying to get check sent in checking for Amanda Y Johnson
R.F.
For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. 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.
Michaeleen M.
I just received a phone call from Birmingham, AL, inquiring about my SS applicant. That ph # 205-801-1111, the man said he was from SS Admin office and was approved to work Saturday and had a few questions for me.
How can I be sure this is not a scam.
I did visit my SS Admin office 12/11/17.
My email is: mich882@msn,.com
Thank you
Michael A.
I used to receive a paper copy of my social security benefits. Have you stopped sending reports ? I’m not comfortable putting personal info into your web site. Thank you for the time.
Anthony N.
My new mailing address is:
2173 Thomas Ave
Broomall, PA 19008