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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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Social Security Impersonators

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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.
  • 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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screw scammers
March 05, 2019
Here is another one to add to the list 1-800-921-7504 been calling me since yesterday
Maryanne
March 05, 2019
I just received a call on my cell phone. A voicemail in a robotic voice stated suspicious activity was found on my SS#. I didn't call back. They called yesterday too. The number was 866-933-6799. Don't answer.
The Private Citizen
March 05, 2019
Add (415) 306-9356 to the list. Blame the telephone company for allowing number spoofing. Ask your local P.D. if it is possible to spoof a "911" call. The telephone companies will not allow the "spoof" number through. I think the consumer is entitled to the same service. Service provider - STOP ALLOWING THE SPOOFING!
Predino
March 05, 2019
Here are 2 more numbers; 800-325-0778 912-208-0755 Social Security Scammers, I usually talk to them as long as they will let me and ask them tons of questions. They usually get mad and say bad things or just hang up on me. But remember only give them false information!!! Have Fun.....
ChicagoStrawberry
March 06, 2019
Yesterday I received 3 calls, none of which I answered: 800-747-7789 800-747-7790 832-246-4965 I called back the last number and a gentleman (with no foreign accent by the way) answered asking for me to verify my information by giving him my name and address. I hung up. This morning I got another call from 800-747-7799 which I answered. It was a very similar prerecorded message to the one posted here. I got scared for a second, but then found this post. Glad I never gave any information! I'm thinking next time they call, I will have a little fun with these scammers.
CJ
March 13, 2019

In reply to by ChicagoStrawberry

I had a blast with calling back 231-412-8444 who claimed to be with the SSA. I called them 30 times in a row; each time a different message for them. They now will not take my calls lol!
21player21
July 18, 2019

In reply to by CJ

That is awesome, lol. I got a call today and had some fun with them to. Nice move!
BRS2006
March 06, 2019
FYI, new number to be added to the list. Received an automated call today from 760-878-5020, CA, stating of suspicious activity with my SS number and that they were going to suspended it. Then they asked to press 1 to hear more about this case..I did not answer the call because I did not recognized the number from my contacts. I just let the voicemail picked it up and listened to the recording afterwards. Please, also be careful with unknown or blocked numbers. Personally, I will not answer those calls at all.
Bigdog
March 06, 2019
Bradr posted that you should get an unlisted number and be removed from the phone book.....This would work 20 yrs ago when no one had a cell phone...I have not had a lan line to my home for 15 yrs and I get several calls daily from these con artist. I do not answer and when we are finished I block that call.
Tania
March 06, 2019
I got a call from 1(800)747-7813. Same type of scam. When you call the number back, it does not work. So I picked up the call on the third call, listened to the pre-recorded message and pressed #1 to talk to an operator. When I asked the gal (she sounded to be from India or Pakistan) whether there were not better jobs available for her, she said no and hung up on me. Sad.
Renee
March 07, 2019
“Hey enforcement actions have been filed on your Social Security _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call us back on our hotline number 512-553-0934 I repeat that is 512-553-0934 I don't disregard this notice and do return the call before we begin this is a legal proceedings against you thank you…”
Julie
March 07, 2019
I received a called from a John Lee from phone number 949-505-8835 and he said his badge number was 3156219AC. He asked if I had been contacted by the local police yet because he was calling from the SSA office and there was a warrant for my arrest because of some cars that the DEA found drugs in. He asked that I verify my Bday (which unfortunately I did) but then asked to verify my SSN, I said I did not want to give it over the phone, he assured me that he understood but he could not pull up my case to help me unless I did. I then hung up.
Mikedude
March 07, 2019
Just got this SCAM call today. The number calling was 908 428 4913. Same robot voice saying the almost the same as in the display recording here. Except it said to press 1 to get this solved now.
MM60
March 07, 2019
Today 3-7-2019 just got a call - saying there is a SS Agent with an Arrest warrant waiting for me due to suspicious activity on my SS#. They ask me to call 609-473-0597 to speak to a SS Deputy Officer.
cat
March 08, 2019
Received one of these calls today and heard the message through voicemail. Made me raise an eyebrow, but doubted the legitimacy because they called the voIP number. Glad there are places to report things like this. Last week I got another one from supposedly 'careerbuilder' that wanted me to do work for them, involving secret shopping. Don't fall for that either. That too, is also a scam.
Caro
March 08, 2019
Just got this call, scam, scam... the number they used was 415 789 4578
Jones
March 08, 2019
Just got calls from 1-800-747-7852 and 1-800-747-7849. Both scammers threatening with arrest and jail and asking for personal information, bank accounts etc. Please take action.
ScamChanging, …
March 08, 2019
Seems the scam calls have changed what their urgency in contacting their next victim is about. Though still prerecorded computerized sounding voice with Soc Sec Admin actual telephone number on Caller id, what is concerning is that they are not really interested in speaking with you directly. I answered but no one interrupted to break in with their requests? That and the computer generated voice repeats the number to call back so quickly, unless you have pen and paper right there and know short-hand, you won’t be getting that number down in-time before they hang up. Makes you wonder if they’ve figured out a way or designed an app that captures your info for as long as you stay on the phone? Like tracing apps do..?? Seems to me, if they don’t want to speak to us yet are still calling, they’re getting something of ours without us ever knowing what that might be, believe in THAT. Meanwhile, nothing the govt can do while we are robbed of our identities and for way too many known - their life savings. The Govt can do many things in my experience - when “it” wants to. It just has to want to.
Disgusted with…
March 11, 2019
The telephone number on my caller id was 210-874-0994 from San Antonio Texas and the instructions were to call that number .
Wookiee
March 11, 2019
866-404-6478 is the number used to call me today for this scam.
Backinbusiness
March 12, 2019
I got this call today and transferred to a rep . i did not give any information but this is scarey. I hope they find them and arrest these people!
AJ
March 12, 2019
California scam call similar to real SSA number: 800-772-1241
KySuzy
March 12, 2019
New Social Security Scam number..530-495-4703 has called every phone I have and tried to pull a scam..they cuss you when u call them out,just posting a number for everyone to look out for as a scammer.
Dersfe567
July 21, 2020

