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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kim B.
I am in nee of my sons transcript for NDSU financial aid. I have been dicone cted 2 times. even a pic of 2016 W2. *** – ** – ***
I need help please
612-356-7095
R.F.
Hello Kim. To get information on how to get a copy of your wage and tax statements (Form W-2), visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page. You can also get a transcript or copy of your Form W-2 from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thanks!
Sharon E.
I am now 70, Do I need to wait to begin taking my SS retirement until January 2019 or will the maximum begin now. Birthday 10/11/1948
R.F.
Hello Sharon, please remember that the benefit increase no longer applies when you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits. You should consider applying for benefits now.
If you need further assistance, 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 experience a shorter wait time when you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
shirley
iam having trouble getting into my ssa account doesn,t except my password could you please help
Wanda E.
At 2:14p.m. today I received a call from
1 215 987-0367… Philadelphia, PA…
A recorded message SAID… “Your SS Number has been compromised. Cal”l… but I did NOT get the phone #. The one shown is the one provided by Caller ID on my phone.
I believe it was very possibly a fake call… providing a phone number where they could actually get important information from you and truly compromise your number.
Have been ON HOLD with SS 800# for more than 35 minutes.
You have made important communication way TOO COMPLICATED.
A.C.
Hi, Wanda. We do not usually make random calls or request your personal information. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. You can also contact your local Social Security office. Check out our recent blog post, Inspector General Warns Public About OIG Impersonation Schemes, for Social Security tips, including how to find out if the call was from us. We hope this helps.
Birgit A.
your website is awful. I try and do things online… the user name is capitalized and you don’t accept user name and password. then you lock me out right away.
then! Then you have 7-10days wait time to receive your new password by mail.
then you have 1 and 1/2 hour hold times and you want my opinion at the end of the call..
this is insane… 1 and 1/2 hour wait times!
totally unacceptable.
A.C.
Hi, James. We are sorry to hear about your experience and understand your frustration. We offer a few different ways to reset your password and retrieve your username. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. If you wish to submit feedback regarding your experience, visit our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps!
Charles e.
Change my mailing address
Charles e woods
3518 old hwy 72
Maryville, tn 37801.
Old
201 winding acres ln
Eaton rapids, mi 48827
A.C.
Hi, Charles. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving SSI you must report the new address to your local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks.
Dawn U.
It is possible that my teenage son’s social security number has been compromised. Other than notify the bank where he has an account, what other things are we to do?
A.C.
Hi, Dawn. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”. We hope this helps.
Arden S.
I don’t remember or I misplaced my security code , I can’t get into my account to sign up for medicare what do I need to do
Lillian H.
I have tried to utilize the 1-800 phone number for the Richmond, CA office. I’ve called at 8:00 am and at a variety of times throughout the day on a variety of days of the week. The recording is always identical. You may have a 15 minute wait due to high call volume. There is a pause and then the recording comes right back on and states that the representatives are all busy, please try your call another time, goodbye.
I’m trying to use my credit card to make a payment for June-August over-payment of my social security benefit. I retired in June 2018 from the educational field and due to the WEP, owe monies back. I don’t really want to send my credit card information through the mail. Is there a way t complete my transaction on the social security website? Can I go to my local social Security office and make the payment? Thank you for your help.
R.F.
Hello Lillian. Generally, we do not publish the phone numbers of our local offices.
Please note that representatives at our Telephone Service Centers or the local Social Security office can assist you and provide instructions concerning the use of credit cards to repay an overpayment. Generally, when calling our toll free number (1-800-772-1213), you will experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
For security reasons, SSA does not currently allows collection of an overpayment, using a credit card over the Internet. We hope this information helps!
Carole M.
Does Social Security every call you? How do I know this is legitimately Social Security. Does Social Security have hours from 6am to 2pm. How can I veryify it is a legitimate call?