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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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January
July 12, 2019
I got a scammer calling from number 646-257-2069. It was a NY tel number and I live in NJ. Good luck everyone. Stay safe.
Username unoriginal
July 12, 2019
Got a call this morning. Claiming suspicious activity on my account,and my social security number has been suspended. The number came up as 1-646-257-2069
Sanjay99
July 12, 2019
Literally just got a call from them. The voicemail said that your social security has been suspended for illegal activities. A word of advice if you ever get a regarding ssn or bank or credit card it’s always a good idea to hang up the phone and call the actual office by yourself. You will always be safe doing so.
Lolinger
July 12, 2019
I received an automated computer voice mail saying my social security number was about to have legal proceedings against it. The number they left and on caller id is 203-489-6276
beth
September 16, 2021

In reply to by Lolinger

I got the same call saying the exact same thing and that this is the final attempt to reach me, if I fail to connect there will be legal actions taken against me and there will be a warrant out for my arrest. And they called 4 times from 4 different numbers.
jo.via
July 12, 2019
Received a phone call 10 minutes ago stating that my Social Security was being stopped unless I call this # 1 214 431 5069 person was calling from ADDISON Texas.
TJ
July 12, 2019
Received same call from 185-401-6201
Shirlz
July 12, 2019
I keep getting calls from 866-869-1017 and they never leave a message...well today they left one the second time they called and it was exactly word for word what they recording said
prostoya
July 12, 2019
I received call about my social security being suspended due to suspicious activities 646.257.2369 Scammers!!!!!
ConcernedCaller
July 12, 2019
1-800-611-1731 beware of this number as they are fake calling as well
Wendy
July 12, 2019
Got a call from 206-441-6130 claimed had arrest warrant for unlawful use of SSN and press 1 to talk to ssa officer and the person could barely speak English hung up on me because I couldn’t understand him
Kay
July 12, 2019
Got a call today from 1 800 101 1222 said my SSN was used in Texas....not
Portlandier
July 12, 2019
Yedterday I receive a phone call from a number from New York (646) 583 8921; warning me that my SSN has been suspended because a suspicious activity. Just want to let you know that this unscropulousus people will use ANY FORM to make us fall.
Pacific
July 12, 2019
7.12.2019 at 9:00am Pacific time, received this SCAM call on my cell, blocked number.
addovid
June 16, 2020

In reply to by Pacific

you blocked their phone number? that does no good, they are spoofing phone numbers. they will call you right back using a different phone number they spoof. phone number spoofing = they use a fake phone number or a phone number that's real but not their phone number
Skylica
July 12, 2019
I am receiving calls non stop from unknown and 833-416-1016 saying this is a call from the social security administration and my ssn is suspended due to suspicious activity. And the last one receive they said this is the last attempt to reach if you ignoring this and you failure to report back is a crime blah blah blah...... Please help is this a scam???
Jay
August 01, 2019

In reply to by Skylica

I received 2 calls today from that Number also stating that this is the second attempt to contact and if I ignore this, that federal prosecution revoked my rights etc etc and I will no longer be able to go before a grand jury or judge and will be locked up! When I called back it’s a call center I can tell and an Indian voice. I’ve never committed a crime in my life so It has to be a scam. 833-416-1016
Lucy
September 16, 2019

In reply to by Jay

After reading all of the above...oh my..well I can add another # to the list..855-832-4604 re: my SS and an issue...respond or they will issue an arrest warrant.
Dawn G.
August 23, 2019

