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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tags: fraud, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Office of the Inspector General, OIG, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Errol
santo_errol@yahoo.com
Marie f.
I need fraud alert on my social security My number was stolen from a criminal Michele Vodrey
R.F.
Hi Marie! Please see “Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft“. We hope this helps.
JOANN D.
WHY BOTHER. IF ITS GOVERNMENT, AND IT IS, YOU IWON’T HELP ME EVEN THOUGH ALL I WANT IS A DUPLICATE 1099 FOR 2017. YOU WON’T EVEN LET ME CREATE AN ACOUNT
R.F.
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!
Carrie H.
I was scamed online by someone pretending to be from Apple ID and gave out my personal information thinking I was resetting my AppleID information. They now have my SS number and debit card number. Do I need to fill out anything with you guys? I have froze my credi and notified my bank. What do I need to do about my SS info being possibly compromised?
R.F.
Hi Carrie, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for important information on this topic. Thanks!
Victoria M.
I cannot get into my acct to chg the direct deposit info…plz help
Victoria M.
rvmorse@bajabb.com
K.O.
Hello Victoria, For assistance with my Social Security account issues, call our dedicated my Social Security-Hotline, 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 “help desk”. Or contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Sandra A.
Do I sign in my information,my son is under age
Hugh A.
I applied for social security benefits on my deceased husband and was told to go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online services/ and select “Choose your password or block electronic access. However all it has to select is block online access which I could not even access if I put in any info. So what do I do? Someone needs to keep an eye on these programs because I know many have the problem I do as I cannot create a password without a place to Choose my password”.
saroj m.
YES PLASESE COTACT ME
rudy r.
am a disability Vet. can I get 2 of the social security ,and am 72 year old and getting regular social security
R.F.
Hello Rudy. Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. If a person has reached his or her full retirement age (Currently 66 + 4 Months) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they will not be eligible for disability benefits. Thanks!
Katherine M.
I have not received my grandson SSSurivor benits. Please contact me at 5042027503. Katherine Melancon
R.F.
Hello Katherine. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. 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.