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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.

Search Terms
imposter
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Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators
daliguana
August 07, 2019
I've been receiving multiple calls a day for four days sometimes up to 7 a day with the same message - "This call is from the department of social security administration. The reason you received this phone call is to inform you that we just suspend your SSN because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one" I've not answered any of these calls they've all gone to vm. The number used 1 (803) 531-0298 is not a valid number.
Terrance Darby
August 07, 2019
I'm on the phone with one of these B.S. artists right now. They are trying to ask me for my social with a fake Texas accent. They are clearly from the middle east or somewhere nearby.
neasley
August 07, 2019
The number I got a call from is in Arizona, 623-386-9588. Claims there is a problem with my ss# and it has been suspended.
4long2ee
August 07, 2019
I asked the caller for his Id number (ssa employee number and he said no and hung up. I told him if he was really from social security and my number was suspended then he would already know my name since it's assigned to my number.
AJ
August 07, 2019
Called saying my SSN was compromised and would be suspended. Told to dial 1 to be connected with SSN officer. I didn't do anything, I let the recording play. Sorry but SSN is not in the business of suspending anything without a hearing in person...nice try.
Hemendra
August 07, 2019
I got s call today from ‭+1 (957) 067-8375‬ about my suspended SS number. Did not pickup the phone and deleted the message Thanks
MCS53
August 07, 2019
Just got the same call from 206-745-9639
Itritated
August 07, 2019
Just received a call from a Social Security scam from number 1-957-824-1213. ALL my incoming phone calls are routed through an answering machine. I talk to NO ONE unless I recognize the number. Then I block it on my phone which is kind of a joke. It either doesn't block the caller or they just call from another random number. Really frustrating especially when you hear on the news that Capital One has recently been breached. Scary days right how.
Lana
August 07, 2019
‭+1 (957) 107-4275‬. Got a call from this number . They state that my SSN is suspended!!! Lol! And I need to press 1 to be connected to representatives to reactivate it. Scam!
david
August 07, 2019
1-844-519-7720 pls add this no as well.
Joy
August 07, 2019
I have received 6 phone calls from 1-800-674-9830 in the last hour from a man with a heavy accent telling me my ssn has been compromised and asking for - I have blatantly told him he is trying to scam me - but it seems my number keeps coming up this afternoon.
Articwolf
August 07, 2019
I just received an automated call from 1-800-948-9271, it sounded very similar to the example they have listed here with just a few changes. 1st) Its now in a female voice( possibly to sound more authentic or less menacing, 2nd) Its no longer as if its a single "investigator " calling you but the ( Social Security Enforcement Division) 3rd) There is now an option to press 1 to be directly connected to an investigator. BE CLEAR, THERE IS NOW SUCH THING as a (Social Security Enforcement Division). It would be the Inspector General's Office, they would not contact you by phone but in a letter possibly a bit vague in the reasons (Having reason for doing it that way) but would be extremely clear on the importance of YOU getting in touch with them immediately. They would guite possibly also have a pin code or other method and require you to go through some security steps on a government or State website to answer some Security question after you enter your pin code. I hope this helps.
Jo Will
August 07, 2019
Got that call today on my son's cell phone. It scared him a bit... but he knew to call me first. Educate your kids, parents, and elders!
Kentucky
August 07, 2019
Baltimore, MD 1-410-844-0936 Said my SS # compromised and illegal activity, press 1 for SS officer. Who answered was a man with thick accent. Requested my cell # and my name. I ask you should know who I am since you called? Call me back. They hung up.
birdcahoon
August 08, 2019
I have been receiving calls on my cell phone about every hour from 515-599-9266 telling me that it is important that I call back because my SS# has be compromised. I keep blocking the call but it will not allow me to block. What can I so about this is there anyone to notify? The web site identytheft. gov/ ssa will not open. Help
