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The FTC is getting reports about people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) who are trying to get your Social Security number and even your money. In one version of the scam, the caller says your Social Security number has been linked to a crime (often, he says it happened in Texas) involving drugs or sending money out of the country illegally. He then says your Social is blocked – but he might ask you for a fee to reactivate it, or to get a new number. And he will ask you to confirm your Social Security number.

In other variations, he says that somebody used your Social Security number to apply for credit cards, and you could lose your benefits. Or he might warn you that your bank account is about to be seized, that you need to withdraw your money, and that he’ll tell you how to keep it safe.

But all of these are scams. Here’s what you need to know:

  • The SSA will never (ever) call and ask for your Social Security number. It won’t ask you to pay anything. And it won’t call to threaten your benefits.
  • Your caller ID might show the SSA’s real phone number (1-800-772-1213), but that’s not the real SSA calling. Computers make it easy to show any number on caller ID. You can’t trust what you see there.
  • Never give your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Don’t confirm the last 4 digits. And don’t give a bank account or credit card number – ever – to anybody who contacts you asking for it.
  • Remember that anyone who tells you to wire money, pay with a gift card, or send cash is a scammer. Always. No matter who they say they are.

If you’re worried about a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration, get off the phone. Then call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you’ve spotted a scam, then tell the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

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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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Kskipper
September 18, 2020

In reply to by Texan

I got the same message left on my voicemail since I dont answer calls I dont know. They said if zi didnt call back and vertify my ssi number that charges would be filed against me.I blocked one number but they called from another.
SSA Scammers
March 05, 2019
Yep, clearly a bunch of scammers. Same thing about my SS being suspended. Answered one this morning by pressing the requested “1” and told him to stop trying to call and scam. The dude proceeded to tell me they wouldn’t stop unless I paid them $5000. Told him to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine and to find a real job. He proceeded with some profanity and I just went off more on him then just hung up. These are just low-life scum. Here are the numbers from last couple days. 1-800-747-7770 1-800-747-7792 1-800-747-7778 1-800-747-7779 1-800-747-7767 1-800-747-7772
Neeha
March 06, 2019
Got a pre-recorded call . The number was : 800-747-7798 got a call yesterday about the same from a different number
jim070707
March 06, 2019
3 ssn scam calls so far today from 866 area code: 866 404 6245 866 404 6232 866 404 5589
ButterflyHime
March 06, 2019
I have been getting calls, pre-recorded at first, even leaving messages on voicemail with a callback number. When I called back or was connected it sounds like somewhere in Pakistan or that area. They claim to be SSA with an ID number, name, and case number saying there has been fraudulent activity use on my card, once the recording said my SS card had been suspended! I am being told in recordings left on vou email and when I contact the callback number that I have a lawsuit against me pending that is in process. Wow. I thought it was fake immediately and gave no information, though they seem to have my email, though I never confirmed. All I was told was to go down in person to my social security office with ID and they would give me the details that they could not over the phone! Scary! A lot of calls lately. Started from Texas where I am originally from but not any longer. 6:24 AM I got a call. Now they are using an 800-number, and law suit stuff us usually Los Angeles California! Too many calls. It is increasing each day now after it started about a week ago. I blocked, and they generate a new number.
Bigger Chev
May 10, 2019

In reply to by ButterflyHime

Today I’ve been 2 times from a Phone number that says SOC SEC ADMIN L 1-866-592-0733 telling me my social is blocked for fraud and need me to confirm it. Lol they think I’m that stupid
frdmfghtr
September 25, 2019

