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. Michael D.

    I cant get into to my account phone 7166076549

    • R.F.

      If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office.

  2. Erika D.

    What am I attached to my Social Security check, every month, SSI or Disabled? I don’t remember, please e-mail me on which one, OK? Also, where is my Social Security check this month, February?

    • R.F.

      Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. 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 in the week. Thanks.

  3. Margaret J.

    My e-mail is correct
    My social security and Birthday is correct I’m having trouble logging in to create my account.

  4. JOYCE S.

    HELLO MY NAME IS JOYCE SASNETT, I NEED TO TELL YOU ALL TO SEND MY CHECKS EACH MONTH TO MY NEW BANK ACCOUNT, I AM STILL AT BANK OF AMERICA, BUT NOW I HAVE A NEW ACCOUNT, HERE IS MY ATM CARD NUMBER ON IT, 5312 5700 0789 1876, I WANT TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THIS INFOMATION, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL ME HERE AT 252 492 3033. PLEASE LET ME KNOW SOMETHING, OK. THANKS JOYCE SASNETT

  5. Alphonse J.

    I receive my SS check every fourth Thursday of the month. Today, February 23, I have NOT received the check. It is put directly into TD bank. What’s the problem???

  6. Delorse A.

    my cell phone number has changed from 908-399-5422 t0 870-421-8421, therefore MY Social Security will not work and I cant get my information that I nee need to do my taxes

  7. Jeff S.

    How do I change my address on my account to match my home address were I lived for the past 26 plus years. Unable to do, can you help

  8. AMPARO S.

    HOW DO I PROTECT MY SON’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IN CASE OF IDENTITY THEFT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE HIS FUTURE. THANK YOU.

  9. Sandla S.

    I’ve tried several different times to create a My Social Security account and receive the following message: We cannot create an account for the Social Security Number you entered.

    • R.F.

      Hi Sandra!
      If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office.

  10. Karen S.

    How do I get an activation code

Comments are closed.