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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
Gferna12345
March 28, 2019
I received a call today from Siera Leon with this recording.
jewels
March 28, 2019
My son received a call from ssi and it a recording saying they were suspending his check because of fraudulently issues going on with his ssi number. Should I be worried or is it a scam?
Ab97
March 29, 2019
Here’s another one. 322-879-0907
JadedCitizen
March 29, 2019
Got 2 calls about 2 hours apart today... saying my SSN is suspended due to suspicious activity. Numbers: 315-884-4475 and 315-884-4438 I sent them both to voicemail.
Nowaynohow
March 29, 2019
I just received a call from 1-866-614-0032, with the caller I.d. Social Security Administration. There was a robotic recording that stated my ss# would be suspended and I would be arrested if I did not take the call. Then a man came on the phone and asked me what I needed. I told him "You called me!" He asked for the last 4 digits of my ss#. I told him I didn't feel comfortable, he said this was a secure line. I hung up...
Don't use your…
March 29, 2019
I got a call from a real and main ss office in a different state about a real problem but with the direct phone number to that office. I called the regular 800 ss number to see if it was a legitimate phone number. The ss representative on the phone refused to look up the number to tell me if it was legit. I had to go to my local office and wait to talk to someone. They confirmed it was a number for a real ss office.
JMC
March 29, 2019
I received a call from 800-025-1548 claiming to be the Social Security department (not administration) saying my SSN was used in a money laundering scheme in Texas. They asked me to call them at 714-613-6863 but they'll have to wait for me to stop laughing first. Wanted to log these numbers to associate with the scam. Cheers to all you smart people not being taken :)
Filhot
March 29, 2019
Had a call today #281-426-4139
zzz
March 29, 2019
I got two messages today from 888-810-9063, saying my SS# was suspended because of suspicious activity and to press #1. It seemed a bit odd. So I'm on hold now with the SSA to report. And while waiting found this page.
me2you
March 29, 2019
Just today I believe I got one of these fake spam calls they actually left a voicemail which surprised me but of course the male voice sounded robotic and maybe first language not exactly English either. full transcript= "If you want to know about this case just press one. Thankyou. This call is from the Department of Social Security administration. the reason you have received_phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspended your social security number because we found some suspicious activity. So if you want to know about this case just press one, thank you." number 1(773)661-4072 from Chicago,IL I know better than to answer this stuff or pick up and I always check numbers to actual real businesses/or banks and research bit before believing what I see/hear on my phone or emails. Just want others to not fall for traps like these. Be safe everyone
JustMe
March 29, 2019
I recieved 4 calls on Mar. 18, & Mar. 19, 2019. Stating that they were the Social Security Administration and my social security number was suspended due to suspicious activity. So i called back and a recording answered and then told me to enter the pin I wish followed by the pound sign. i made up a number and it said that was an invalid number to please enter the pin number I wish followed by pound sign. So I once again made up a 4 digit pin and it again said it was invalid. I again tried it for a third time and the recording said Thank-You and hung up. Nothing but another SCAM..!!!! tHE 2 NUMBERS THAT CALLED WERE: 1-888-810-9054, AND 1-888-810-9052
Dellman
April 01, 2019
I got 3 calls from 325-399-0646 and voicemail messages pretending SSA and need to talk to me as soon as possible. Never returned the calls, but so annoying! :(
leerid
April 01, 2019
Received one of these phone calls this morning from 281-836-4862. Computerized voice telling me to call this number as soon as possible because of criminal activity and my social security number would be suspended. I called the number back just to see what the people would say. A foreigner trying to get information out of me. I harassed him by asking him if he was a US Citizen and why would a foreigner be calling me from the Social Security Office in Houston, TX. He didn't know how to answer my questions and I told him that I had been getting several of these calls lately and he was part of a scam. I then hung up on him.
Susiedee
April 01, 2019
I've gotten few different calls. I have the numbers with what they say on record. But didn't know what to do with them until I had it!! I would really like help in getting these guys but don't know how to get you all the info.?? Please email me,I need Help. Please I want you to get these guys!!
jp
April 01, 2019
Heard about this scam last month in a news article. Today a scammer called at 2:43 pm with Caller ID as BROOKLYN NY 1-917-983-5283 and left voice message claiming to be SSA and suspicious activity and will cancel my SSN unless I call back at that number (which he repeated twice).
Mary J.
April 01, 2019
Got the same call today. Caller ID: 800-772-1245. Message that was left said to call: 682-319-3408. I hope this helps.
