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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.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Won't answer m…
June 21, 2019
I have received more than a dozen of these calls. Most were from California area code.
Barryfan69
June 21, 2019
I received a robo called yesterday from phone number 718-531-4451 claiming to be social security that my social security was suspended due to suspicious activity and to press 1 for further info i let it go to my voice mail I called the SSA the recording said for these kind of vocals to call the inspector general office I called u can’t talk to anyone all I get is recordings then to call the federal trade commission can’t get through either no wonder why this goes on no one does anything and passes the buck
gg
June 21, 2019
I’ve gotten about 8 calls in the past two days all from the same area code (510) 112-7xxx
javgon9
June 21, 2019
Received a call from 707-376-8502 saying that they were with the Social Security Administration. And the person claimed to be an investigator. When I rejected providing any information, the call was disconnected.
Help me
June 21, 2019
Please help. I got his call and I pressed one! They said there has been fraud on my social please press 1 for more information 8 pressed one . What does this do and how can I fix it . Thank h for your help
Metoo
June 21, 2019
Received 3 or 4 calls in the last week from a restricted #, same message left.
HiDVan
June 21, 2019
Received a call today from 281-622-4749 (Cleveland TX) with the exact recording as shown on the website.
sondra
June 21, 2019
i just got a call from 347.305.6245 > the voicemail said this is the Department of Social Security and my SS # was suspended because of suspicious activity and Press 1 if I would like to hear more.
LyannaS
June 21, 2019
Just got this VM on my mobile today. Have had around 7 SS scam calls in the last two weeks.
kkknixon
June 21, 2019
Received a robocall to the tune that is exactly on that recording. The number that called is 1-877-842-4240.
Ssnfraud
June 21, 2019
I received a call today about my ssn same voicemail but the number registered on my cell as 800 889930 ( I know a digit is missing)
CMH
June 21, 2019
1-872-356-0071 IS A SCAMMER! They call you from Chicago saying they are with the Social Security Admin. wanting you to call back with your SSN and threatening an arrest warrant, etc. This has been a confirmed scammer.
lillian c.
June 21, 2019
I am receiving calls that will not stop from 1-800-205...My phone carrier allows me to block numbers so I have blocked every call coming in from those first six digits but they continue incessantly each time changing the last four numbers. Only one has left a message, and of course it's the social security scam once again. I don't ever pick up, but continue to block call after call. I wish I could put a stop to this, but I refuse to call them. So..be on alert for calls beginning in: 1-800-205..
Jimmycee66
June 21, 2019
Receiving repeated calls from 855-427-8848 that there is suspicious activity on my ss number and it will be suspended unless I call back. Three calls in 3 days. Typical robotic voice with poor grammar! Lol.
Jkilarr
June 21, 2019
I received this call. I wasn’t sure if it was a scam but I was suspicious because there was a lot of background noise. The person had a very thick accent and he stated my social security number was being used in Texas and had been used to open several bank accounts all in the amounts of $30,000 to $50,000 and they wanted to know how much money my bank account had? He said I was being investigated for drug smuggling and money laundering. He didn’t ask for the account numbers but he did ask for my social security number. Ray Martin was his name and 77638 Dc7010 Was his number. I called the IRS to check anything off and I called the FBI.
SmartPerson
June 21, 2019
New message from the scammers and a new phone number to be made public. 800/674/9548. They never stop because people fall for it.
Once upon a time
June 21, 2019
212 657 2791 from New York, New York My SSN is being used fir some kind of fraudulent activities in the South Border of Texas. So please in order go ahead get more information to speak with officer or press one I repeat press one thank you and have a great day. They called like 4 times already computer voice, I answered once and push nothing it disconnected me. June 21, 2019
Pennsylvania
August 09, 2019

In reply to by Once upon a time

Same message happened for me today - My SSN is being used fir some kind of fraudulent activities in the South Border of Texas. So please in order go ahead get more information to speak with officer or press one I repeat press one thank you and have a great day.
Jeff2sail
September 18, 2019

