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

Comments

  1. Roxane M.

    when can I expect my first social security widows check from your office? His name was Luigi aka Louis Borelli aka Borrelli. His birthday was XX/17/19XX, he was born in Forenza Bari-Italy and died in Brooklyn, N.Y. on XX/02/XXXX. I Roxane Mariarossi am under serve Id theft and FRAUD.
    I have all the information you might be able to use if you could make me a apt, if needed. Or you can just PLEASE email where the check is going. Thank you

    • R.F.

      Hello Roxane. We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. To follow up on the status of your application for survivors benefits, you will need to contact the office where you filed your application. Or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213. 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.
      Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

  2. Ivy a.

    I don’t remember opening an online ssi account login now it says it wants me to prove who I am when I don’t have a credit card or w2 form haven’t worked for five years

    • R.F.

      For assistance 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!

  3. Patrick G.

    After bitching all afternoon of what a price of crap this site is I filled out a survey of my opinion of the site. Started to do another only It doesn’t even finish. Quit about half way through. What a joke. Worthless. Wreck it out after you design one that works.

  4. Jennifer C.

    One must al be collaborative in helping in assisting and protecting all.

  5. Angela m.

    How long does it take to get instructions on how to reset signin information after a request has been made and an email has been received acknowledging the request?

  6. Rhonda A.

    I was checking information zi put in yesterday and I was trying to change my addresses

  7. Patricia

    My fiancee is divorced from his ex wife and he doesn’t want her to have his social security number anymore or use it without his permission. Can he press charges against her now?and she might be trying to get child support from his ssi, even though they are divorced, she is using his last name.

  8. Mike H.

    How do I set an alert for someone trying to use my SS #?
    Thanks

  9. Debbie C.

    Really not happy about the rudeness of a lady working at the Mission Viejo office today 7.24 this morning . Yelled out my name and was very rude in front of a line of 30 people. We got to our appointment 4 min late due to not being able to walk and they cancelled our appointment due to the 4 min tardiness. quite deflating after being disabled and having to deal with walking so far because car parking was full with both feet operated on.

  10. Erica B.

    I had lost my log in id number while I was at the hospital, The social orker there said she was finishing up my application but don’t think she did before I got discharge, Pembroke Hospital had all of my records for the dates I was in each if the 10 hosptals I was in. I need help filling this out online, I have no way to get to the office with no license or vehicle to get there

    • R.F.

      Hello Erica. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with the status of your application and help you to complete it, if necessary.
      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!

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