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Earlier this month, we told you about a growing scam: people pretend to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and try to get your Social Security number or your money. That scam is now growing exponentially. To compare: in 2017, we heard from 3,200 people about SSA imposter scams, and those people reported losing nearly $210,000. So far THIS year: more than 35,000 people have reported the scam, and they tell us they’ve lost $10 million.

Here’s what one of those scam calls sound like:

Scammers are saying your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it’s been involved in a crime. Sometimes, the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it. Sometimes, he’ll say your bank account is about to be seized – but he’ll tell you what to do to keep it safe. (Often, that involves putting your money on gift cards and giving him the codes – which, of course, means that your money is gone.)

Oh, and your caller ID often shows the real SSA phone number (1-800-772-1213) when these scammers call – but they’re faking that number. It’s not the real SSA calling.

Here's what to know:

  • Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who calls out of the blue. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized.
  • SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Every time.
  • The real SSA number is 1-800-772-1213, but scammers are putting that number in the caller ID. If you’re worried about what the caller says, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to the real SSA. Even if the wait time is long, confirm with the real SSA before responding to one of these calls.
  • Never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Or your bank account or credit card number.

If you get one of these calls, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
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Sasha
June 27, 2019
I received the call this morning. I listened twice to a unknown called with a robot voice trying to tell me my SSA was suspended and if I wanted to know why press one. They possibly called back again but I decline unknown users. Be careful, just listen to your gut and know that they would not hide behind a unknown number and I always argue how if they want my whole SS Number they should pick a different occupation.
concernedtaxer
June 27, 2019
I just received from 1-809-205-9768
Semsem_luxor
June 27, 2019
Got a call saying social security department administration badge number 700-5818 Leonardo Peter my social security suspended 4 suspicious activity and he need my full name and my last four digits of my social security I reject the call the way he said the phone number that I called him back it was not American way and he called himself that he based in Texas Asked me to call this number 18662382940 and he said it exactly this way no divider nothing so I doubt that he was professional and I asked him I will call you back immediately I went to report to this report
jvzumagirl
June 27, 2019
I received a call from Salt Saint Marie, MI. 906-748-9221 today. Saying my ss# was involved in drug and money laundering in Texas. My accounts were going to be frozen, etc. Person gave me his name, badge and case #. Heavy accent Terrifying
kurtc1972
June 28, 2019

In reply to by jvzumagirl

I also received a call today from 906-748-9221 leaving a message telling me the US Treasury has levied a judgment against me to garnish my social security benefits or something like that. I believed it and called the number back around 5:30 PM but there was no answering. I believed it until I stumbled upon this webpage.
Colorado
September 16, 2020