In reply to by KySuzy

Callers may be checking your voice messages remotely. Depending on the # of digits in your remote access code they can easily put in numbers manually or by computer. Even if you block the # or screen the call they can still press in a remote access code. Maybe if your access code is about 8 digits it would be more difficult for someone to access your voice messages.
ct
March 12, 2019
800 025 1548 - just called to let me know my social security account was suspended - they knew my name, but I did not say it was me that they asked for. I said nothing and I asked who they were. They then hung up.
Marty
March 13, 2019
Got 2 call on Illinois for ssa scam Look for these numbers. 8052487660 8582014796
MooseDon't use…
March 13, 2019
They called my elderly parents. I called them back and they said they were from the SSA. I asked them to email my government address and they refused. When I told them my job title (Federal Investigator) they hung up. The stupid thing is i called back 3 times and went through the whole process before they figured out I was screwing with him.
rakeshm
March 14, 2019
Just recd. call from 866 404 3247. Message was same like the one on this page except "arrest info" it asked me to press "1" I asked - which dept and with whom i'm speaking with. There was lot of background noise. I hung up when he asked me last 4 digits of SSN.
stormtime
March 14, 2019
I just got one of those calls.....it was a mechanical womans voice who said those things. They asked me to press 1 to speak to an agent. I did and someone with a strong Indian accent who called themselves Jim Walker asked me for my name. I said why do you want to know that and told me about the SSA number had been sited in criminal activity etc. I told him it was a load of crap and that this was a scam. He hung up
Beedeebee
March 29, 2019