In reply to by Skylica

Skylica; the number that continuously calls you is a MAJOR scam! Please block the number. They will continue to call you from different numbers each time you block and report. However, after awhile (around 6 mths or more... Sorry!) the calls will slow. I never answer an unknown number. If it's important a VM will be sent.
Jan235
July 12, 2019
Scammers also use 1-800-337-3085. The SSA will never call you if something like this happens. You will receive a certified letter in the mail. If you’re really concerned simply make a visit to your nearest SSA office.
Ryan T.
July 12, 2019
I received a very similar call from 1(800)755-3773. It asked for me to select 1 to speak with a representative.
KsGrandma
July 12, 2019
Today, July 12, 2019 I received a call from "Processor William Parker" from the Social Security Administration saying I was receiving this call because a legal enforcement action had been filed on my Social Security number for criminal activity and I should call 210-361-3102 before they proceed with their legal proceedings. I am sure this is a fraudulent call and this seemed to be the only place I could find to report it. I tried calling the Social Security, but after I was on hold for almost an hour, the call disconnected and I got a dial tone, so I wasn't able to report this to them. I'm not about to call the person who called me back at the number given and don't recommend anyone else call them either if they get a call. The message sounded a bit like a recording and not a live person, plus from what I understand, most government agencies won't call you unless you have requested a call back.
Samantha
July 12, 2019
Two calls today saying my SSN will be blocked. From 1800-229-0458 and 1800-834-6881
Chells
July 12, 2019
I just got 3 calls back to back. They must be getting desperate. ‭+1 (866) 591-9054‬ ‭+1 (866) 519-6521‬ ‭+1 (866) 812-2038‬
Fred
July 12, 2019
Received the Social Security scam call from 646-257-2061
kcat
July 12, 2019
I just received a call from number 310 7734385 stating that my social security number has been involved in fraudulent activity and that I should call them back on that number. I would like to know what the social security offices/federal government are doing to prevent these scam calls ??
tag90
July 12, 2019
I just received a voicemail from someone claiming to be Officer Jennifer Walker saying that there was fraudulent activity with my social security number. Call came from Illinois, from phone number 815-981-3103. Spoke with Shaun Morgan (employee# 13949). He said I was involved in a money laundering scheme in my state and wanted to verify the last 4 numbers of my ss#. When I refused to provide him that information he said that was the only way he could see if I was somehow involved or effected. I asked him if I could go to my local SS office to find out all this information in person and he hung up on me. I tried calling the number back and got a regular automated voicemail greeting.
L
July 12, 2019
Just got that call today. Ty for sharing!
bnms
October 22, 2019

In reply to by L

Just received a similar call from 8063293108. Didn't answer or call back.
Kitty
July 12, 2019
Recieved call twice today. First time I picked up and the second time I let it go to voicemail. Both were from 1-347-282-2918 with caller ID saying it was a New York call. Both calls were automated and said they were going to suspend my social security unless I called them back right away.
Gary
July 12, 2019
Received similar call today from Ph # 430-787-2320. I let it go to voice mail. Was instructed to call them back before they go to court and then arrest me. Oh well, I guess they will have to come to get me.
Emily Johnson
July 12, 2019
They called from 855-512-3779, robocall made to sound like a human named Becky, said they were from the Student Loan Servicing Department calling regarding student loan forgiveness. Gave a fake reference number, 01455, said to call back at 855-512-3778. I'm disabled and my student loans are already under permanent and total disability forgiveness, have been for a while now. This has been reported by the FTC on their blog as also scamming for Social Security. Many consumer agencies and websites have listed at high warning and dangerous. This scam company does not abide by the Do Not Call List, if you call them back, they will call you forever. Do not call them back.
Tracy
July 24, 2019