Mark in Oregon
August 07, 2019
Called by 800-044-6346 regarding social security suspension.
CVM
August 07, 2019
I received a robo call on 8/7/19, the following number appears on my caller id:512-355-0053 Bertram, TX. The message stated suspicious activity had occurred with my SSN and possible identity theft. When I called back, the person on the other line had a heavy Philippino accent. The background sounded like a very large call center (similar to customer service for big cable companies). They asked me to verify my name - I verbally said my name Then they asked me to verify my SSN, I refused and asked who they were and where they were calling from. The woman on the other end said she was calling from the SSA. When I asked to provide the street address of the SSA location she was calling from, she hung up.
Alaskan consumer
August 07, 2019
+18000322159 just called saying exactly what is described here. If I report it somewhere is anyone actually going to do anything about it?
M. Tran
August 07, 2019
I got an automatic phone call stating they were from the Social Security. *Just like the IRS they never contact you by phone. They always contact you by mail. Everyone should remember never give your Social Security on the phone. If they need to contact you. Social Security will mail you a letter. Also, you can not be charged criminal by your Social Security number or have your Social Security number wipe clean. Unless, you file for bankruptcy.
Batman
August 07, 2019
They are now using a female voice that claims you have committed fraud in TEXAS!
rick
August 07, 2019
just recieved one of these calls heres the number 1 877 999 1998 clearly it was a scam
Deb
August 07, 2019
8/7/19 3:13pm PST, CID said 800 Service. Robocall at our business from 800-607-0772. Extremely robotic male voice (similar to the one posted above, but different). It said they've "suspended" our Social Security number due to suspicious activity, press 1 for more information. I hung up and blocked. I had the exact same call to my CELL phone 7/22/19 but it came from 888-871-2293 and CID said "Unsaved".
Ely
August 07, 2019
Report them
Charlotte111
August 07, 2019
On Monday, August 5, I received a phone call from a lady stating that she's from the Social Security Administration Office. The lady provided me with her badge number and a case file number on me. When I asked the lady what this call was about, she stated that they found a Toyota, Corolla in Florida and in the vehicle was some information pertaining to me with my social security number and some fraudulent documents pertaining to some crime. The lady added that we were on a recorded line and that everything I say is being recorded and can be used against me in the court of law. The lady went on to say that in the vehicle, they found 15 bank accounts all in my name, then she asked me how many bank accounts do I have, I told her two. The lady then asked me how much do I have in each account and I told her. She then stated that to verify who I am - that they have the right person, I needed to withdraw half the amount of money from my bank account, then go to an ATM and insert the money into the machine, the machine will give me a receipt with a QR (a tracking number like a bar code) then I am to give her the code. This is their verification that I am who I said I am. The lady proceeded to say that if I do not do this, they will seize my bank account and suspend my social security number. At this time, I got very suspicious and I told the lady that I was going to the Social Security Office and give them her badge number and my case file number and discuss this matter with them in person. The lady then said that I cannot get off the phone and if I do, she will have the authorities come to my home and arrest me. I hung up and went to the nearest Police Station and told them what happened to me. The Officer gave me one strange look and said, "Lady, you almost got scammed!" Then the Officer told me not to answer anymore phone calls from Social Security.
Citizen406
August 07, 2019
Two calls today from: +1-833-290-1769 +1-646-093-0450
Slimbear77
August 07, 2019
I just got the same call from 888 655 3254. I robotic sounding female voice gave a name and identified as SS officer. Said my SSN was used for fraudulent activity in the south of Texas. Urged me twice to press 1 and speak with an investigative officer. I pressed one and the call dropped. Beware the “toll-free” numbers they use. I am so glad I found this message board. A year or so ago I had the IRS scammers call me 3 times a day for months. Apparently, this is the new thing.
Melody
January 13, 2021

