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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Young H.
How do we change of address?
V.V.
Hi Young. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online.
If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are unable to change your address online, you can:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us.
Terry F.
The whole concept of creating and using an individual SS account for online access is fantastic. But, while answering questions, one of which indicated that I’d opened a home loan 2 years previously, but I don’t have any home loan, to my knowledge, which makes me suspicious that I may be a victim of Identity compromise. Now on endless hold attempting to rectify the issue and complete the creation of my SS account.
Sonia V.
How do I resolve a issue when my credit cards account says I am deceased and can’t use them. Got a email from America express saying that I am deceased. Would like to take care of this before every thing is canceled.
Nancy S.
I am receiving phone calls that state “I need to talk with them before they stop my social security check and freeze my assets, because my social security number has been comprised. This starts out as a recording and then you are forwarded to a officer that will ask questions. I know this is a scam, but just wanted to check with the Social Security Administration. Thanks for your quick responses and for all you do.
Nancy S Redmond
R.F.
Hello Nancy, 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.
If a person receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!
Carrie S.
I received a called from an Office Victor Frank at 410-929-7827, who stated he was from the Department of Social Security Administration office he was informing me that their is an vehicle enforcement on my Social Security number and I needed to call back or legal proceeding would be begin on me. I have no ideal what he is talking about. Please inform me what to do. Thanks
R.F.
Hello Carrie. 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 receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!
Jenny S.
My check was due on the 17th and I don’t have it in my checking account yet. It is direct deposit.
R.F.
Hello Jenny. 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!
leslie a.
I tried to apply for a social security replacement card and i forgot my password.I used my security questions which were accurate and it locked me out. I am incredibly frustrated. i need that block lifted before 24 hours so i can get a social security replacement card
R.F.
Hello Leslie. If you 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!
JoAnne O.
I just received a voicemail stating my Social security Card and benefits are going to be suspended due to suspicious activity with my social security number
V.V.
JoAnne, thank you for checking in with us. 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 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.
If you have 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). You may also report the information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Sheila D.
I have not received my social security check
V.V.
Hi Sheila. Please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be able to determine if your direct deposit failed. If you still need to report a late, missing or stolen Social Security payment, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office.
beth t.
I would like to know the status on my SS fraudulent charges ,,,I received an email and phone call from Roger Smith case code tx 1975/756971
Roger said that someone in tx rented a car and opened a bunch of cards under my SS
I would like to know status on the investigation
thank you