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

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Comments

  1. WALI j.

    I need social security numberbecause it’s very important

    • A.C.

      Thanks for your comment. For your security, we cannot give you the Social Security Number over the phone or on the internet. In order to find out your Social Security Number, you will need to visit your local office. Hope this helps!

  2. Irene C.

    I wish to change the bank that receives my social security check from First Bank to Union bank.

    • A.C.

      Thanks for contacting us, Irene. Individuals receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability), can start or update their direct deposit information, by creating a my Social Security account. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information. We hope this helps!

  3. Jackie m.

    Thank you for your help wit5h my s. s. card & my s.s. award letter. I also appreciate all the information you will be sending me.

  4. giri

    Huh? Yeah, that was my reaction when I was told you can get paid good money to use Facebook. But I checked it out and I loved what I found.

    If you know how to use Facebook then you can generate a serious income doing this, too. Click below to get all the details:

    https://socialsalerep.com?hyden5496

  5. Brandi

    my purse was stolen at a gas station recently, and I would like to have a red flag attached if someone were to use my social security.

    • K.O.

      Hi Brandi, we are sorry to hear about your stolen purse. You will rarely need to tender your Social Security card nowadays. Knowing your number is the most important thing. However, if you must get a replacement Social Security card, see Social Security Number and Card for more information. As for your concern that someone could misuse your Social Security number, please see our publication, “Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number” for more information. We hope this is helpful.

  6. SHERRY J.

    I TRIED TO GET A BENEFITS LETTER SENT TO ME FOR SHERRY J BOAZ DOB 09=25-1942 SS NUMBER *** – ** – *** AT ADDRESS 7303 MONTGOMERY BLVD NE APT I 199 ALBUQUERQUE,NM 87109 IT WOULD NOT LET ME IN TO PRINT A STATEMENT SHOWING WHAT I AM GETTING EACH MONTH HELP PLEASE THANK YOU

  7. Jo-Lynn M.

    Sir,
    I have heard been doing research on CPN numbers for 2 months. My credit due to my divorce is beyond repair. Late payments, evictions, car repos, I am staying with a family member and have a good job now. But I won’t be able to rent an apartment with those things on my credit. So is applying for a CPN card against the law or not? I would appreciate you getting back to me on this. Thank you.

  8. veronica w.

    Hi my name Veronica warren my sister came see at the hospital after baby April 25 .she take my card without know take give my brother Dimas medrAno only time come around take me there lie about me went said people dirty them take my self social security since 15 how get the trouble now street have a baby and not good health all want is my money I try take my cps get kids back need pay class

  9. Mary A.

    I am 73 born in 1944. Is my social security check be reduced? That is my income. I went to work when I was 14. They told us that social security was our retirement. There were no IRA or 401 k when we started.

  10. Rebecca V.

    How often should I change my password?

Comments are closed.