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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Mingyu Y.
I did not receive my social security card.
R.F.
Typically, after we receive your application, verify your documents and process your request, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days.
If you applied for a Social Security card for the first time, it may take longer than 30 days.
On your receipt there should be a local phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the status of your Social Security card or you may have to return to the Card Center or Social Security office where you filed your application. When you go, take the documents you originally presented as evidence.
We hope this information helps.
Sean
How do I change my address?
Please let me know.
R.F.
Hello Sean, if you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!
Christa R.
Tried to access my online account using p/w and username set up in Feb 2017. Your system doesn’t recognize my password and when I enter my SSN and birthdate the message I receive is that the information is not recognized. So I tried to set up another account and was told that my information was already on file. Am not sure what is going on. I called your 800 number but was told no one was available. Has my account been hacked and changed in some way?
R.F.
Hello Christa. 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!
Joseph Z.
I am reporting a possible fraudulent attempt to obtain my social security information. Telephone call, id’d EVERETT WA, 425-341-9208, stated it was Social Security Federal Crime Commission, and they needed additional info concerning my soc sec number.
V.V.
Hi Joseph, thank you for checking in with us. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
https://blog.ssa.gov/ig-warns-public-about-fraudulent-phone-calls-threatening-arrest-or-legal-action/
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.
Melodee
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Johanne L.
Please call Johanne Phelps at 407-461-xxxx regarding voluntary Federal tax withholding. Thank you.
V.V.
Thank you for using our blog, Johanne. You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. When you complete the form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits for more information.
Janet L.
Just got a scam phone call…when I called back and questioned them, they hung up on me, twice.
Phone number came from Christmas Florida…407 537 2538
R.F.
Hi Janet, thank you for checking in with us. Unfortunately, there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about.
See our two recent blog posts:
https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-public-about-oig-impersonation-schemes/
https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-public-about-caller-id-spoofing-scheme-misusing-ssa-customer-service-number/
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.
gloria c.
im having a problem signing in. i dont remember my old email address or password.. i have tried everything.
thank you
R.F.
Hello Gloria. 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!
Ann V.
I need to change my mailing address and I live in Australia
R.F.
Hello Ann, we recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefits Unit or U.S. Embassy in their area. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks.
Kathleen N.
I received an email message that I have messages regarding my account. When I attempt to access that message I was sent two codes to my mobile phone. However when attempting to verify those codes I was advised they are incorrect. Has my account been hacked? Is my information safe?
R.F.
The Social Security Administration is committed to protect the public’s information when using our “.gov “ site. All of our online applications use an identity verification process to protect the privacy of your identity and your Social Security information. Our links are legitimate and trustworthy. We can assure you that using our online services is safe and secure. If you need help or need further assistance, please call our dedicated my Social Security-Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 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”. Thanks!