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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Domingo A.
REGISTRACION en dia de mi 76 th Cumpleaño en Lawrence City, MA 01841
Diane L.
Please help me I can’t create my account online
R.F.
Hello Diane. 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!
Diane L.
I can’t create my account
Candye c.
Hello my name is candye my wallet was stolen with all my belongings in the wallet including my social security card please help me what can I do I dont want anyone to take my identity or use my information
R.F.
Hi Candye, 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.
See our Frequently Asked Questions: “What should I do if I think someone is using my Social Security number?” for information on that topic.
We hope this information helps!
Maria C.
im trying to keep my son old caregives from using his social secunity number card for anything.. how can i got about doing this anyone plz help
R.F.
Hello Maria, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic. Thanks!
phyllis k.
my social security card was stolen as a result of a breakin to my auto pocketbook with card in it please inform me what i have to do
R.F.
You can get an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free. If you think someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. Note that we can only resolve Social Security number reporting problems on our own records. Thanks!
Helen M.
I received a recorded message on my voice mail today, apprx.30 min. ago, from Officer Lynda(last name not audible) stating “your social security number has been compromised–please call 361-8796933 “; caller ID reveals Corpus Cristi, TX
I did not return the call because I believe it to be SPAM
Monday, June 11 10:22 a.m.
R.F.
Hello Helen. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone. If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA, please contact your local Social Security office, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Thank you for sharing!
Debra S.
Please disregard this I prefer to have a statement on paper mailed to me
How soon do you reply for SS BENEFITS
I WILL BE 62 (09/23/1956) Birthday
Beverly T.
next month not much money to pay bills homeless no meds no food so what am i to do answers please disable have parkinson/ high blood[ diebet] heart murmur [ more ]
Beverly T.
my name is beverly my question is iv been getting SSI sents 3/14/2005 , now i get 750.00 i just turned 62 in dec 2017 i sighed up for spouse surport in janauary 2018 they told me i could draw 577.00 but they would keep jan /feb/march/ i recived april /may they cut my checks down 770.00 want to no why an now when i get my money its on my daughters card this is all mess up need some answers why did they do this next month not much money to pay bills homeless no meds no food so what am i to do answers please???