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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Renold J.
I can’t set up and account it says my identity can’t be verified and I need my social in order to get my Id what should I do
Ray F.
Please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thank you for using our online services!
Anna
I had to freeze my credit because of the Equifax security breach. If I want to create a my SSA login, will I need to thaw my credit with Equifax?
Ray F.
Hi Anna. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic. Thanks
chuck
Your site says to set-up a “my social security” account. But guess what; if you locked your credit score like about 143million people did over the last week, YOU CAN’T SET UP AN ACCOUNT, because the SS Administration uses Equifax to check your earnings history!
I also got the website errors and the 1800 number didn’t work the first few times I called it…..sad service.
Ray F.
Hi Chuck! Although we sometimes use Equifax to help verify your identity when setting up a my Social Security account, Social Security never shares Social Security numbers with Equifax. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions web page to learn more about this topic. For concerns regarding the Equifax data breach, please contact Equifax directly at 866-447-7559 or http://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/. Thanks.
Sandra
Filling out the online form requests my social security number but it does not seem to be encrypted. Another words, the full number is displayed instead of astericks. Is this safe to do on your webpage? Most websites blockout the display of those important numbers. Why does your page not offer that sort of security?
Ray F.
Hi, Sandra. The Social Security Administration is committed to protect the public’s information when using our “.gov “ site. All of our online applications use an identity verification process to protect the privacy of your identity and your Social Security information. Our links are legitimate and trustworthy. We can assure you that using our online services is safe and secure. If you need help or need further assistance, please 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!
William P.
I’ve lost my Medicare card. How do I get a replacement card?
Ray F.
Hi William. Please visit our Frequently Asked Question web page.
Marilyn M.
Those items+ are correct. What is wrong with my Medicare Health Care Social card?- for Hospital (Part A) and Medical (Part B).
Perhaps I did not complete the Official 2017 Survey Colorado #36. I will complete this survey as soon as possible. Please keep my annual Social Security card.
Thank you! I’ll send in the “Senior Rights Survey Official Questionnaire” soon. Marilyn M. Ruzicka
Marilyn M.
I wish to make certain that I am with U.S. Social Security Administration and my Medicare Health
Insurance card is still good, with Part A and Part B.
Samuel
Hello sir please am Samuel and i wish to know how to get a social security number because i am in Ghana Thank you….
Steve
I attempted to sign up for My Social Security. I have two middle initials, and the online form will only accept one. Thus, it errored out and locked me out. How can I establish an account?
Ray F.
Hi Steve, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!
Dewayne D.
Dewayned318@yahoo.com
Sonya S.
Hi im sonya rivera .
I had hearing date an it got cancel due to yall mistakes or my lawyer’s now im waiting again for another hearing date, rheumatoid arthritis osteoarthritis on my knees chronic gout major disorder anxiety major depressive disorder unspecified episode severity, pain in joints right and left hand neck pain, lumbago with sciatica, right side,cervical radicular pain, essential her tension, high blood pressure, and i.d,d. Mental illness. .