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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
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
Comments
Comments are closed.
Kenneth D.
I unfortunately had my SS card in my wallet, and lost my wallet. I am trying to set up protection for my SSA account, but cannot find any site at SSA.gov. Can you help me get the security set up so that my account cannot be compromised?
Nona M.
I am trying to help an 87year old friend. She received an”Employment Related Identity Theft Notice.” It says to review her earnings with the Social Security Administration to ensure their records are correct. She does not have e-mail so we can not create and online account. Can you help?
Beverly A.
I would like to change my bank where my monthly check is sent, and also set up a s.s. account.
Beverly A.
I would like to set up a s.s.email, and would like to have my monthly s.s. payment sent to my other bank, How do I do this?
Lynn B.
I called over a week ago (3/21/18) because my password was incorrect and I was not allowed to access my information. I spoke with someone who said they would send me a new password. I never received one. I sent a follow up email with no response. I have tried calling, but wait times are over 50 minutes. Can someone please help me.
ramaydhya k.
job
Kelly M.
I have been trying to change my address for weeks. I have lost my account info in our move. I can not access through the web, and I get the same msg on the phone EVERY time I try to call: “We’re sorry, there are no agents available to help you at this time…” I am beyond frustrated, can you please help me? ALL of my info has changed, and I DO NOT want my correspondence to go to my old address. Thank You!
J.Y.
Hi Kelly! You’re in luck! If you are receiving Social Security retirement, disability or have Medicare, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online! Go to http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. If you are receiving SSI you must report the new address to your local Social Security office. To locate the nearest Social Security office in your area, go to http://go.usa.gov/bgfV. We hope this helps.
James L.
My computer was hacked and they got my ss number, birthday, bank account and everything in between. I just wanted to make sure they couldn’t change where my ss check goes.
Linda J.
Someone has stolen my identify including my social security number. How do I protect myself from anyone using my social security number?
Fredrick C.
how to rediect my direct deposit
R.F.
Hi Frederick! If you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit information by using your personal my Social Security account.