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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Ashley D.
Diane June Lamy is lieing on her benefit’s she never worked in her life time yet she is getting two checks a month. She only made jewelry all her life, how is she even getting ssi? Nothing is wrong with her, she is a fraud. She takes money from elderly men that end up at her house, I’m so sick of Diane June Lamy she use’s so many different last names. She lied to get her ways.
R.F.
Hi Ashley, if you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits, we encourage you to report it. Thanks.
poiling
If my social security card number is compromised and in freud, what can i do? Can i apply a new social security number?
R.F.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions web page, on what to do if you believe someone is using your Social Security number and when it may be necessary to change your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
Joan m.
I have been trying to make an account and sight will not accept any password I put in or account name I’ve tried so many that I got tired of trying all I want is an address of ssa for a change of direct deposit form whats up with that???
R.F.
Hello Joan. We’re sorry that you had difficulty accessing your My Social Security account. 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.
If you’re unable to create an account, any of our representatives can assist you with changing your address and updating your direct deposit information. Thanks!
Ronald S.
Wanted to know if this is a fraud:
Dear Ronald:
We’d like to remind you to review your Social Security Statement online. The Statement has important Social Security information and, if applicable, estimates of your future benefits.
If you are working, we encourage you to check your Statement yearly to make sure your earnings record is correct. The Statement also will help in planning your financial future.
To view your most recent Statement, please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/reviewyourstatement and sign in to your account.
On June 10, 2017, we added a second method to verify your identity each time you sign in to your account. This is in addition to your username and password. Using two ways to identify you when you log on will help better protect your account from unauthorized use and fraud. Now, when you sign in to your account you will complete two steps:
Step 1: Enter your username and password.
Step 2: Enter the security code we send you by text message or email, depending on your choice (your cell phone provider’s text message and data rates may apply).
With instant access to your Social Security Statement at any time, you will no longer receive one periodically in the mail, saving money and the environment. Thank you for Going Green!
Please do not reply to this email, as we are unable to respond to messages sent to this address.
Lisa C.
I do not think the words “Social Security” should be printed anywhere on envelopes that go through the United States mail and have to do with any aspect that falls under the Social Security umbrella. Thieves target those envelopes to steal checks and identity. Also, I think it is a confidentiality concern as well. I am on Social Security Disability and I want that to be private, however, my mail announces that fact to the people in my small town who handle the mail, who get my mail by mistake, who collect my mail while I am away from home, etc. If a person retires or must go on disability for some reason, that should be their choice to tell people – not the outside of their mail. Please take this comment into serious consideration and remove the words “Social Security” and “Social Security Disability” from envelopes – to protect our information/identity and confidentiality. We will just have to learn to open each envelope we receive to make sure it isn’t something important! I have suffered from both receiving SSD labeled mail and sending SSD labeled mail. It’s one of the last things I’ve needed on top of everything else. Thank you in advance.
R.F.
Hello Lisa, to submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks!
Lorraine G.
How do I get a “C” number for an appointment at thebWaltham Ma office.
R.F.
Hello Lorraine, to make an appointment with your local Social Security 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. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. Some of our local offices do offer walk-in appointments; however, these appointments are on a first come, first serve basis. Thanks!
Barbara S.
I just received a notice from IRS stating they believe another person used my social security number to obtain employment. I only work part-time during tax season, since I’ve been retired a number of years. I have no idea how or who may have gotten this number. But I definitely am not seeking employment at this time. It was suggested that I let social security department be aware of possible identity theft.
G S.
Should I check somehow to see if my social security was compromised before I sign up for “my social security “?
Thank you
MANUEL V.
l
christann s.
i wont to know can file a continuance benefits on line
R.F.
Please contact your local Social Security office. If you’re unable to visit the local office, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!