Skip to main content

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
scam
Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators
THolte
August 13, 2019
I just got a threatening call saying they were an officer with Social Security and I was being investigated for fraud. It was someone with a foreign accent and they wanted my first and last name and my social security number. When I asked who they were calling, they said Eric and I told them, I was not Eric. I would not identify myself or provide any information, so they hung up. The phone number was in Maryland (410)696-4530.
vickie
August 13, 2019
I just received a scam call as well, supposedly from Social Security, saying there were irregularities with my account. The number was 833-606-7001. I hung up
C. B.
August 13, 2019
same as above. Received a call from 1-866-881-5006 and did not pick up. Automated message told me that my SSN was getting suspended because of 'suspicious activity' and prompted me to press one.
‭+1 (281) 336-9504‬
August 13, 2019
‭+1 (281) 336-9504‬
DrunkenUFOPilot
August 13, 2019
Received two of these calls today, Aug 13th 2019. Both from 820 area code (if it means anything). So obviously bogus! I wonder how often the perpetrators of these scams get caught and punished?
mrstevemcgarre…
August 13, 2019
I got same cell phone call too saying they call police on me & put in Jail too. It Fate. Sign Mary Aune
Kukuaa B
August 13, 2019
I have been receiving calls throughout the day from this number 1800-719 4258 about the same "SSN has been stopped/banned" or whatever line they used in their vm. I did not and do not intend to answer these calls. (I have blocked the number as well) but thought you'd should know.
Rmb1234
August 13, 2019
I got 3 of these calls today!! Why can't they shut these down . ? Annoying
Zizi
August 13, 2019
The scammers have been calling me by saying you will lose all your benefits from social security and your social security number will be canceled. This is the message I am getting at least three times a day and I know they are scammers I don’t answer. This are some of the no. When you call them back it talks about free cruise and it is automated 1800-863-0217 1800-831-3957 1800-610-4278 1800-920-9688 1800-887-5593 1800-511-9424 It is harassment with this guys and need to be stopped!
SnakeDoc
August 13, 2019
I received the exact voice mail Aug 11, 2019.....delete delete delete
Shell
August 14, 2019
This is what is received in voicemail yesterday: There is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly cal back as soon as possible before we begin with the legal proceedings. You can reach us on our direct number which is 850-316-4387. I repeat it's 850-316-4387. Thank you and have a nice day.
peachyga
August 14, 2019
My phone has been blowing up with calls from that scam. ALL day long the last two days. From 7 am until 11 pm. They aren't coming from the number listed here. Yesterday they were all from 956 area code, today it's 940. I am literally sick of it. Almost 20 calls yesterday and another 8 this morning already.
Water gate
August 14, 2019
Get called today from 301 889 9547 told that my security number is suspending and call them back with different number but as I know ssa never call if they need something they will mail letter then set up appointment with locat office
Scam calls are…
August 14, 2019
I just got a call from a number I didn’t recognize so I ignored it. The voice mail says: “930203050 for the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activity so before this matter goes to the state courthouse and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any questions kindly call us back at 930-203-0504 thank you…”
Scam calls are…
August 14, 2019
I just got a call from a number I didn’t recognize so I ignored it. The voice mail says: “930203050 for the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activity so before this matter goes to the state courthouse and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any questions kindly call us back at 930-203-0504 thank you…”
Valentinokh
August 30, 2019
1617 532 0071 Massachusetts. This Is the one I got this morning. I Let it go to vm. Message was to call back this number or press 1 to speak to an executive. I dialed the number back just now and a man with an accent answered saying it was social security administration. Sure you are. Beware don't fall for it
Trixie
August 14, 2019
My friend got a call like this today. I showed her the website and I am so glad you have this listed.
Thanks
August 14, 2019
Thanks for the head's up. I got several calls about this and was able to determine it was a scam.
Noname
August 14, 2019
+1-201-477-2823 is another ss # scammer. The message says: notice we have received against your social security number by the Federal Crime and Investigation Department. We need to talk to you as soon as possible. I received 3 calls within 3 hours. It's the exact same voice as the recording on this website. Left a voicemail every time. I blocked the number but they won't stop calling. If anyone knows how to report this let me know.
Libba2019
August 14, 2019
I just received a call telling me that I needed to call SS back because of fraudulent transactions on my SS # & I could avoid being arrested by calling them back.
gloria
August 14, 2019
I just got a call with the below voicemail. I watch the News and know that this is a scam... but how do we stop them? “Hi this is Officer Sean Peterson calling you from the Department of Social Security administration the reason you have received this phone call from our department is just to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed against on your Social Security number for criminal activities so when you get this message kindly call as soon as possible on our number that is 210-890-4809 again that is 210-890-4809 before we proceed with the legal procedure thank you…”
tryingtobescammed
August 14, 2019
San Antonio, TX number 210-807-4203 called me and left a voicemail. Definitely a scam: "This phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for criminal activities. So when you get the message, kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number which is 210-807-4203, repeat it's 210-807-4203, before we begin with the legal proceedings. Thank you and have a nice day."
sfagentDon't u…
August 14, 2019
I've been getting these calls daily from 909-903-1422 and four different 909 California exchange numbers. Also from Texas numbers area code 940 and 956. Today I received three calls all before noon from the California area code 909.
Lesley
August 14, 2019
I have just received a similar call/voicemail. These people are ridiculous. BE CAREFUL!! Don't fall for these tricks and deceptions. The real Social Security Administration will NEVER call you, they will always make contact you via regular mail. Below is the voicemail they left. "Until further clearance in case you feel this is due to an error. You may connect with legal fellow social security administration in order to connect with a social security administration officer press one now in case we did not hear from you your social will be blocked permanently to connect with the office or now press one and your will be automatically be connected with a concern departments we did not receive any input or citizen in order to speak with social security personnel regarding your social security. Press one and this automated system will connect you with the official press one now to"
Giacon
August 14, 2019
Also from this phone number. ‭+1 (800) 903-4354‬
Scamcalling
August 14, 2019
I just received a call from 800-384-8787 saying my social security benefits are being blocked, to call them to reactivate them.
UserFL
August 14, 2019
2019-08-14 Call from 1-800-651-8560
JJ
August 14, 2019
I have sent a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission is regards to the constant calls 3 to 4 times a day if I block one number they call with another .That's not the purpose of me having a cell phone is to be annoyed by scam idiots with nothing better to do. Someone needs to stop this so people are not bothered daily. I have had no help at all. Very frustrating.
aagloro
August 14, 2019
received call today from 800 593 7772 saying that my SS number has been used fraudulently in Texas and other states and was instructed to contact representative to avoid prosecution
Shevaun
August 14, 2019
I received a call and voicemail from (708) 010-2344 saying my SSN is suspended due to suspicious activity. I deleted the voicemail and blocked the number after doing research online.
velas333
August 14, 2019
August 2019, received a call from 800-318-9062 stating that my social security is about to be suspended.
Jaxrock
August 14, 2019
Received that same scam social security call from 708-988-3274. Shows IL on caller id. Today August 14 2019. Message was left on v/m
Chris
August 14, 2019
Got 2 suspicious calls yesterday from 865 142-6009 and 865 392-5113 that my SSN has been suspended.
Sven G Lee
August 14, 2019
I just received a call from an 800 number telling me my SS# has been suspended due to suspicious activity and hit #1 and be transferred to the SS Admin. 800-475-5836. Foreign Sounding fellow on the line wanted my name.
omg.
August 14, 2019
I received calls from 909 area code back to back. As I blocked each one , another would call with the last 6 digits different. So I keep blocking. Not too fun.
Marie
August 14, 2019
I recieved 10 calls today from this scam. The phone number was (816)368-8111
MuteZero
August 14, 2019
Just received a call from 1-667-200-0654 telling me to call the number before a criminal investigation is started. It was a Maryland number. I'm a disabled person and can barely talk. Hard to go to the local SSA office 30+ miles away every time I get these calls to check them out if they're legit.
Dumbfounded in NV
August 21, 2019

