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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Manino J.
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YVONNE B.
iaM ALSO WONDERING WEN MY BENFITS WILL GET TGO MY PAYEE? SUSAN
V.V.
Yvonne, thank you for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue. For further assistance, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact your local Social Security office.
yvonne b.
I am trying to get my socal sec card mailed to me genral delivery to nlongview vposat office
V.V.
Hi Yvonne: If you do not have a mailing address for delivery of your Social Security card, you may be able to have it sent to your local Social Security office. Please work with your local office for assistance.
Tim S.
Tried to create a My Social Secuity account…after entering my information a pop up appeared saying an account could not be created with the information provided. I have tried to create an account prior to this a few times and got the same response…
V.V.
Hi Tim, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties creating your my Social Security account.
For assistance with your 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.
Carreen H.
FRAUD ATTEMPTS: Reporting 2 telephone attempts to our telephone # (423)753-6919 social security fraudulent information.
The speaker said “your social security card has been
Revoked, please call us at this number: 1-323-287-5597.”
Calls were made on 9/13 and 9/14.
Sandra R.
Could not download from phone. I don’t use capitals in my user ID but you do.
Anita M.
I need a dricket express card and ticket to work
Donna L.
I received a call this morning from Jennifer Hayes, legal enforcement, about criminal activity in the state of “Taxes.” She may have meant “Texas.” She asked me to verify my SSN, which I declined to do, even though she said criminal activity has been detected using my SSN. I asked her to mail a letter to me so that I can consider the contents, and she hung up. Please contact me ASAP if her call is legitimate.
R.F.
Thank you for sharing this information, Donna. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee 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.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which receives and analyzes public complaints related to identity theft, recently reported to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) an increase in reports of suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be SSA employees.
If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA or the OIG, 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). Citizens may -also- report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Stefan T.
I’m diagnosed with seizure disorder and depression but have been told that I need a payee to manage my money which is ridiculous! It has been set up that way so people and management companies can keep taking my money. Who can I call about this?! Will someone call me Please 707-857-6548
R.F.
Hello Stefan, if SSA believes your condition has improved to the point that you no longer need a payee, we may reevaluate your eligibility for disability payments.
Generally, we’ll need a statement from your doctor if you would like to become your own payee. The statement should say that you are now mentally and physically able to take care of yourself and that you are able to keep your finances in order. Please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to make an appointment for a face-to-face interview with one of our representatives at your local Social Security office.
For more information, visit our “FAQs For Beneficiaries Who Have A Payee” web page. Thanks!
maura p.
maura.cross61@gmail.com.i am appllying for ssdi.compassionate allowence.i have stage 4 pancreaticcancer also liver cancer.i was hoping to complete the application on line. i was told by my social worker to hurry and do it. so where i i have all my paper work ready now.m
R.F.
Hi Maura, medical conditions that meets the criteria for Compassionate Allowances are expedited. You can apply for disability benefits online. The online Application for Benefits also includes links to information that will help you complete the form.
If you need further assistance, please call our toll free number 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. Thanks!