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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tags: fraud, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Office of the Inspector General, OIG, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Sherry
The address was
no-reply@ssa.gov
Sherry
I received an email to log in today.
I followed the link but couldn’t log in but gave my social and birthdate.
Now I’m thinking even tho it was a . Give it may not have been legit.
What do I do?
Steven T.
I need help, with mySSA online account, as I have been denied access several times since I have used a new computer. I also worry my information may have been compromised. I need some technical support and direction on the next steps.
Thank you
Steven Toro
R.F.
Hello Steven. If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. Thanks.
Vito
I still have a problem with your sign in ? I get to the part about the code thru Email . I have go the Email list . then I try to sign in I can’t get pass the User name & password? Text or Email. I’m a computer illiterate.
Francesca T.
I hear so much about this and that about SS. So now I’ll ask, when I contracted MS I had to quit my job. I was winding down and the supervisor was not the most sympathetic. I talked to one of my doctors as to how will I fill my time. As long as I was safe health wise to choose what I wished for, that was a college education it was a DISASTER!! Being that I’m on much reduced means of living and I’m not as sharp as I once was. I can accept that. The point is I have total forgiveness from my prior college and I’m very grateful for this. But now an opportunity to get a GRANT and be trained for Medical Billing and Coding I will be trained at a university for 4 month versus 4 years college education. The upside for me is that I can work from home a situation perfect for me. Please write me as soon at your earliest convenience so I can be advised as how to approach this wonderful opportunity. Thank-you. Sincerely and Respectfully
R.F.
Hi Francesca, please visit our Disability Planner: If You Go Back To Work for information on this topic.
mohammad N.
thank you for all your efforts.
N
i’m not sure if my information is safe. How can i check i’m safe while using the internet?
Summer313
If you are using a computer at the library or on any other public wifi or computer you are not really on a secure connection. If you do log in to social security, look at the address bar and if you see a “Closed and locked lock icon that says your connection is secure. If the icon is open or anything other than locked you are not secure.
mohammad N.
I strongly feel that there is no need to make the process more complicated.
Vijaykumar R.
I believe that some one in Miami has access to information. I checked my Medicare account and my address is listed as a Miami address. This has happened with 3 other accounts as well. I was advised by the Medicare website to make the correction at my Social Security account. However I am unable to get into my account as I have forgotten my password.
My address (since 1994): xxx Dr Fl 32940-1955.
THE FAKE ADDRESS listed in Medicare :
xxxx ST, MIAMI FL 33161-7329
R.F.
Please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance with your personal my Social Security account. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk”. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. They can also help you on verifying the address on your record. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the week or later during the day.
Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks!
James S.
I have three young children with SSNs. As their parent, can I create an online “My Social Security” accounts on their behalf?
R.F.
Thank you for your question, James. At this time, you can only create a my Social Security account using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use.