In reply to by jvzumagirl

I just got that exact call today! I said oh really and what is my ssn. They said oh we can’t give that information. So I hung up lol
rsrs
June 27, 2019
I just received a call from 1-807-205-1557, saying that some information is missing on my SSN profile and that I need to talk to the SSN department otherwise it will be locked. Then they offer to redirect my call to the correct department. They repeated the threat twice. It sounded fake. Please be aware.
Kris
June 27, 2019
I just got a call from (281) 845-3533 on Thursday June 27, 2019. They said my SSN was compromised so they stopped it. I retried the number and it was from Budget Van Lines out of Las Vegas. When I traced the call it came from outside Houston, TX on Post Street. The scammers are routing numbers through business lines, so be careful.
tbone
June 27, 2019
6/27/2019 Received SSN scam call from New York area 518-735-3637. I knew it was a scam but called the number to hear the individual's voice-- middle eastern. I wouldn't give any information but told him I reported them and the phone number to the FBI Fraud Division-- he immediately hung up.
dionnam7
June 27, 2019
robocall: same narrative as mentioned, we live in florida, they called on the land line, total scam. they will seize my bank accounts, issue a warrant for arrest, yada yada yada.
Dorishahn
June 27, 2019
I just recieved a call from (979)-319-7268 saying they were from the SS office and that my ss number has been flagged for fraudulent activity...i ask what kind and they said for opening up to many bank accounts and renting a car....first of all im pretty sure its not a crime to have more then 2 bank accounts and i definitely know its not a crime to rent a car....then she goes on to say im gonna need you to verify your ss number and your name....accuse me but if your from the ss office then you should have all that info on your screen in front of you....so i told her to tell me what my ss number is and ill tell you if its correct or not....then she voes on to say she isnt authorized to do that ...so i said well then maam neither am i ....i told her that she was a scam and to never call me again!!!
X
June 27, 2019
I engaged the idiot (without giving anything) and then cursed him out and told him he's been reported. LOL
XavQ
June 27, 2019
I ve just get a fake call and I believed it. I gave my first name, last name and the four last digit of my SSN... I am new here in the US. What is the risk for me ?
am0nstarr@
July 01, 2019
I received a call from Texas, 979-221-2366- they keep calling. Told me my SSN has been being used and the "SSA officer" I spoke with gave me a badge number, a warrant ID, a case number, and the charges that were being held against my name. I had been scammd before a few month earlier when the government was shut down so there was literally NOTHING I could do. Now this and I did it again because I was so scared that this is actually happening. WHy people are like this and feed off of others is such a disgusting and out right immoral quality in a person's character. I've called SSA, have done credit reports every so often to make sure, credit unions and so on. No one wants to talk to you. You HAVE to go online and file your report/ claim. It is irritating to say the least. I just wish I could speak to someone who could help me.
M Sn
June 27, 2019
Just got a version of this, sounded very robotic... Texas number: (281) 845-9853. I hung up.
M Sn
June 27, 2019
Just got a version of this from (281) 845-9853. I hung up.
Concerned mom
June 27, 2019
My minor daughter just got a similar call from Texas. The weird thing is that we just applied for a replacement SS card for her last week. I'm so glad she didn't answer it and told me about the voicemail rather than try to 'take care of it' herself. Thanks for warning people about this scam.
Smart lady
June 27, 2019
I received a call that my social security number was compromised. Call back this same number speak with agent Yeah and pigs fly! I went on line and found your posts. It’s very sad that people believe these scammers
Brian
June 27, 2019
I have received six (6) robo calls sounding very official with the exact scam today only! I simply hang up.
Foobeenz
June 27, 2019
27-JUN-2019 3:30PST Received a phone call from +1 (202) 630-0561 and it was a SSN Scam. Caller ID showed to be from Washington DC too. Stay safe everyone!
debbienewby1957
July 01, 2019
My Google account has a lot of phone numbers on it that is not mind! What do I need to do! Please help! It's identity theft
CODE9
June 27, 2019
I have been getting calls all day from 187 758 4082 saying that my social security number is being suspended because we found some suspicious activity and if I wanted to know more about the case to press 1. I did not answer the phone call because I didn't recognize the number but they kept leaving messages. I believe this to be a scam.
Anon and annoyed
June 27, 2019
+12816878743 +12814840921 +12812265502 +12814522721 +12811157491 +12814897141 +12812883386 +18766286218 +18767675057 Ugh they won't stop!!!
Victom
June 27, 2019
I have been receiving a voice message at least once every month. Telling me they are an agent from legal services. And that there is suspicious activity linked to my name and soc sec number. Like I said they are telling me that they are an agent for legal services. They are telling me that a rep from legal services will be at my residence or place of work to deliver the legal papers for me to sign for. It is always at the end of the month on a Thursday or Friday. Between the times of 3pm to 5pm. Please don't call them there phone number comes up as 412-318-9084 then on the voice mail they give another number to call that starts with 1-833 can't remember the rest. Then they tell you that you've been notified.
Cavthropologist
June 28, 2019
I received one of these calls from an Arcola, TX number 281-845-9853, same nonsense about the Department of Social Security.
E-Records
June 28, 2019
Social security scams are increasing day-by-day. You can often receive SS threat calls that claims to be your well wishers and ask for SSN or other card details. They can also use fake ID's similar to social security USA. If you receive these kind of calls then contact SSA ASAP for further inquiry.
Becca
June 28, 2019
I got a bunch of calls a few days ago, some left messages in a robot voice that my SSN is being suspended and to press 1. I did, and nothing happened. A few weeks ago, a strange number from Ohio called about my SSN being under suspect for crimes in Texas! I was horrified. They told me not to worry because it must have been someone stealing my identity, because it seemed suspicious and if they knew it was me, they would have been at my door arresting me. I was scared, and followed their instructions to give them my bank number and not use my bank for two days. Then these calls. I don't know what to make of it
Re
June 28, 2019
Received one of these calls yesterday and it showed it was ssi and they stated my ssn was being suspended due to criminal activity and if I didnt comply 2 officers and us Marshall's would show up at my residence. This startled me and they were asking questions about our local pdand even told me the number I have never been to the state they were saying and so hung and reported it to police. I wish these calls would stop it is beyond ridiculous
SJ
June 28, 2019
Be careful! I have now received 3 calls in 3 days from numbers that are not complete, 1 (888) 488-915, 1 (888) 692-677, 1(800) 696-008. Notice how they left the last digit off? You can't Google it to see if anyone else gets these. It is the old SSA calling me to suspend my SSN...people don't fall for this. Thankfully T Mobile gives me the "Scam Likely". Just don't answer calls you don't recognize.
Stop these calls
June 28, 2019
Received two calls: 1st one yesterday from 443-459-1115 and the 2nd call today at7:57 A. M. from 918-913-0509 with the SAME EXACT ROBO MESSAGE: This is too inform you that there are a legal enforcement actions filed against you and your social security number has been suspected for fraudulent activities. So once you get this message kindly call us back as soon as possible at this same number or press one to speak to our investigating officer. Thank you
nimajmoron
June 28, 2019
I got a call about my SS#'s suspicious activity. I didn't answer of course. Just want to add their call back # everyone should watch out for 888-922-8366
me
August 14, 2020

