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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Donna M.
I am receiving calls from Nebraska saying my Social Security number is being “suspended” by the National Crime Dept. They leave a number for me to call back which I have not done. I think this is a scam, can you confirm?
A.C.
Hi, Donna. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
Julia I.
I got a call from 747-255-1517 warning me that I need to call 425-318-7865 regarding fraudulent activity on my account. Is this legit?
A.C.
Hi, Julia. Thanks for your question. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
gawhitmore@hotmail.com
it’s not easy when I got to change my password every months. when I only log in every 2 years or so, it’s a pain in the ….
thanks for listening
V.V.
Hi there. We have good news! The passwords for my Social Security accounts will no longer expire.
STANLEY W.
Why was it not possible for me to see my 1099 SSA when I logged onto my account? The latest email I received showed a pie chart and I picked on get a 1099 SSA but saw no opportunity to navigate to it. A blank one or my 2018 1099.
Can you explain why, with security being a high priority why our SS & Medicare numbers are totally in view on documents that are sent to us?
Thanks—Stan
V.V.
Hi Stanley, thank you for using our blog. Once you are logged into your account, select the “Replacement Documents” tab to obtain your SSA-1099.
We are currently in the process of replacing the Social Security Number on correspondence with a Beneficiary Notice Control Number, a number unique to you. In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently reissued new Medicare cards with new Medicare numbers replacing the Social Security number.
Jerry L.
When will we get the new ssn Medicare cards
Clifford E.
Do I Clifford Edward Ricks have a recertification appointment with social security office at 90 7th Street in San Francisco, CA. This April
L.A.
Thanks for your question, Clifford. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. To determine if you have an upcoming appointment, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Wayne O.
I need assistance with logging in. I have entered my SS number, user name and PW, how do I delete and create a new account?
LINDA K.
I have received multiple calls from this number saying they are the Social Security Office and need me to call them.
Says it from California: 747-322-7621
What is going on with this number?
Lois T.
I received an alert that said my social security number has been compromised and they said to call 844-453-6034. Is this legit?
A.C.
Hi, Lois. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams: https://identitytheft.gov/ssa .We hope this helps.
steven m.
can my ex wife access my account. she set it up and I’ve never used it.
I’d like to know if she’s logged in within the last 14 months.