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
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Shirley B.
My SS account has been compromised based on a letter I received from SS dated Jan. 5, 2018. I spoke with a rep at the local SS office and she said it had been reported as fraud. I wanted to go online to my statement which I set up in in 2012 with an email and password and security questions. I have tried numerous times to log in to my account and every time it says cannot access with information provided. I attempted to set up a new account and it says there is already an account with that SS number. Please advise how I can log on to my account or what number I need to call to get instructions. I do not receive SS and cannot due to the fact that I retired as an educator in Texas, so there is no money for whoever filed a claim on account in December 2017, but I want to block access and cannot do it if I cannot log in to my account. Thanks for your help.
R.F.
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).
TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.: 1-800-325-0778
margaret e.
I TRIED TO SIGN IN TO MY ELECTRONIC ACCOUNT AND MY PASSWORD HAS BEEN CHANGED. NOW I’M LOCKED OUT…HOW DO I FIXED THIS?
Nolan J.
Due to unwelcommed cell phone solicitation I have become concerned about cyber-crime. I hope that this issue will be investigated and a proper action will be taken to discourage this kind of fraud.
Anthony C.
how can I change my address
R.F.
Hello Anthony.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!
Anthony C.
change of address
robert c.
please mail me a copy of my ssd award letter to 147-10 41a
R.F.
Hello Robert! If you need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security (SSI) Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your personal my Social Security account.
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!
robert c.
please mail me a copy of my 2018 ssd award letter to my apt.@ 147-10 41ave apt2h flushing ny 11355.usa..my ss number is ***-**-****.my name is Robert copperill. my email rck86w@outlook.com.
Harvey G.
When you eave A reply on this line it appears to go WORLD WIDE
Harvey G.
I currently have direct deposit in A bank in Ar. Would like to change my deposit to my local bank in Mo. Am having difficulty by phone and have. Been told do it on line. Please help me
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Harvey. If you already receive Social Security benefits and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit by using your personal my Social Security account.
We hope this helps!
Kenneth W.
Kenneth W. Dabrowski on January 18, 2018 at 1:18 am said:
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.
Reply ↓
Kenneth W.
I left my comment, now after post comment, your site keeps repeating itself!
So I am Kenneth W. Dabrowski
So, I hope I’m not being hacked like I was about three years in a row!
kendabrowski46@gmail.com
Thank You!