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. Sylvia G.

    Can we receive our monthly notices covering our social security numbers ?The mail is not 100% safe from identity theft either.

  2. Efren P.

    Hello ,
    Please help me we did not receive our SS number yet , we came from Philippines have immigrant visa.
    We are more that 3 weeks here in USA but did not receive the SSS number yet, but one of my son (Jed Nikko Pingol) received his SS number not me and my 2 siblings .( Efren Pingol , Sean Paolo Pingol and Maria Charisse Pingol )

    Please help

    Thanks

    Efren Pingol

  3. Albert J.

    Your online access rules and policies have attained the same level of denial as a mischievous bot.

    I cannot log in, get locked out, cannot reach a person to help me and therefore am denied services.

    What’s the difference? To the end user, your taxpaying bosses, there isn’t any difference. Except maybe that I am paying your salaries that keep me away from my information.

  4. Christina A.

    I think someone has tapped into my social security and identity, and this makes me so nervous, I’m not sure what to do! I did the block electronic access, I hope that’s the right step to prevent whoever is trying to get my information!
    I noticed it on my credit report that a few names and address were on it trying to use my social security!
    I don’t know what else to do!

    Thank you

  5. Anne G.

    I need a copy of my benefit letter for 2018 that has to be less than 90 days old.

  6. Ronald A.

    I tried to sign in once and the system blocked my access to my account. I need to reset my ID and login password.

    • R.F.

      If you are unable to create an account or 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!

  7. Bell

    “Whenever I would talk about divorce or marriage, I would subconsciously touch that bare part of my finger and feel that the ring wasn’t there. It was like a nervous twitch.

  8. Juana

    en el calendario ahora era el pago y no me depositaron?

  9. LG

    I remember being told my password will automatically expire after some period of time, so I needed to change it before that happens. But now I cannot find ANYWHERE online what that time duration is. How often does SS require us to change our personal online account password?

    • V.V.

      Hi LG. Good News! The passwords for my Social Security accounts will no longer expire.

  10. Brianna

    How can I protect my finances if I am a victim and survivor of domestic violence. I worry about long term effects from abusive men in my past. I want to do everything I can to protect my future. Along with my kids that I someday want to have on my own

Comments are closed.