With all the news about data hacks that have exposed the Social Security numbers of millions of Americans, I thought I’d take a moment to talk to you about securing your account.
Armed with the right information, someone could file a claim using your name, have your benefits sent to them. But there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
If you’ve signed up for online access to your Social Security account, make sure you take advantage of the option for two-factor authentication. Click here to log in.
You can choose an email address or a cell phone number. Just make sure you keep it up-to-date.
If you don’t want to access that information online, or you’re afraid you’re a victim of ID theft, you can block electronic access to your social security account. If you want to regain electronic access later, you can always contact the Social Security Administration and request that they unblock the account at a later date. Call the SSA National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
I wasn’t aware this was an option and I’m glad you brought this forward.
My SS # has already been stolen and I have blocks & flags on my account. They tried to get my tax refund. Many problems with ID theft. Lately windows 10 updates are failed. I keep getting flag there is going to be an update, but they fail to update for some reason? Trish