In reply to by Slimbear77

I got a call from a random number with my area code. (Won't give it out because when I called back it was a real, innocent lady) but I pressed 1 and it connected me with some lady in a very very loud background. Like a lot of people talking or something. Sounded busy. She couldn't even hear what I said it was so loud. Jokes on her I wasn't gonna give them my ssn anyway I just wanted to call them out. Thats why I called back, and the lady, obviously a different person, was confused and said someone else had called her talking about a ssn fraud recieved from her number as well. So the numbers they use may be fake for their fake company or whatever, but could belong to a real person... your phone number could be showing up on someone's caller ID from scammers. Scary.
Michelle
August 07, 2019
We had 2 voicemails from this number (2406851455) stating that our SS# has been suspended because of suspicious activity. They called and left messages within a couples minutes.
Scammer
August 07, 2019
New number 877 889 0418
Tamike000
August 08, 2019
I received a voice message that said to me my social security number has been suspended how shocking
zed
August 08, 2019
‭+1 (830) 748-9295‬ Another number
Grannyst
August 08, 2019
Received back to back calls for 582-521-5056 & 582-875-5608 stating that my social security account has been suspended due to fraudulent activity.
RSE
August 08, 2019
RS I just got a call stating my social security was suspended from 1-202-410-0086. It was a recording and they said i needed to call back which i did not.
Jeffrey A. Younker
August 08, 2019
Recieved a phone call last evening ( 8-7-19) saying my Social Security number was suspended due to suspious activity, yet failed to give any name of person involved. Be aware of these calls!
Houston Texan
August 08, 2019
Today is 8-8-2019. I just rec'd a call from the number 833-635-3183. I did not pick up, and the following message was left on my voicemail: "This call is from the Department of Social Security Administration the reason you have received this phone call from our Department is to inform you that we have 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." I immediately knew it was a scam! Please inform Friends & Family especially the elderly! They want you to call back and GIVE out your SS#, please don't! Be safe!
nlong3993
August 08, 2019
Received a call from, ‭+1 (443) 341-9154‬, a woman with an Indian accent (said her name was nancy Thomas) called. Asked for all my info to pull up my case file. She read me an old mailing address of mine and asked me for a bunch of info in order to pull up my case file. I said that she must have my case file up in order to have my address. She was quite rude. Whenever I asked a question, she told me I could hang up at any time.
peachyga
August 14, 2019

In reply to by nlong3993

This isn't the social security scam That's a bill collector scam. I get that one also. They threaten you and say you will be arrested. I played along one day and said I was confused, how could I owe them money when they just sent me a refund. They aren't just scammers, they are total creeps and really threaten. I refuse to give them the last 4 of my social and laughed at them and asked if they thought everyone was really that stupid. They got really angry when I laughed at them.
SecuritySafe
August 08, 2019
Add (201)322-6587 to the list of numbers they call from
Anonymous
August 08, 2019
Received a call saying there was suspicious activity and that my SS is now suspended.
Kwhite
August 08, 2019
I have received several calls within the last twenty four hours from the numbers (800) 584-6046 and (800) 912-5089. My caller ID displays "Unsaved/Unknown" when they call. It's always a recorded message that goes straight to my voicemail. It states that my SSN has been flagged due to suspected fraudulent activity and that it will be suspended and who ever is calling is about to take legal action. It then said to press one ( 1 ) to deal with it. Super suspicious. I've just been blocking the numbers as I go.
Boots the monkey
August 08, 2019
I recieved 3 calls from 3 different numbers and they left a message for me to call back its urgent so when I called back I told them my name was officer William and they hung up quick!
ScammerAlert
August 08, 2019
We just received a call from someone pretending to be social security asking about my dad's social. I told them that if they were from social security they would know my dad has been deceased 30 years. This is just crazy, how do they find out this info,my dad would be 100 years old if he were alive they should have better sense, info, or something.
kknnss
August 09, 2019

In reply to by ScammerAlert

Smh!! They asked for my name when I said I had a call saying my ssn was suspended... Wouldn't you know what my name is if you have access to my ssn?! Ridiculous!
Mar
August 08, 2019
Received a call today from 888-820-1239. Didn't answer - prerecorded message stated call was from Social Security Administration -- the reason for the call was because my social security number was suspended due to suspicious activity -- if I wanted more information I was to press 1. Then the caller said thank you and hung up. Why can't these scams be stopped? This is so annoying and frustrating. Get so many of these calls that it's ridiculous.
VanSlykR
August 08, 2019
Just called me twice from two different lines stating my SS has been blocked. (956)904-2223 & (210)576-7138
Riz
August 08, 2019
I just got call from this number 930-203-0504 claiming they are SSA
AC
August 12, 2019

In reply to by Riz

I received a call from the same number twice and left voicemails both times.
Warningeveryone
August 08, 2019
I received a call that's similar to the 800 number, saying that my ss number is permanently done with. I hanged up since it sounded off. And when I called back, it said it was invalid. The number they used was 800 687 9617
Bob
August 08, 2019
I have received two robocalls today. The caller ID indicates that the phone number is (805) 398-6958. The calls use the same robotic voice in the example scam on this website. In my case, the voice states that there are legal enforcement actions filed on my Social Security number for criminal activities. The voice asks me to call the phone number as soon as possible before the Social Security Administration begins legal proceedings. I believe that this is a scam phone call.
Zman30
August 08, 2019
I was called by a 1(800)903-3609 which they can be using a Magic jack or something to switch numbers. They ask for my name then hung up. I’m wishing I didn’t even do that. It’s definitely a scam of some sort
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