Frauds & Scams

Update to New Online Security

August 15, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

MFAOn July 30, 2016, Social Security began requiring new and current my Social Security account holders to sign into their account using a one-time code sent via text message. This second layer of security that requires more than a username and a password is known as “multifactor authentication.” We recently mandated this second layer of security to comply with the President’s Executive Order on Improving the Security of Consumer Financial Transactions. We implemented it aggressively because we have a fundamental responsibility to protect the public’s personal information.

Our aggressive implementation resulted in some of our customers being unable to access their personal my Social Security accounts.  We listened to the public’s concerns, and have temporarily rolled back this mandate.

As before July 30, current account holders will be able to access their secure account using only their username and password. We highly recommend the extra security text message option, but it will not be required. Now, we are developing an alternative authentication option, besides text messaging, that we will implement within the next six months.

We strive to balance security and customer service options, and we want to ensure that our online services are both easy to use and secure. The best way to secure your information is to create a personal my Social Security account. If a person already has an account, a fraudulent attempt to create an account would be unsuccessful. The my Social Security service has always featured a robust verification and authentication process, and it remains safe and secure.

We regret any inconvenience you may have experienced. Open or access your personal my Social Security account today.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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  6. thomas h.

    cant log in 3 attempts locked out been on hold on 2 p[hones for 3 hours you suck

  7. Karen B.

    I recently changed my name legally, due to a divorce and did update my Social Security Card with my new (Maiden) name. I also have a my Social Security account set up, which I created years ago. I would like to change my username on my account. Can I change my existing username on my Social Security account?

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  9. Elizabeth A.

    My account has been suspended. I’m not sure why because I had stored my login on a spreadsheet so I wouldn’t forget it. I no longer have a US phone number to text a security code to. It is unclear to me which phone number I should call to speak with someone about resetting my login. I wanted to sign up to not receive notifications through the mail. Can you either provide a phone number for this assistance, or steps I can use online to reset my login?

    • L.A.

      Hi, Elizabeth. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access your account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  10. Ven I.

    Hi, Can log in to my SocialSecurity account but not getting the text messages with the security code on my cell phone even the website says it is sent. This has happened over several months. Thanks for your assistance.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ven. If you are still unable to access your 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.

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