In reply to by Bigger Chev

They keep scamming people. I dont know why with all the technology we have here in the U.S. doesn't the government, CIA does something about it. I have a young friend who fall to this scam calling both from the IRS and her Police Department. got her to take $5000 and send it thru Bitcoins. she was very young an naive, scared. and fall on this scam. What's very sad is that those are people from other countries doing this.
Jjdunn1
March 06, 2019
Recieved two robo calls today. 800 and 888 number. Message left that my SS number was suspended due to fraudulent activity. I called number back, the person stated they were SS Administration. The person asked my SS # told them they called me so if your SS Administration then you already know it. I suspected scam. After Google search on fake calls about SS found your site and thanks for confirmation. I will pass to others the first paragraph. SS Administration does not ask for your SS number nor threaten benefits.
Azul
March 07, 2019
I received a call from a 404 850-0981, from Georgia according to the caller ID. I didn't answer so they left a message from a Ryan Smith that says that social security was link with criminal activity, that I should call back before any action against me will take place. I got scared so I called back but there was just a loud beep so I hang up. Beware.
Alex Petrov
March 07, 2019
I keep receiving these messages daily, all the time from different numbers always starting 1-866-404-****. The message is always the same recording, stating that my SSN have been suspended on the premises of some illegal activities. I never respond to the calls of such nature, cause it is an obvious fraud. Blocking the number is useless because they always calling from a new one . The most recent calls came from: 866-404-3898 866-404-4587 866-404-7467 866-404-6532 Those dudes are just begging to get locked away. I wish them to succeed in that endeavor.
Lolita
March 07, 2019
I’ve been receiving phon call from a social security administration saying my num it’s been canceled due to a fraudulent activity and when I called a man with a random accent was asking me Qurans putting me on hold then he identified him self as Eric foster with a 217j2471 num and he ask me for my 4 last digits of my social I defuse of course and after a back and forth with words he said that he was gonna send an officer to arrest me and I said go ahead I am going to be here waiting the num that called me from is 1866-404-6532
Letti J
March 07, 2019
Just got a call said that a car registered to me in Texas had drugs in it and that I will have an arrest warrant and a block on my ssn and that I could settle it with them...so I asked him “what’s my last name if all this is supposedly in my name” he said hold on and never came back on the line. Lol these people are scammers and I’m glad I saw this posting otherwise I would be stressed out probably. Thank you.
Bertie
March 08, 2019
I got another call this morning from someone claiming to be SS they called from 936-657-1845 stating my ssn was used in some crime. I am so tired of how many calls I receive a day from robocalls. They need to make it illegal... So annoying. In the last week I've already blocked 10 numbers.
TD21K
March 08, 2019
Received a call from SSA saying my number has been suspended, they called from 520-462-1305. The phone recording said to give them a direct call back.
Nic
March 08, 2019
New scam is a robocall that states your SSN has been linked to fraudulent activity and to contact the SSA representative immediately to prevent further legal action (i.e., a lawsuit) from being taken against you. The number listed on my caller ID was (501) 456-4696.
Anna
March 08, 2019
I received several calls today from 564 783 3622 with recording advising that my SSN was suspended and to press one to receive more information. Of course I hung up. I have the recording on my voicemail. I will try and have it forwarded to either SSN administration or FTC.
bett15
March 11, 2019
got a call from1- 425-526-3745 about my S.S. # called them back did not speak English very well.. I told them they should be ashamed of them self to try pray on people like they are.. they hung up
Concerned consumer
March 11, 2019
Getting robo calls from 18664046322 and they leave messages saying my SS# is suspended.
BrewCityMike
March 11, 2019
I just received a call today(3/11/19) from the number (863)271-4026 with a robo voice saying they were calling to inform me that the SSA was alerted to fraudulent activities related to my SS# and to contact them immediately before they file legal action. Now this was the first time I'd ever heard a call like this and I get TONS of robocalls daily(re:my stay at "X"hotel(never happened), the school loan I inquired about(I didn't) or my about to expire car warranty(I drive a '97 tahoe that hasn't had a warranty since before I was old enough to drive) but this was new to me so it caught my attention but since the recording said the call back number so fast and didn't offer the option to hear the number again I couldn't take it down and decided to just call back the number that called me. When I did I got a middle-eastern man saying 'Social Security Administration, who can I help you?' I replied that I just got a recorded call regarding some supposed fraud and he cut me off and asked my name which I told him but then he said 'ok well give me you SS# so I can verify I'm speaking with the right person' to which I immediately hung up, did some Googling and found this site, lol
scammersstopca…
September 18, 2019

