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. Charolette G.

    I need to change my checking account that my social security check will be going into.Ihave a new account number.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Charolette. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. Hope this helps.

  2. Alan Y.

    For those that use the online services, coupled with the NEED, to prevent theft and fraud, having the ability to print the current 1099 would be paramount1

    • A.C.

      Hi, Alan. The SSA-1099 is mailed by January 31 each year. If for any reason you do not receive your SSA-1099 in the mail, you may request and print a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2018 beginning February 1 using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks.

  3. Theodore K.

    What to do if you get locked out of your online account?

    • V.V.

      Hi Theodore. If you are locked out, 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. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”.

  4. Judith A.

    I was unable to even use the calculator to check what my social security benefits would be now. I tried 3 times giving accurate information and was turned down each time. So much for convenience! Will have to go to the office and wait for an hour to get the basic information, I guess.

    • V.V.

      Hi Judith. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties using our online services. For assistance, 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.

  5. Amy J.

    I received a phone call stating my social security # has been found on suspicious site. Wanting me to call 218-975-2918. Is this a legitimate call?

  6. Charles S.

    I have attempted to negotiate this very pretty website without any success! At present due to my status in our beloved country, I believe that Social Security Account is going to be hacked and louted. I need help and all I get is a load of crap from an automated system which is completely out of touch with my station in this society. I AM HOMELESS and repidly loosing my mental balance. AGAIN, I NEED HELP

  7. Jan M.

    Need to report a call about fraud.

  8. Kathleen M.

    We just received a call from 281-845-2860 stating that my husband’s social security account was compromised. I hung up on the caller because is seemed like it was a scam as it wanted us to call them back. I tried several times to contact a social security office; however, there is only one number that is listed on the website. I tried to get a real person to talk to but the automated voice stated that the offices were closed — called after 10AM EST on a Friday (no Federal holiday). It is impossible to contact the office. Please let me know if the social security office usually makes phone calls regarding compromised accounts. I hope my husband’s account was not compromised.

  9. Geoffrey

    Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Heinz. More. I a fan of scared straight
    apocalypse fiction. The horrors of what can happen remind me to stay humble and to avoid being so self righteous in my ability to manage my world my money.

    I a good saver.

  10. Janet G.

    Hello, I am Janet Golden , I filed the w3c . Ever since , my phone internet, has been locked . Scared . As I have tried so many times to access my SSD I try to put in security code . Someone changes or cuts it off. Sorry for bother , however I need my benefits . As they are still charging me from that claime. Thank you. Blessed Day.

Comments are closed.