Frauds & Scams, Online Services

Protecting Your Social Security

September 15, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

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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

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Comments

  1. Kenneth W.

    I have had the same Social Security for all of my life. Now when on-line and asked for the last four numbers of my Social Security Number, the site tells me that the last four numbers I put in, over and over, that my Social Security numbers are incorrect? Why is this happening, is this Identity Theft? A month ago I went to the Soc. Security Office for Summit, IL., and all I got were some web-sites to call, not much help. Please tell me how to fix this.

    • R.F.

      Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. 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 during the day or later in the week. Thanks.

  2. margie M.

    send me email

    • R.F.

      Hi Margie, we do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

  3. margie M.

    need my check deposited no check yet 6:00PM I have been on the phone waiting 2 hours and sent a email for a phone call 3 hours ago

    • R.F.

      We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Margie. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
      Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. In your situation, you will need to speak to a Social Security representative.
      Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local office directly. Thanks.

  4. margie M.

    calling because I DID NOT get my direct deposit check

  5. Charlie D.

    My name is Charlie David of
    711 Cedar Grove Road
    Broomall,Pa 19008
    484-467-6438
    I have lost my Social Security Card

    • R.F.

      To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page.
      Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

  6. Doris S.

    I have tried to change my address on line and you say my information does not match what you have on file.
    I can’t reach anyone by phone and I would like to change my address as I have moved to N. C.
    Thank You

    • R.F.

      Hi Doris! 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 12:00 midnight Eastern Time.
      TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.: 1-800-325-0778

  7. Heather N.

    My name is Heather Nance,I am a MS patient,and I can’t remember my password and username.I have just made a new Gmail account.Could you please let me know how I can get this fixed so that I may keep up with my info online please.Thank You So Much For Your Time And Concern.
    Heather Nance
    Ss#*** – ** – ***
    DOB 1/8/1975
    Phone # 256_945_2513

    • R.F.

      Hi Heather. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After your hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” just say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!

  8. JOAN B.

    I NEED ACCESS TO CREATE A SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT

  9. JOAN B.

    I WAS TRYING TO OPEN A SS, ACCOUNT BUT WAS DENIED ACCESS COULD YOU TELL ME WHY. i HAVE NEVER HAD ONE BEFORE.

  10. David A.

    Thank you for your attention to detail

Comments are closed.