In reply to by MuteZero

They're never legit. The SSA will never call you. PERIOD.
Tim64
August 14, 2019
Just receive a call from Jimmie Roy, who claims to be working for the Soc Sec. Law enforcement, says my & ann verify my place of residence social security number was use to gain close to 5 million $ , he wants to verify the last four numbers of your social security number. Then I reply that I have a Chapter 7 bankruptcy & he immediately hung up what can a sammer perform with the last four digits of your social security number ?
concerned citizen
August 14, 2019
844-933-0665 is the number that called today to say my account would be suspended.
Laripu
August 14, 2019
I got this kind of call from 800-534-2742.
km777
August 14, 2019
received a call with this social security number scam on 8/14/19 from 708-550-6753
D. Kelly
August 14, 2019
I recieved a VM from what was spoofed to look like it was from my local Social Security office. Caller ID showed the local SSA number, stating legal enforcement action was being filed on my SS number fraudulent activities, and to kindly call back ASAP before they begin legal proceedings, at 208-643-6377. Unfortunately most people dont realize how easily it is to make a call seem like its coming from SS, or any where else, kids do it all the time.
Jonnie
August 14, 2019
Got a female do I call from 1-800-390-1186 threatening to permanently block my ss# unless I called back immediately.
Rae W.
August 14, 2019
Please add 800 335 0482 to the scam list. I got a call from the today and another one two days ago.
James
August 14, 2019
8800-941-7379 very similar message
Annoyed Consumer
August 14, 2019
Have received multiple calls that my social security number has been suspended. Today it was from +18001737537. More needs to be done to prevent these scams. They people most vulnerable to them are the elderly.
wjste
August 14, 2019
Recently got a call from the following number : (855) 515-5199 as a scam for the social security suspension.
nofraudsquad
August 14, 2019
I received two calls today from 1.800.116.3690 regarding my SSN being connected to fraudulent activity.
WonderWoman84
August 14, 2019
I have received 4 phone calls just today from "Social Security" about my number being compromised and to talk to someone about it. I ignored the first 3 calls because I did not hear where the calls were being generated from since the first part of the message was cut off. The last call I received (less than 30 minutes ago) I answered and still got a recording, same thing. I hit 1 to talk but realized, how could social security have my cell number??? I only give my number out to people I know. I hung up right away before anyone came on the line. All of the numbers came from the area code 713 which is Houston TX.
Return to top