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
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
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Kathleen B.
I have not logged in for a few years and cannot remember my login information. Please help…
The prompts on this website are not helpful.
R.F.
Hi Kathleen, 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!
Bruce B.
I had someone call me today indicating they were from the social security office, they had my name, address and birth date. I told them that social security does not call, they send letters. I’m concerned with this. Please advise.
Randall C.
Very easy program to fill out.
Robert M.
The programming for Online access is the most annoying, poorly configured imaginable. My access was blocked again today (after being blocked i September 2017). I changed my USERID PASSWORD at that time, and accessed the site using this information on October 15, 2017. Today I was blocked again and denied access for 24 hours after three tries using the same, updated information (very carefully typed and checked).
Just what we should expect from the Federal government. If someone is trying to hack into my account with random input, three tries will not cut it. Find out how many legitimate attempts at SIGNIN are thwarted versus how many hacks are stopped at three tries. You are blocking American taxpayers from their info. In the words of the Donald, BAD!
Marcus
How do i get a CPN number are the legal
R.F.
Hello Marcus. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not issue Credit Privacy Number or CPNs. Also, keep in mind that a Credit Privacy Number or CPN is not a substitution for a social security or tax id number. Thanks!
RAMS
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Mitchell P.
I have been locked out of my account. I reset the password and still have been locked out
R.F.
Hi Mitchell, 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!
Bonnie J.
I have moved. Trying to change my address & my email address.
R.F.
Hi Bonnie, if you get Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account. Thanks!
Richard R.
…except that now I cannot enter my account and my security questions are unrecognized. Securing my account should not also bar me from accessing it or providing my email address.
R.F.
We are sorry for any inconvenience, Mr. Romero. You can speak to a Social Security representative for help with a my Social Security account between the hours of 7 a.m. and 12 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 midnight Eastern Time. Thanks!
Kumiko M.
Please do not publish my email address.
Tim P.
Hi
I have a phone number (520-272-7616). I got a call on my phone voice mail about my phone. It gave me phone number 1-866-220-9779 #16202. I have had this phone for two most years. I get call’s all the time some person.
I don’t now how I get it. I hope that it stops. I am on the phone now. It will take for more the a 1h and 15m.