Frauds & Scams, Online Services

Protecting Your Social Security

September 15, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

man and woman sitting at table, looking at laptop

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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Bob

    My social security is late this month and the common wealth of va gov. is responsible for this situation. My wife had a federal student loan but it has been paid in full but the US Dept Of Education still continues to attempt to garnish my social security checks and my other funds. So I am reporting this fraudulent activity by US Dept. Of ED. and commonwealth of va state responsible for fraudulent garnishment of my funds. Please assist . Thanks. Bob

  2. mark

    Why can i not set up my account thanks Mark. Ps need to route number not new bank just. Account. Same bank

    • K.O.

      Hello Mark: We apologize for this inconvenience. If you are still having trouble setting up your account, please call our dedicated my Social Security-Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”, or contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  3. Iose A.

    Cuanto dinero me pueden dar para mi retiro tengo 60 años

  4. https://comotocarpiano.com.br/como-aprender-tocar-piano

    Exemplo: se avança a mão esquerda, avança pé recta. https://comotocarpiano.com.br/como-aprender-tocar-piano/

  5. Nettie M.

    I received a letter from the IRS saying my SSN was used by somebody else to obtain employment – how do I check my earning statement with SSA to make sure it only ha the true earnings I made this year?

  6. Awilda M.

    I will like to apply for social security disability due to illness. Not working for around a year due to severe depression, anxiety, migraine and osteoarthritis. What the steps I need to do to proceed with the application? Do I need to go directly to your office or it has to be through an attorney?

  7. Chao S.

    Hi Madam/Sir,
    I have applied for the SSN 15 days ago and was told that I will receive the SSN card in 10 days. But until now I have not received it.
    What should I do?

  8. Refugio G.

    I have been trying to go online to read my statement but my user name and password don’t work anymore how can I get access again?

    • R.F.

      Hello Refugio, 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. Thanks!

  9. Sheena C.

    I’m trying to find out what to do if I had my card stolen. And my childs card as well some can take our identity

    • R.F.

      Hi Sheena, if you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic. Thanks!

  10. Sherrie A.

    I am trying to change my password but when I do so it asks me for my social security number – that doesn’t seem right, usually an email is sent to your address so you know it is not fraud. Can you please verify that this is the correct method being used? Thank you.

    • R.F.

      Hi Sherrie, to assist you properly, please call our dedicated my Social Security-Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 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. Thanks!

Comments are closed.