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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Teresa C.
My name is Teresa C Pita
I am calling to let you know of a scam and alert you that although I did not give my SS number they have my name address date of birth.
mitchell h.
How do I change my account to have taxes withheld?
Gilson J.
Need to change address
Gilson J.
Gilson J. Provard
1-A Sheffield Drive
Dillsburg, PA 17019
Donald W.
How is it possible for someone, NOT ME, apply for my social security benefit in another state half-way across America from me to a phony online bank account? Especially when I have reset my password and now I am frozen out of my own account.
R.F.
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 during the day or later in the week. Thanks.
Travis G.
Hi, my tax lady said she mailed my 1099 to me and I have yet to receive it. I’m worried that someone has it and has my SSN. What should I do?
R.F.
Hi Travis. An SSA-1099 is a tax form we mail each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. If you receive Social Security benefits and need a replacement Form SSA-1099, you can get a replacement by using your online my Social Security account.
If you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. Click here for more information on that topic. Thanks!
Sandra
If my home was burglarized and my information was at risk along with my children’s, how can I protect our social security numbers since my tax documents, socials were touched ?
R.F.
Hi Sandra. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
If you think someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information on this topic.
Thanks!
shemeles z.
At the age of 69 working full time and have health insurance , do I need to sign for Medicare?
your help is very important for me and I need your help.
thank you
Shemeles
arnold j.
I need a 1099 ssa
susan e.
I can not find my activation number to get to my account. please tell me what i need to do.
Thank you
Susan Nation
R.F.
Hi Susan!
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.
James R.
Someone called me from 281 249 5695. The recording said my ssan was temporarily blocked and for me to call the 281 249 5695. I did not call back. Probably a scam.
R.F.
Thank you for sharing, James. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending.
If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA, please contact your local Social Security office, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).