In reply to by BrewCityMike

I received two calls today with a robocall sounding identical to your description. I received the call from the number 1-863-271-4026 and they're saying to call them back at the same number you specified (863) 271-4026. I'm going to block them.
Mzfedup
March 11, 2019
I've received a pre-recorded call from China apparently, +86 64043359 from the Dept. of SSA saying they have noticed some suspicious activity and to review the case, then they went ahead and "suspended" my social security number supposedly. Totally sick of these calls! Do not answer these ridiculous scammers.
Jack
March 12, 2019
Received two calls today 866-404-2733 & 866-404-2842 in a computer-generated voice "This Call from the Department of Social Security Administration the reason you have received thisPhone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspended your social security number because we found some suspicious activity so you want to know about this case just press one thank you" 1st number called back to give em hell if I could and came back with a recording to enter into a vacation for two survey and second number rang to a fax line. Wish i could trace....grrrrrr
Drew
March 13, 2019
I got a call last night saying that I would be arrested if I didn't want to take all of my money out of the bank and wire it to a code. The number was 7027452574. When I hung up and told them I felt like they were calling me and scamming me, they called me back as 911.
Gracie
March 13, 2019
I received a phone call saying I am on the verge of fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call us back at (682) 238-4971. Before we begin this legal proceeding thank you. It was a recording like a robotic voice.
Rachel
May 13, 2019

In reply to by Gracie

Had the same message today verbatim. Except call back number was 817 612 0573
Pasha
May 14, 2019

