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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Andrea C.
I received a phone call recorded message on my cell phone saying that my social security # had been compromised. They asked me to press 1 to get help and resolve the issue. I did nothing because I didn’t know if it was an authentic SS call.
How does the SS administration let people know when their number has been compromised. How do I check that mine hasn’t been?
A.C.
Hi, Andrea. Unfortunately, there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our recent blog posts:
IG Warns Public About Fraudulent Phone Calls Threatening Arrest or Legal Action
Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Social Security
If you receive these calls, please report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. Thanks!
Margaret M.
I did not get form ssa 1099 for 2018 which is due in January and your system would not let me continue to open a “my account ” to get a replacement. I am concerned that if it was mailed to me and fell into wrong hands the information could be used by a bad actor.
Please reply as to why the system would not allow me to continue with my request asap. also can my local ssa office give me a replacement form so I can do my taxes?
Robinson C.
My name is Robinson and I’d like to share some secrete to you all. 3 months ago I came across WIPEVIRUSE231@WRITEME.COM on Lexington law reviews when looking up how to raise my credit score and I hoped to use him get an excellent score because I was on the low 500s. Some weeks ago I was robbed off everything I had by some online scammers and by the time I realized that I was played, my credit score was already down to the low 300s, I had eviction and credit cards balances and this lead to my being homeless. I contacted Wipe Virus via his email above and explained everything to him and he understood my problem and asked me few questions before starting the repair. He fixed my credit, increased my credit score from 340 to 795, deleted the eviction so I can get approval for an apartment and also cleared my credit cards debts in less than 10days. I would have kept quiet about this but I won’t be able to forgive myself for not helping people who are in terrible conditions like I was. He can fix a Chexsystem and DUI report as well. Contact him on his email address above and expect a positive result.
Susan C.
I can not access my account to get a copy of my 1099. Please contact me to help me out
A.C.
Hi, Susan. For your security, we do not have access to private information; therefore, we do not do direct contact in this venue. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Martha S.
Address change:
Martha Sue Trimble
Utah 84029
V.V.
Hi Martha. 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.
Merry M.
My question was how serious is the breaching of the USA Social Security Administration?
Janet D.
Can I go to my local Social Security Office to get assistance for this?
V.V.
Hi Janet: Social Security offices are open to the public during regular business hours. Check out our Office Locator for details on your servicing office.
Matthew A.
My social security card was stolen can i report it stolen online ?
V.V.
Hi Matthew. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created a Self-Lock process. Locking an SSN helps stop individuals from using stolen SSNs to gain work authorization through E-Verify. Read more at https://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-lock. 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 recommend you only obtain a replacement Social Security card if you need one. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you will need to gather documents proving both your identity and citizenship status. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, visit our Social Security Number and Card web page. Thanks!
Elaine A.
I have been a victim of social security fraud I need to protect my social security can you call me 6618314686Elaine
V.V.
Hi Elaine, thank you for using our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.
Louis K.
I tried to log in and you say you tried to log me in 3 times, I only tried 1 time , is someone else trying to get in my account ?
V.V.
Hi Louis, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties creating your my Social Security account. For assistance with your 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.