In reply to by stormtime

I got the same call just now. I called back, same Indian accent gentlemen claiming to have the last name walker answered. I told him how funny it was that I just read about “him” on a scam website from a few days ago. He hung up. I called back and the number was disconnected. This phone number although I knew was a scam. Was 202-217-0531
Scam Number (3…
March 14, 2019
Just got a voicemail scam from someone saying they were from the SS admin.
Frustrated
March 14, 2019
This scammer keep calling my elderly mother. This person calls 3-5 times a day and says her social security number has been breached and they have warrant for her arrest. The number is 888-627-3267.
NL
March 14, 2019
I just received a call from 1-602-529-3518 with similar message but it is slightly different as the caller told me to press 1 to talk to an officer. I know better not to fall into such scam.
me
March 14, 2019
(866) 404- xxxx - got three calls in a row today with same robotic male voice (I think it's a recording and not a "live" caller with altered voice.) "Press 1 now for this case. This is the Social Security Administration. We have suspended your social security number due to suspicious circumstances. Press 1 now." Do NOT press 1; warn all your friends, relatives, colleagues about this scam. Seems like these scam calls may be why the phone call wait time at the Social Security dept. is so long now. How do we stop them??
M - scam numbe…
March 15, 2019
They must be on a roll today! I just got a voice message from 213.600.7616 with a similar message. Called it back and the guy could not even pronounce my name much less speak English. He hung up and I called from several different numbers to where they just picked up the phone and hung up. Hmmmm, how does it feel to be on the other end?
CHEYENNE7878
March 15, 2019
(409)359-2408 SCAM NUMBER TO BE ADDED TO LIST
PYZ
March 15, 2019
I've been getting calls from more than five different (866) ***-1213 numbers these two days. I am doing job search recently and worrying about my information being used illegally by some websites. This is really bothering me.
TiredOfScams
March 16, 2019
I just got a call left on voicemail of my private business phone so these must be random auto dialing, robo calls! I have robo blocker on my personal cell but this is the first time I received the call on my work cell.
jodi
March 16, 2019
I got a scam call from the following phone numbers - 325 307 4653 and 202 844 7774. They are claiming your SSN is being suspended. Beware..
NickD
March 18, 2019
Received this spam call as well
Jade
March 18, 2019
Thanks for this info. I just received one of these calls posing as SSA, from a 562-247-5244 number. They threatened to issue a warrant for my arrest which is ridiculous. These scams are so annoying, and hopefully less people will fall for it if we all keep updated here. :-)
kc
March 18, 2019
Received a call from a 7862067265, Florida number. States that they had a fraud alert on my SSN. Wanted me to verify my SSN to make sure that they had the right person for security purposes. I told them NO and hung up
cm
March 18, 2019
This is the Number that keeps calling me about it 1 64645218262
Dillon
March 19, 2019
I answered one of these calls and lady with a very heavy Latina accent answered and I gave her the last 4 digits of my ssn what's gonna happen?
Raina88
March 19, 2019
Just checked my phone and it said i had a voice mail, so i check the voice mail it had a pre recorded message saying something about fraud and they were going to press charges on me. The number was 903-292-0256. So i called it back it was busy for 5 min before i could get threw to anyone. But when they finally picked up the man said yeah give me a couple minutes. I said hello? He said can you hear me? I said yeah. He went silent and repeated it again can u hear me. I finally said yes i can hear u i said i got a call from tbis number stating social security was going to press charges on me for fraud. He said are u calling from the number on which u got the voicemail. I said uh yeah he said hold on a min, he put me on hold for 2 min then came back on and said is this Rayane and said my last name i said its raina but yes he said ok let me get your social security # and birthdate please i said for what u havent even told me what this is for. He said so i can verify its you. I got mad and asked is this call being recorded? He said yes. I said ok then i want who ever to know this you should be explaining to me why i got the letter and i have been on ssi for 15 years i have never frauded anything and if u want to press charges on me you know my address and another thing is the ssi doesnt call me from a 903 number not in 15 years so let who ever it is know they can send me court papers in the mail. And i hung up. I was going to calling social security but im not i know i didnt do anything wrong. And they would have sent me a letter.
mm
March 19, 2019
I received a robot call a couple of months ago and again this a.m. from the same woman with the same voice. She had perfect english with almost an imperceptible British accent. Her tone was official and business like. I heard her say that she was from "The Social Security Administration" and something about an "investigation". Thankfully, in this case I was glad that I was hard of hearing. I had a moment of concern and then I remembered that if they wanted to tell me something, that they would write. Then I hung up. Didn't catch the phone number. The important thing for us seniors is to remain calm and never ever give out private information over the phone or internet. Guard your information and your wallet. You can never be certain that the person on the other end of that phone is who they say they are.
Tired of scam calls
March 19, 2019
I received two calls from the department of social security administration today, leaving automated voicemail messages. One from 453-803-1336, the other from 453-841-7117. Both stated that my social security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity. I was not instructed to call back, but rather, to press 1 to find out more. Not likely since this sounds very much like a variation of the scams others have received.
J
March 20, 2019
I just recieved a scam call they said my account was compromised or something on those lines and I needed to call them back at (800)785-3119
arose
March 20, 2019
How can I report a phone number that has been calling for days now? I blocked the original caller, but now, the same message plays with other similar phone #. Here's the first number: (866) 404-1375
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