Angela
April 02, 2019
From this number 2079526055 I received fraud call They are always indian ppl who has weird accent. I told them I have reported you real ssa. They said ok have a great day
anoyed
April 02, 2019
(747)322-7621 Recording with - SSN suspended due to fraudulent activity - call # for more info. I have received 3 calls in 2 hours.
k23
April 02, 2019
I got called from this number 929-887-4602 and they said the same thing that was mentioned in many of the comments here. This needs to stop.
called me
April 02, 2019
I've been getting the calls on both my work and my cell phone. My work phone is connected to my company so you know it's a scam. This time they were portraying they were a police officer and left a number to call. Bold! My parents got scammed by a guy posing from their internet/cable company. Got them to give him their company address and they got all their information.
Cali-mb
April 02, 2019
I've received multiple calls--they always have the same recorded message, saying the SSN# has been reported for suspicious activity and then to press 1 for more information. Over the past 2 weeks, these calls came from: 888-810-5420, 888-810-5110, 866-404-2213, 866-404-1811. I keep blocking numbers and then they call from a new one. Just don't answer and don't call back once you verify the bologne message.
Katherine bobrowski
April 02, 2019
Today I got a call on my voice mail from a scammer they was calling from 774 9520 saying that they are from the social security and threatened me and saying that my social security is being used for fraudulent charges and that my social security would be suspended if I don't return their call I know this a scammer right away because social security don't call people up and threatened people these scammer s should be arrested and put in prison for the rest of their life s
Scamfedup
April 02, 2019
SSN scam number to be added, 877 182 1213, 877 180 1213
Me111
April 02, 2019
I received a call similar to other in the thread saying your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity.... press 1. Instead of pressing 1, I called from another number and received a error message that the number called was not correct.... I looked on the Internet and found these posting. The scammer called from 281-059-5475.
andreamer
April 02, 2019
Beware! They change their number each time. They probably have a program that makes it impossible for you to call them back. I asked the caller what my name was. Confused, he asked me why he would know my name? If it were legit, they would have asked me to confirm the details such as my name and date of birth without me having to give much info. Stupid idiots.
TJF68
April 03, 2019
I also received a robo call for this Social Security number scam as mentioned above by other people who've posted on this site. The call stated my SS# has been flagged for Fraudulent activity and action would be taken against me if I did not get back to one of the officers at the SS Administration Dept. It told me to immediately call 925-276-0195. Having heard that the real Social Security Administration would never robo call anyone or call you and leave that kind of message, I immediately assumed it was a scam. Can't believe like most of you that our government can't do more to protect all of us from getting ridiculous and harassing calls like this. For now, we just have to have due diligence and don't give in to these scammers. It's not even worth bothering to call them back to give them any kind of validity for their fraudulent activity and cruelty.
Plm Michigan
April 03, 2019
Received a call from 325 399-0646, sounded like a robo call asking me to call back to that number. Account is to be suspended do to suspicious activity.
Annoyed person
April 03, 2019
These no life scumbags called me at least 3 times on 4/2/2019. The robo message was the same as above. I reported them to the do not call registry complaint dept. I am sick of the harrassment!
sarah
April 03, 2019
I have just received a voicemail from a Dallas number this morning (April 3rd- 11:40am CST) regarding my social security number being suspended due to fraudulent behavior on my record and required me to hit #1 to find out more information and call them back. The phone number was (972) 591-8829.
Jovan30
April 03, 2019
‭+1 28146576876‬ Number to be added to the list .
luci
April 03, 2019
I received a call from supposedly a social security office. I didn't believe him, he said look up social security administration contact number and I'm gonna call you from the TTY number and he did. I still didn't believe him and later he transferred me to another girl. 1800-772-1742 and another 1800-772-1731
DJ
April 03, 2019
I just received a call from 1-877-193-1213 and upon Googling it, this was the only search result. I suppose because the Social Security phone number is similar. I am posting to help others be aware: In this country (or Canada) you cannot start a prefix with the number '1' ... like the one that called me, a prefix of 193 is impossible. They didn't leave a message, but it was obviously a scam since whoever spoofed the number doesn't even know enough about American phone number formats. I have been getting a lot of these kinds of calls recently. One with an area code in my home state that left a threatening voicemail much like the one as example in this blog. I wanted to have fun with them while making a youtube video, and when I called back, they answered "IRS" then hung up when they heard my skeptical tone. I tried again, and could not get through. Our gov't already disabled that phone number. So I also wanted to say that they are working hard to protect us as much as possible, and I saw proof. These scammers will relentlessly attempt without remorse, and without knowing the future and reading minds, being they're a half a globe away, there's only so much our govt can do.
