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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Louis E.
I recently tried to access my SSA account. I have not tried for well over a year. I used the user name and password. Apparently both were rejected. I tried three times and was locked out. If my user name and password are not working, how do I reset them?
V.V.
Hi Louis, thank you for using our blog. We are sorry that you are having difficulties accessing your my Social Security account. 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”.
Helen J.
I am concerned, I received a scam phone call and they read out my social security number and I told them that they were wrong and then they hung up!!!. They claimed to be from the Social Security Office!!! In the meantime, I had contacted all of my creditors and bank and set up my accounts with a security code to which no one but me can enter my account. Also, I called the three Credit Bureaus to put out an alert in case someone is using my social security number for purchases or any other activities. They in turn stated that they would alert each other and if my number does come up, they can act on it. So, I am informing you of this matter and seeing what else I need to do on this matter???
V.V.
Hi Helen. We are sorry to hear that you have received one of these calls. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
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.
Aimee
Assertions in the letter are entirely without foundation, and the data cited in the letter to support the
allegations are simply incorrect, NRG spokesman David Gaier said in an email.
Hope D.
I received a phone call a couple of days ago. They said my SS Number had been compromised in Texas and wanted me to call a phone number.
I hung up. What is going on, did this call come from you or is it another fraud scheme?
Calvin B.
I keep getting a robo call with a message my Social Security account has been comprised and to call immediately.
Question: If there ever was a problem would Social Security call and leave a return number or
would I receive a letter?
Anne W.
Hello, I just received a voicemail from SSA saying my social security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. If I want info on this press 1. The number they called from was (920)541-7528. I did not reply. I believe this was a scam. Please advise
davison l.
can someone overseas use my ss card to forge or attain something fraudulently?
mary m.
CANT LOGIN, HV CORRECT INFO, PLZ RESET
Anne S.
I recently received a recorded telephone message instructing me to call this number for additional information about my social security benefits – 888-317-1608
Is this a legitimate message or a scam?
JULIAN J.
What are the factors that can cause me to lose or reduce my S.S. once I begin to collect at seventy ?