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. John S.

    My Password expires on June 27 2018. Will I be able to do by then?

    • R.F.

      Hello John. 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!

  2. joseph p.

    last date my card was used and where?

  3. Barbara A.

    last date my card was used and where?

    • joseph p.

      Please let me know last place i used my card. i cannot find it and need to know if i left it at an office

  4. Eugene A.

    My wife and I received calls from Dallas Tx. phone number (972) 220-8949. They leave a bogus message,
    “that this a federal notice of our SSN being black listed. We did return the call, and received a message
    with answering machine, that it was the Social Security Admin. We think it is some kind of scam. We thought you would like to know this as they are probably contacting other people. Hopefully this is of some help.

  5. Patricia T.

    I am trying to verify my Home mailing address. I have tried online and can’t find anyplace I can look it up. I have also try the telephone but wait is too extreme for as I am disabled now. Please advise address. Thanks

    Patricia Twohill
    S/N. *** – ** – ***

  6. Lisa T.

    Before setting up a “my social security” account and entering my personal information, how can I verify that this website is legitimate?

  7. Vincent m.

    Yes. Why is the ris wasn’t confirm my info on my sss

  8. Jane H.

    How do i change my my checking information

  9. CLARA A.

    hola buenos días me gustaría saber como va mi tramite gracias.

  10. Luong H.

    HOW TO RESET THE ONLINE ACCOUNT, FORGET THE NAME AND PASSWORD

    • 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!

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