The Online Identity Verification Process 
One of our most important responsibilities is protecting your investment and personal information. Social Security takes this responsibility very seriously , and we have a robust cybersecurity program in place to help us succeed. Our security process follows federal guidelines that includes additional security measures so we can be sure that you are who you say you are when you conduct online business with us. To protect the privacy of your identity and your information , we are using a new identity verification process. The new process : Requires you to sign in with a username and password ; Offers extra security ; and Complies with federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. In addition to your username and password , you can choose either your cell phone or email address as your second identification method when you sign in to or register for my Social Security. Two forms of identification when signing in will help better protect your account from unauthorized use and potential identity fraud. Each time you sign in to your account , you will complete two steps : Enter your username and password. Enter the security code we send by text message or email , depending on your choice cell phone provider text message and data rates may apply. If you choose to receive your one - time security code through email , you can add NO-REPLY@ssa.gov to your contact list to make sure it does not go into your spam or junk folder. For additional tips to help you stay safe and secure online please visit the Federal Trade Commission's OnGuard Online. 

If You Cannot Or Do Not Want To Create An Account Online 
If you are unable or unwilling to create an online account , you may still create an account in person by visiting your local Social Security office. 

If You Want Extra Security 
We offer you the choice to add extra security when you create an online account. In the past , we told you Social Security would never ask for your credit car

user: I think someone is trying to scam me by e-mail by using you guys as a cover.  What should I do?

assistant: Are you sure the e-mail did not come from Social Security or one of our marketing firms?

user: yes, I am mostly sure

assistant: Okay, in that case don't respond to the email or click on any links contained in the email message . We recommend you report the incident by forwarding the suspicious email to the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team US - CERT at phishing-report@us-cert.gov or go to   http://www.us-nocert.gov/nav/report_phishing.html .

user: and how do you guys protect my account so no one signs in and looks at my info?

assistant: When you sign in to your account ,you will complete two steps Enter your username and password, then you enter the security code we send by text message or email 

user: Okay, I hope you guys really take care of our info, right?

assistant: One of our most important responsibilities is protecting your investment and personal information .Social Security takes this responsibility very seriously , and we have a robust cybersecurity program in place to help us succeed .

user: Is this all new with the signing in and code?

assistant: we are using a new identity verification process . that Requires you to sign in with a username and password for extra security

user: what other steps can I take to make sure no one uses you guys to try to scam me?

assistant: If an email includes a business name , telephone number , or website link , verify the legitimacy of these items by searching for the official number or website in a search engine .Do not respond to emails requesting personal information .Reputable businesses and public agencies will not ask you for personal information in an email .