In reply to by Gracie

I received a robocall with a robotic voice today from (817) 612-0573. Something about fraud and to call back before beginning legal proceedings. I didn't answer, they left a message. Blocked the number.
LJEANDW04
March 13, 2019
Got a call saying they were from the legal department of the SS administration. Said my SSnumber had been sepended and they had filed a case under my name. I needed to call 877-701-2138 before this goes to the Federal courthouse for my arrest...
LJEANDW04
March 13, 2019
Got a call saying they were from the legal department of the SS administration. Said my SSnumber had been sepended and they had filed a case under my name. I needed to call 877-701-2138 before this goes to the Federal courthouse for my arrest...
kserrano
March 14, 2019
I just received a call from 832-220-5698 claiming about my illegal criminal, and to call this number before they start legal procedures. I called them back just to see and they did answer so I know it is a legitimate phone number. Is this a scammer?
What to do?
March 14, 2019
So....I just tried calling social security and they tell you to call the federal trade commission. Federal trade commission then says hang up and file a complaint on line. WHY the run around??
VHS_bedford
March 14, 2019
I have been receiving calls about criminal activity linked to my social security number from the phone 650-530-7227. The caller with Indian accent is reading from a script. I have ignored the calls.
JWh05
March 14, 2019
Got a call twice today claiming that, "The Department of Social Security Administration" is calling to inform me "there is a legal enforcement action" that has been filed on my social security number for "fraudulent activity." They would like me to call them back (not likely) at 928-297-0313.
Marie555
March 15, 2019
I just got a call saying my SSI number was frozen. Like really ok I believe you. The issue is so many who do not realize they are being scammed go with these scammers. I put alerts on my number through the credit bureaus. It makes me sick to know how many innocent victims fall for this.
thom
March 15, 2019
I recieved several calls today from 866 404 5462 stating my SS # number has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
Somer
March 18, 2019
Received a call today from 800-772-1243 that instructed me to call the SSA at 484-291-3013. Also said to do not disregard the message as it is very serious. I called back. Not because I was afraid, but rather that if they are on the phone with me then that is a few extra minutes that they are not on the phone with someone who may fall for their scam. I threw them off by calling from my office phone since they could not verify who they were trying to call. They asked me to verify my DOB and last 4 of SSN. I kindly told them that they called me so they should have all that info. I was hung up on 3 different times.
Hurting
March 19, 2019
Received a "robo" (recorded) call from "Name Unavailable 332-872-9561" at 10:53am on 3/19/19 stating "they" were from the Dept. of Social Security Administration and (a) social security number was suspended due to suspicious activity and if (we) wanted to know about the case, (we) were to press "1". We did not answer this call, this message was left on our voice mail (we screen ALL calls). As a note, there are more than one persons living at this phone number but no specific identifiable information was left....
annp
March 20, 2019
Just got a similar call from 917-909-1213. Automated message and I hung up as soon as it told me all my Social Benefits would immediately be cut off. How do I officially report it?
BeeJay
March 20, 2019
Receive automated call saying my SSN had been suspended due to suspicious activity and I should call 512-879-6524 right away. The number is a nonfixed VOIP number. On another site, that number is is identified as belonging to a Jodi Crowder- Independence Loop, Austin TX. However this may not be the owner at all. I did not call back.
Paula
March 21, 2019
Got this call followed my this message 5x yesterday. Call originated from Seguin, TX. “Has been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity so when you get this message speak to our office or or kindly call us back on our hotline number 830-386-4976 I repeat that is 830-386-4976 disregard this notice and the return the call before we begin with the legal proceedings against you thank you…”
SEEN IT BEFORE
March 21, 2019
call today claiming to be "Social security dep't" telling me there wasa lawsuit against my SS number and call back to get it taken care of before they get a judgement and take my money ( words to that effect) Obviously a scam, but it never surprises me that SOMEONE will fall for it. The number to call was given as 832 - 220 - 5730... 832 area code covers an area in and around HOUSTON TEXAS...
SEEN IT BEFORE
March 21, 2019
call today claiming to be "Social security dep't" telling me there wasa lawsuit against my SS number and call back to get it taken care of before they get a judgement and take my money ( words to that effect) Obviously a scam, but it never surprises me that SOMEONE will fall for it. The number to call was given as 832 - 220 - 5730... 832 area code covers an area in and around HOUSTON TEXAS...
Dave C
March 22, 2019
Started happening after registering my new laptop with Microsoft...Why can’t the ‭(866) 404- numbers just be blocked on a national level? ‭+1 (866) 404-2355‬ ‭+1 (866) 404-2348‬ ‭+1 (866) 404-2159‬ ‭+1 (866) 404-2120‬ ‭+1 (866) 404-1999‬
Claudia
March 23, 2019
I just got that call today. 3/22/2019 I hung up after listening to the recorded message about my stolen SSN. I blocked it since this is so common and decided to look it up and sure enough it's a scam. FYI folks there are way too many scammers out there. Tell the world!!! Especially children
Claudia
March 23, 2019
I just got that call today. 3/22/2019 I hung up after listening to the recorded message about my stolen SSN. I blocked it since this is so common and decided to look it up and sure enough it's a scam. FYI folks there are way too many scammers out there. Tell the world!!! Especially children
knightangel9
March 25, 2019
Just got a phone call from a scammer saying they had my social security in Texas and that there's being used here is the number 201-514-5791
Rani
March 25, 2019
Please advise: I received a call today saying that calling SSN office and they were asking my first name last name and SSN. I gave all the details after that I realized that its fake call. Now I worrying on what they can do with my details.
Chrisblively
March 25, 2019
I received a call from 206-452-2810 I knew immediately it was fraudulent and I called the number to report it and they gave me a different number and then that one gave me a different number and then that we gave me a different number I ended up just coming on here and leaving a comment because apparently there is no real place to report it
Mark, your SSN…
March 25, 2019
I received two separate calls with two different pre-recorded messages telling me my SSN had been suspended and to call 2 different numbers to clear it up. Both calls came from what my caller ID said was Chicago 312-612-0563. If it's that serious then have a live person on the other end of the line.
Ronnie 3-26-19
March 26, 2019
I received a msg. on my answering machine stating that SSA has been trying to reach me and it was a final notice about an order to suspend my SS due to fraudulent activity concerning my SS number and I have 24 hours to contact SS at 240-397-6727.
Don't use your…
August 20, 2019

In reply to by Ronnie 3-26-19

I got a call from ss and they left a voice mail. Knowing they’ll never call you I didn’t answer or call back the number they gave me. Here’s the two numbers in case they should contact you. 888-808-5481...1-800-269-0271. I know they use so many different numbers but there is the two numbers they tried to get me with have a good day and don’t answer your phone