In reply to by nimajmoron

I called SS and they said if something was wrong they would send a letter! SS dies not call you! Don't fall for it like I almost did! Very unsettling !
Sally sand
June 28, 2019
This number (281) 358-6000 called me today with the same message. When I called back they told me it was a tailor store. I press 1 and a men picked up and on the call back a women answered.
x
June 28, 2019
The # 646.461.1723 currently one of these SSN scammers for NYC residents this summer! Just received a call and voicemail.
Oregon Resident
June 28, 2019
Here is another phone call that I just received at 9:56 am on 6/28/2019 from 281-475-1146 Saying that Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity...
DC
June 28, 2019
Call from ‭1 (888) 630-739‬ which was “Press one thank you this call is from the Department of Social Security administration the reason you have _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ call from our department is to inform you that we just suspend your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one thank you…”
D D
June 28, 2019
Well it happened again, however they used a different number. Thankfully my phone reports it to me as Scam Likely. They called at 8:36am, using the number 1-833-888-8104. An automated voice said my ss# has been used and is fraudulent and I'm going to be taken to court unless I call. I really wish they would be stopped. It is unnerving especially the first time I heard it.
Jerry in TO
June 28, 2019
Why can't the organization that assigns phone numbers just cancel the number?
Cub864
January 11, 2021

In reply to by Jerry in TO

Jerry in To, Because they have machines that scramble numbers, so that when a number shows up on your Caller ID, it's not where they are actually calling from.. The reason why I know this is because my mom was on her landline phone and she got a call from landline number.. The number showed up as if she were calling herself..
Kam
June 28, 2019
Just got call from 281 265 8453 Scam....# blocked....
PCP
June 28, 2019
I received A Scam call today about my Social Security number from 1-800-764-6304. It was left on my answering machine so I never talked to anyone.
no Calls
June 28, 2019
Several calls with this type of recording, different numbers: ‭(281) 338-7594‬, ‭(281) 167-8633‬, ‭(281) 459-9398‬, ‭(281) 944-4113‬, ‭(281) 599-4483‬, ‭(281) 696-5608‬, ‭(281) 374-9174‬. Been blocking each one of them, they just call from a different number.
Living in CA
June 28, 2019
I have received 8 calls in the last 24 hrs from a 281 area code number.
OhioGuy
June 28, 2019
received scam call from 520-595-0713 claiming to be SSA
John
June 28, 2019
I just received a call from ‭+1 (518) 735-3637‬ saying that they represent the SSA and needs to verify my social security number to give me an account update. When I asked why the SSA would contact me from a NY based number they hung up immediately.
wary American
June 28, 2019
I received 3 calls today so far from 772-617-1390. Robotic female voice says your SS number is compromised and you must call them back. Annoying. I have a business mobile and can’t install hiya or Nomorobo so I just don’t answer. That’s probably best, if one blocks them they just use another number.
Jack painter
June 28, 2019
got a call monday the sane as the message on here amd another call today claiming to be social security
Happenedinoklahoma
June 28, 2019
Correction the scammers phone number is 833 288-5146.
New york
June 28, 2019
Just had an attempt to scam me textbook to the notice on this site!!!
LynnSanDiego
June 28, 2019
I've recently received numerous calls from a Texas numbers on my voicemail telling me they're Social Security Office and my SSN has been suspended. I checked the number online and verified it's NOT from Social Security Office. So beware.