In reply to by Nikki

Me too!! I received two calls and they left 1 VM. Same representative and call back number (Becky..loan forgiveness program..855-512-3778) and even the same reference # 01455. Wish people like this would try WORKING FOR AN HONEST DAYS PAY like the rest of us!
Kassidy
July 12, 2019
What happens if I press 1 to speak with an investigator??? They hung up right after
fatoldgrandpadad
July 12, 2019
I received a call today from 646-257-8786 NY, NY according to caller ID. Sounded like a Computer generated voice. Suspend my SSN all you want.
Chris
July 12, 2019
This guy is trying to use fake PayPal accounts to take money
Waste their time :)
July 12, 2019
Got multiple calls from the same group of guys. Gave them a fake name and ssn. They kept calling back. So I found a YouTube video with annoying noises. Hey if I have them on the phone for 3 or 4 minutes, it saves someone else a phone call. I finally blocked the numbers.
The scam continues
July 12, 2019
Just received a call from 800-722-1213 a total scam..
Annie2019
July 12, 2019
I filed a complaint today with FTC and wanted to make anyone else aware of it too. I have received several phone calls in the last 2 months from various phone #s, mostly in CA, TX & FL saying "Your social security # was used for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings that is 818-302-0056 (Received message 7/12 @ 6:05 pm from LA, CA). Another message says that legal proceedings will proceed unless I call them back 512-861-2354 (Received message on 6/26 @ 6:49 pm from Austin, TX). Another one was received from phone# 786-217-6746 from Homestead, FL on 7/10 @ 7:05 pm. Another message was left on my cell phone on 6/17@ 5:11 pm from Upper Lake, CA 707-275-6126 saying I should call back & speak to the social security depts agent who is waiting for my call back. On 5/16 @ 11:30 am I got a message from Fremont, CA 510-578-5085 saying the same message about the agent is waiting for my call back.
upsetinCA
July 12, 2019
received call from 424-281-0251 threatening legal action against my social security # and I needed to call that number to avoid action.
Marialala
July 13, 2019
I received a voicemail saying that my social security number was going to be blocked due to suspicious activity and to press 1 to talk to one of the social security officers to help. I ignored it but two days later I got another 800 call basically giving me a last warning and to press 1 immediately to stop them from blocking my social security number. I pressed 1 and I was immediately transferred it was kinda scary because the person answered pretending to be from the social security office and you could hear other calls in the background. She asked to verify my name and I said hmm I don’t trust this then she insulted me and hung up. It was creepy I immediately blocked the number now.
Mamaposs06
July 13, 2019
I got all these numbers on my phone then the messages started. So getting worried I called the sherriff dept and did what they told me to block the calls. SSA and its usually write to the person. So I figured if its important enough they will leave a message next time these scumbags call I will give them an earful. Please don't give out any personal info I didn't and I am glad
mk
July 13, 2019
This is the text of the message: Received May 24, 2019 Station. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there are 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 on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings against you that is 410-609-4665. I repeat 410-609-4665. Thank you
T
November 17, 2020

In reply to by mk

I’ve received a voicemail saying the exact same thing, the only difference is the phone number, 425-523-7013. So I was wondering, did anything actually end up happening with your SSN? Or is it just a scam? If you could let me know it’ll me out so much. Thanks!
Doug K
July 14, 2019
I received a similar phone call from (201)405-7447.
NZ
July 15, 2019
I have been receiving calls from the following numbers all saying the same thing. "Which is "phone number" before we begin with the legal proceedings thank you and have a nice day" (281) 573-0551 (Beach City, TX), (281) 836-4809 (Houston, TX), (512) 5561-4593 (Milano, TX), (281) 241-4196 (Deer Park, TX). When answered, no one says anything and it hangs up.
Do Something!
July 15, 2019
I don’t understand how you can get a phone number without “ALL” digits (??). Why is the Government letting this happen? We pay our Taxes and We do as we are told. My “Anonymous” calling from Blocked numbers has gotten bad. Someone will call, I’ll Block the number and THAT SAME COMPANY will CALL AGAIN! We pay you ... find a way to STOP it. You’ve got Millions and Millions and Millions of Dollars ... Do Something!!
FED UP DON'T K…
July 15, 2019
Got a call today from this voice recording saying my SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER has been suspended due to suspicious activity and please press 1 to speak to an agent. The phone # came up as 1(800)360-947 well first of all there's not even enough digits in the number even if you were to call back...IDIOTS?
Do Something!
July 15, 2019
I forgot to mention ... the latest call was from ‭+1 (800) 573-003‬ Added to my many “Blocked Numbers”.