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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Manfred G.
I do live in Canada and receive a social Security pension! I have moved quite often and therefore never got the yearly statements of my account! But I cannot register on your web site, to be able to access those!
R.F.
How can I get a Social Security Statement that shows a record of my earnings and an estimate of my future benefits?.
You can also use the Canadian Service Area Directory to determine which Resident Office is near you. Go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/canada.htm.
We hope this helps!
Terry
The main office helped me more than Dearborn office. And spent more time and gave more information what I needed to keep my benefits.
charles e.
i think it could be made easier to replace your S.S.card
R.F.
Hi Charles, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any document you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important.
To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
We hope this helps!
Robert M.
Can’t remember account activation code
Gilbert G.
I received a letter from the IRS indicating that my Social Security number was used to apply for employment. I am contacting you because it is unclear if the IRS has advised you of this activity and I need to know the steps I need to take to make sure my account, benefits and number are safe.
R.F.
Hello Gilbert. 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. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information on this topic.
We hope this helps!
dandilion464
When choosing a password for the site, it would be helpful if the password could be seen as it is being typed. Many sites now have this option; it is very helpful. Please consider and, perhaps, apply.
Thanks
Linda B.
I need to change my banking information due to a Microsoft scam.
james. g.
Please transfer my. Address. To my daughter. , MaryAnn. Doyle. At. 43 Whitehall. newport. beach, Ca. 92660. she is. Paying. My taxes,bills. And. Finances. thank. You. I’m. jam. james G. marzo. 1455. support. room 354. newport. Beach, Ca. 92663. social. security. ***-**-****
Teresa C.
I tried to call but could not get a rep.,
Teresa C.
I tried to log in but they said they could not log me under what is my SS security number.
Please see to this i am very worried.