Frauds & Scams, Online Services

Protecting Your Social Security

September 15, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

man and woman sitting at table, looking at laptop

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

Comments

  1. alfonsa g.

    I was not born in this country but I am a USA citizen.
    One of your questions is asking me what city was I born at with state. Well I can’t answer that because (again as above statement) I was not born in this country but I am a USA citizen.
    My email address is: agalletta7@gmail.com

    Thank-you

    • R.F.

      Hello Alfonsa! We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, 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.
      We hope this helps.

  2. Pierre S.

    I try to renew my password and the system wood’nt take it several time now is blocked please contact me ASAP my # 949 922 6874.

  3. Donna S.

    I cannot get into my Social Security benefits page;
    no one is calling or contacting me.

    • R.F.

      Hello Donna! If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, 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.

  4. Elmer L.

    I’m looking 2 block my information

  5. Mimi N.

    I registered for Medicare and received an email from Joseph.Messina@ssa.gov asking to call him at 800-257-0343 for more information before processing my Medicare enrollment. Is this person legitimate or is the email spam.

  6. linda g.

    question on your created account were not design for older people when the question are from ten or more years age ?????

  7. marco a.

    Good morning I’m Brazilian and I suffered a serious work accident there in the United States and I was insured by an insurer besides all broken ribs and spots on the spleen I also ended up taking a serious depression there as the insurer did not give me all the assistance I owed there I had to return to Brazil with nothing and all broken ribs stains in the spleen and with this serious depression also having several mental disorders I tried to retire in Brazil for this problems the government of Brazil said that if my work accident and these depression and this problems that I was there in Brazil they retired because those who have these problems in Brazil are retired because my work accident was there in the United States and my depression was there also in the United States and the government of Brazil said that who would have to trigger the social security or government program to retire I would have to be the insurer aig claims I have all medical records of the musc medical in my home and I have the psychiatric reports what the first step I should take me work accident was in Columbia south carolina sc

    • R.F.

      We are sorry to hear about your medical difficulties, Marco. Individuals living outside the United States should contact the local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to Social Security services. Thank you!

  8. Barbara D.

    I filled in the my social security account info, it tells me they don’t have my account,and then tells me I already have an account. Idon’t know what to do.

    • R.F.

      Hello Barbara! If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, 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.

  9. Renato S.

  10. GERI C.

    I need help. My husband and my social security was given to someone else. Online application, online signature, deposited to an online bank. This is a nightmare. I still work so visiting my local office takes a half day from work. It takes at least an hour on the phone to get help. I have written letters and get no reply.

    The two biggest problems at this time are:
    1. Social security issued my husband and I new Medicare cards that are based on us being retired. We are not retired and we did not apply for social security.. We need new social security cards indicating that we are not retired.

    2. I received a 1099 for the funds that were given to someone else. What do I do about that? I don’t want to pay taxes on those funds as I did not receive them.

    3. Is there a direct phone number for people who have had their social security scammed? Waiting an hour on the phone is ridiculous.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

    • R.F.

      Unfortunately, your questions are a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. In your situation, we recommend that you speak to a Social Security representative directly.
      If you’re unable to visit your local office, 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 during the day or later during the week. Thanks!

Comments are closed.