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. Lisa R.

    I applied for my Medicare benefit and received email with SSA logo and to me to call 1-800-842-0588.
    Is this a good number because I gave them my social security number and did not feel right about the conversation. Please let me know.

    • R.F.

      Thank you for contacting us, Lisa. The number you called is a “Workload Support Unit” for the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA employees occasionally contact citizens for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees may contact you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending.
      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).

  2. Brian T.

    Hello,
    I had an online account for a couple of years. I forgot my password, and sent in a request to reset my password. they sent me a RESET CODE. I followed the instructions but, it does not work. it says to “enter your one time reset code”. there is NO PLACE to enter the reset code.
    PLEASE HELP. I can’t afford to sit in the SSA office for hours.

    • R.F.

      We’re sorry to hear that you’re having difficulty accessing your account, Brian. Please call our dedicated “my Social Security-Hotline” for assistance. 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”. Thanks!

  3. Denise E.

    I am having so much trouble signing in to my account. I need to reset my password, I even have a one time reset code letter and can not use it because, the stupid site says that it’s not me trying to gain access. So I put my username in and puss the forgot username button, and go threw the motions and hit send, it’s saying my info is incorrect. I don’t understand why this is doing this to me, but it’s me.!!!!
    Please help me I’m at a lost of what to do next.

    • R.F.

      We’re sorry that you had difficulty accessing your my Social Security account. 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!

  4. Marsha H.

    This is stupid I can’t create a account or sign in to my old account This is a waste of time and frustrating. I am done F… It.
    Now why did I think I could publish a comment on this crapp.MJH.

  5. Marsha H.

    This is stupid I can’t create a account or sign in to my old account This is a waste of time and frustrating. I am done F… It.
    Marsha J. Henson.

  6. Judith H.

    I just received a letter stating that I filed a claim for Social Security benefits online. I DID NOT!!! It says to contact Ms. Santiago by July 05, 2018 about my claim. How do I stop this??

    • R.F.

      Hello Judith. 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!

  7. CHARLIE A.

    If my SSN # has been compromised what can I do, or if I think it has been compromised what can or should I do?

    • J.Y.

      Hi Charlie. If you suspect that someone used your Social Security number, go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).

  8. Diane P.

    Do not allow my social security to number to be accessed by anyone.

  9. Geralyn L.

    I can’t access the site to apply. I was in once and tried to
    use my confirmation number to re-access the site, and was unable to return. Now I cant access the site at all.

    • R.F.

      We apologize for the inconvenience, Geralyn. 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.

  10. Samuel G.

    Lost my phone an didn’t get my update code to renew my benefits, what can I do

    • R.F.

      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.

Comments are closed.