Frauds & Scams, Online Services

Protecting Your Social Security

September 15, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

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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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  2. Roger C.

    My W-2 form 2018 tax form was stolen and my SSAN is on the tax form. It was taken at the CARE Complex, 200 Foremaster Lane Las Vegas Nevada 89101.

    • V.V.

      Hi Roger, we are very sorry to hear that. If you’re referring to the SSA-1099, and you need a replacement, you can request one using your my Social Security account. If you do not already have an account, you can create one. Once you are logged in to your account, select the “Replacement Documents” tab.

      If you are unable to create a my Social Security account or do not want to request it online, 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. or you can contact your local Social Security office.

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  6. Marilyn K.

    I’m in the process of gathering information to prepare my deceased’s mother’s income tax return, and discovered I did not receive her 2018 Form SSA-099 Social Security Benefit Statement. How can I get one?

    Thank you.

    • V.V.

      We’re sorry to hear about your loss, Marilyn. The benefit statement is mailed to the last address in our records and is intended for the spouse or executor of the deceased. If you do not have access to the mail at that address, the executor will need to go into the local field office with proof of death and proof of executorship. An SSA-1099 can also be given to someone receiving benefits on the deceased beneficiary’s record such as a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. If you need more information, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and ask a representative for assistance.

  7. Caroline P.

    Someone has compromised my social security information please cancel my number and send me a new card with a new
    Number please

    • V.V.

      Hello Caroline, if you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page about this topic. Thanks!

  8. Charlotte S.

    I have moved from my previous address and have not submitted a change of address to receive my tax information for 2018.

    • V.V.

      Thank you for your question, Charlotte. You can change your address and request a replacement SSA-1099 in your my Social Security account. If you do not already have an account, you can create one. Once you are logged in to your account, select the “Replacement Documents” tab for the SSA-1099 and the “My Profile” tab to change your address.

      If you are unable to create a my Social Security account or do not want to conduct your business online, 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. or you can contact your local Social Security office.

  9. Josefina R.

    Good morning my name is Josefina R Sotelo I recv’d a call this morning from this # (806) 310 9498 saying that my social security is involved in criminal movements They give a number to call back but I didn’t get it right should I get worry? I’m a working women and I recently buy my house. Can you please help me with this call??. Thank you

    • V.V.

      Hi Josefina: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

      If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.

      Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.

  10. Peggy B.

    I received phone call (274-545-6544) and message left on my voicemail that my social security number had been compromised. Please contact me at (914) 230-6434 to verify if this was a legitimate call from Social Security Administration.

    • V.V.

      Hi Peggy: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

      If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.

      Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.

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