In reply to by Pennsylvania

I just had the same message but this was a woman’s computer voice.. the message was the same ending in “Have a Nice Day”.! How Stupid in having a ending message like that. If you took this message seriously that would not be a message one would like to hear.. Thanks for your post.
Thatonefoo
June 21, 2019
1800)205-6060 gott a call from this number prerecorded message in CA ...
LKaye
June 21, 2019
Received (scam) call about my SS being suspended. Number they left was: (347) 305-6249. Stay vigilant!
Gunnery trainer
June 21, 2019
I got a call from 5101127850 saying that my social security card is suspended at first I thought the person who’s calling me mistaken me as another guy because I always get calls from other people so a dialed 1 after dialing it a person calls asking my name and before saying it I hung up after that I looked up and noticed that it was a scam thankfully I didn’t give any personal information
Yohan
June 21, 2019
"and git you arrested" That's all you need to hear to know it's a scam.
Sam
June 21, 2019
I GOT CALL YESTERDAY FROM (833)760-7606 , (800)351-6548 AND TODAY FROM: (800)303-2399
Wangari
June 21, 2019
I recieved a call today. Told them not to worry I will walk in to a Social security office that is close to me and the hang up on me. The number was +8002059421
Allysmudge10
June 21, 2019
I just received a robot call from a 747 area code saying it was social security think it must be a scam
babs 61
June 21, 2019
We just got a call stating "your SS# is the subject of legal action, call xxx-xxx-xxxx immediately to protect your SS benefits" The number they called is a business landline, so easy to tell it was a scam. Also I personally was overpaid SS benefit for a year and SS did not contact me by phone, but by letter. They were very kind when I contacted them and I was able to repay them slowly at no interest.
Florida Nicole
June 21, 2019
I just got the call today saying mine was suspened. I hung up before pressing and numbers to "resolve."
Jaden122499
June 21, 2019
I received a call from19568203275.....stating they were the authorities and someone reported fraud using my social security number..press option 1 ..i hung up. Is that a scammer ?
ScamCop59
June 22, 2019
213-621-6920 is one of those Social Security scam numbers be aware!!
Cindy Ortiz
June 22, 2019
I just got a phone message telling me that my number is suspended. It said to call it back and press 1 if I wanted to know more about the illegal activity . But when I tried calling it back the number wasn't a valid number... Thank God they're not very good at this.
Dmf
June 22, 2019
I just received a call from 1-866-931-7075 They had the same automated msg that ssi has about .there employees impersonate a ssi employeee and dont listen to them etc. Report the call etc. So i reported the call, they all seem so real to. Me.
Anu
June 22, 2019
I received multiple calls from 18009314582 18006794476 saying your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity,
laurajensen70
June 22, 2019
“_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_…” Goes on to say u will have to be arrested and a warrant for you number is 12658945635. Literally got this moments ago
Costa
June 24, 2019
‭+1 (877) 654-3662‬ ‭+1 (877) 803-6433‬ ‭+1 (877) 130-5876‬ This number are calling saying that they are fro social Security Administration
ScottE
June 24, 2019
I am getting about 10 of these calls per day. How can I make them stop? Why is this scam still going on?
lledrac
June 24, 2019
got a call from this number saying my social had been compramize and when I told him I had already talk with some one at the social office he hung up quick. 1-832-681-9993
Pearl1578
June 24, 2019
just got two calls saying my social security number was being suspended please press #1... from 877-234-8255 it was on my voice mail...did not return call.
Not today
June 24, 2019
I received the same robo message within 20 minutes from 2 different phone numbers saying my ss# was suspended and to call them regarding the account. I don't think so!!! Phone #'s (877) 053-7413 & (877) 214-6171
Nihlu1521
June 24, 2019
I got a call from 844-401-0121 saying I should call a number I don't have good memory on remembering, they called twice informing me of fraud and I'm terrified, I never would do something like that
Ap1979@PB
June 24, 2019
8162350726 is the number that called me. It came up from Kansas City
jJoniak
June 24, 2019
I have also received a call today from an unknown name and the number is (800)- 025-1697. I received a recording at first claiming that there was an issue with my SS# and the bba, and I would be connected shortly if I was disconnected to call another number back. They immediately asked me to verify my name, I said no you called me so what is this in regards too. Then they hung up immediately
Lizardkane
June 24, 2019
I keep receiving calls from this recorded message from SSA and he's telling me to call back right away as my accounts are being frozen and my SS number is being used illegally! This person calls everyday! The number he is telling me to call is 1-833-557-2529. I'm not sure what's the rush? What can they do if I call that number? Very bothersome! Especially when I'm not well.
Justamom62
June 24, 2019
I received a call with a machine/mechanical voice message on my voicemail with a 202 area code and they said it was a Officer Mandabar or Mandabarn(s) from Social Security. I figure it was fake because if it truly was an Officer M?? why wouldn't he call me directly. I waited two terrifying weeks and am just about to call SSA to check. If it isn't fake I will come back and edit my message or delete it. What do you think.
NativeDave
June 24, 2019
I have received 3 calls in the span of 1.5 hours all from a different number. 877 371-8969, 877 979-2316, and 877 954-4442. I answered the 3rd one and it was an automated message telling me my SSN had been used fraudulently and to press 1. Ridiculous that a scammer can get this close
Bill
June 24, 2019
I just got that same call from 866 620 6635. Beware they have called me three times.
ss
June 24, 2019
Just got call from 813 474 1989
gclenoir
June 24, 2019
I just got a call from 800-205-1441 saying that my social security payments had been suspended due to suspicious activity.
GOOD SAMARITAN
June 24, 2019
Just Got a call from 804-2074937 number stating that my SSN is about to be suspended, I just want to make people aware of this number