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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Melvin L.
I have changed my checking account. How can I change my deposits to the new account in the same bank?
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Melvin. 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. Thanks!
Lettie C.
I believe someone has stolen my information. I recently received a 1099 Misc. Income form from a company (Amazon.com) that says I sold $1359.00 on their site. However, I do not have a seller’s account, nor have ever sold anything on Amazon.com. I believe someone has used my personal information to escape paying taxes on the items they sold.
Dan
Hi , How can you tell if someone is trying to steal your social security benefits ?
Is there a way to check on line to make sure
no one is stealing my identity and submitting information to get my benefits ?
R.F.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Generally, you will have a shorter wait time when you call later during the day or later in the week, thanks.
Ronald M.
My-space-bar-does-not-work,-so-I-type-dashes-for-spaces.
↵My-name-is-Ronald-M.(for-Mark)-Harris,-&–I’m-simply-updating-my-U.S.mailing-address-as-my-current-residence-is-Ronald-M.-Harris-at-164-Chestnut-Street-in-Hudson,MA-01749—–I-don’t-want-my-new-Medicare-card-to-be-mailed-to-my-Post-Office-Box-3045-in-Fraimingham,
↵MA-01705.—–My-Social-Security-#-is:***-**-****.—–I-tried-to-call,-but-a-voice-said-there-was-a-75-minutes-wait.
R.F.
Hi Ronald. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media.
If you get Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account. Then, you can ask for a replacement Medicare card to be send to your new address. We hope this information helps!
Sharon S.
Nearly all Social Security recipients REQUIRE their monthly allocations. Without these funds, we would have nothing! On behalf of all Social Security recipients, I respectfully ask that everything is done that can be done to ensure continuation of payments. I have contacted my senators and representative. I received an email a few days ago from one of the senators, stating that we SHOULD continue receiving funds and an appropriate COLA.
Donald K.
I need to change my email address my old address was hifi45@centurylink.net new one is lp33stereo@centurylink.net
Constance H.
I need you to send me a copy of my benefits verification letter. to My home address.
R.F.
Hi Constance! 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.
Marcie K.
I was recently told I had to create an account online. I am very uncomfortable but about doing this because my accounts have been compromised in the past. Is there anyway I can continue handling my business in person .
R.F.
Yes Marcie, By calling 1-800-772-1213, you can use our automated telephone services to get recorded information and conduct some business 24 hours a day. If you cannot handle your business through our automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week . Or you can visit your local Social Security office.
Toll-free TTY number 1-800-325-0778 for the deaf or hard of hearing, available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Yugank K.
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Rustico C.
I like doing it.