B Best
April 03, 2019
Got the scam call from the following number, 1 814-466-5555. Sounded pretty much just like the above recording, not exactly but had most of those details
user
April 03, 2019
I got called from this number 972-591-8829 and received the same recorded message about the SSN suspicious activity.
Lea S.
April 03, 2019
They keep calling my cell number daily and leaving the message above with the call back number of (801) 772-1213. This is coming from American Fork, Utah. It is almost the same number as Social Security except the area code is 801 instead of 800!!!
Dmp
April 03, 2019
Got a call from 19725918825 saying that my ss# was going to be suspended due to suspicious activity. They left a robotic voicemail and said to press 1. I’m blocking the number! Ugh
Gmomdiva
April 28, 2019

In reply to by Dmp

I received the same call 4/27/19 it was lefted in my messages, however the number was different 866-672-6996 . Please be aware of this, and don't give anybody your information, if you don't know who's calling you when the number appears, let it got to voicemail.
LeeShay
April 03, 2019
I received 6 calls today in which i let go to voicemail . Message was almost identical to the example posted. I copied and pasted the message below.. 17607977871 Depositing new message This call is to inform you about some legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number we have got an order to suspend your social at very right moment because we have found many suspicious activities on your social before we go ahead and suspend your number kindly call us back on our number which is 760-797-7871. I repeat it's 760-797-7871.
Carolina Guy
April 03, 2019
I just received a call from 720 897-3114 claiming to be from the SSA and threatening to put a hold on my SSA. Not even drawing yet so I knew it was a scam. Classic script and robo call to boot.
lsksksksks
April 03, 2019
Used a similar message from tel:(972) 591-8829 today around 11:53 am 4/3/19
The Disability…
April 04, 2019
Nice blog. Thank you for sharing this blog. This blog is very helpful for me.
jbastos501
April 04, 2019
‭+1 (888) 810-0225‬ is a scam number.
narcisa
April 04, 2019
I got a call from 504-517-1933 yesterday and it was a total scam they said they were calling from SSA and that various crimes had been committed under my SS#, of course I gave them a fictitious name . The person had a really heavy accent, but supposedly there were several warrants for me......I just bursted out laughing. I'm just concerned that they can call someone who can be vulnerable and provide personal information. Just beware with these scammers pls
DJ
April 04, 2019
I posted yesterday, got a similar call today, phone number of 1-877-102-1213 and of course Google directed me back here. This time however, I answered. It was a recording saying that I was going to have my social security number suspended due to suspicious activity, press 1 to speak to a rep. So I did and she answered "how may I help you" then she argued that I called her when they called me (how dumb) then she said my full name (how scary), but I said that wasn't me. I wouldn't tell her my name so she hung up. One way us innocent citizens could get help from the govt is to now allow any calls to go through to our phones that begin with 1 for starters. But it is scary how they know full names, first middle and last.
Shannan
April 04, 2019
I've been getting an blocked call since 1/25/19. Sporadic at first, one or two a month. I never answer them of course. Then for April fools I get one that left a message, saying they are cancelling my SSN if I don't call 917-983-5283. Seriously? His accent was so thick I could barely understand him, but to hear he worked for the Identity Theft Department.
pollyanna
April 04, 2019
Just received a phone call from a scammer advising me my SS# has been compromised. I hung up and called their number back. Someone replied, sounding quite professional so I asked why they were busy scamming people. “None of your business ‘bro” was the reply to my question! Time to have fun with these idiots!
lisamax54
October 28, 2020

In reply to by pollyanna

i am an elderly women who lives alone..they called me the other day..i said god bless you ...your sending me on vacation..she said no no..if you dont give me your information..i have other way but to put you in jail....i said yes,vacation...she hung up..those people have to under stand they can give some one a heart attack
Highside
April 04, 2019
I got 2 of these phone calls today... 888-810-0241 and 888-810-0236
Mim
April 04, 2019
Just got 4 voicemails in a row from 800 772 7562 stating my ss# is suspended and i need to call them for suspicious activity .
HATE SCAMERS
April 04, 2019
800 numbers are purchased; so who ever is selling that 800 number must be aware it is a scam. The phone companies need to be held accountable to selling phone numbers for the purpose of scamming.
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