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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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Cal Girl
October 22, 2019
I just received a similar Social Security scam robocall from 512-548-0620. My answering machine recorded the last part of the message. It said something about my social security number and told me to press 1 to be connected to their officer. And then repeated the instructions to press 1. I blocked the number but they’ll probably call back with a different number.
Don't use your…
October 22, 2019
Your bank can tell you where the money went, the IP # that requested the funds. The police, or at this point Treasury Office should be able to track your money. I am sorry this happened to you!
1on't use your…
October 22, 2019
Scam ‭+1 (800) 925-3928‬
Divine Goddess Brie
October 22, 2019
I received two missed calls from these 1800 numbers and each time it was all different numbers after the 1 800. First it was a recorded voice saying my social will be suspended for suspicious activity it sounded very real which I thought it was and then asked to press one to speak with an associate from social security headquarters. A young man who sounded Hispanic began telling me how my social was being used in Texas under 15 bank accounts and they found a car on the side of the road in my name. I was totally confused and in shock and could not believe what I was hearing. The mans phone call sounded so real it even had the people talking in the background as if he was really at the headquarters office so it sounded real he asked for my last 4 digits of my social, first and last name, zip code I told him I have absolutely nothing to do with that ! And I only have one bank account with pnc this is where it gets weird but I somewhat didn’t think too much of it in the moment because I was still trying to process all what I was being told even asking is this real ! He asked how much did I have in my account and was it checkings or savings in my head I’m like “why does that even matter????” He asked if I was employed I told him no and he sounded very disappointed after that..To end the story he said someone from 911 will call me and hung up abruptly! I’m like what ? I was so confused but let me just say this the God I serve is so Good! that imposter piece of scum who had nothing better to do will get his day ! He cannot do anything with the little information he got out of me God will not allow it !!! Please be careful everyone. I’m a 26 yr old female and this was first time dealing with something like this and I was totally unaware somebody was trying to scam me in that moment it’s so terrible for ppl to do that to someone but like I said tried ! The enemy cannot and will not Win ! I wrote this message so others can be aware ! If you get a call like the one I just explained please please hang up ! And make sure you notify your bank and call the social security administration!
scammed multip…
October 22, 2019
I get calls all the time and I have RoboKiller app. Someone asked what the name of the app is and it’s as stated RoboKiller app. They have pre-recorded messages so you basically scam the scammer. Here’s my take on all this. 1. Don’t ever answer the calls. If someone is legitimately calling you they will leave you a message if you don’t recognize the caller ID. 2. Social Security has no connection to ever “Suspend” your social security number. That’s ridiculous to even think about, social security numbers are provided to all citizens as a way of identifying you legally and keeping your wages and taxes under that number. It would never ever be suspended. 3. If you listen close to the recordings they don’t make any sense. One of mine I get says “ we have your social security insurance number or your social insurance number... see what I mean. There’s no such thing as social insurance number. They change the words around trying to make you think it’s about your social security. 4. No government agency is ever going to call and threaten you saying judgment, warrant, court case, legal matter, etc, however they word it, the government will never call you to tell you they have a case against you and if you don’t call back that they will arrest you. The only agency that can issue warrants or indictments is the actual police and mostly Sherrif’s office. They will serve you papers IN PERSON, not threaten you over the phone. Now there are always exceptions perhaps you did forget to pay that parking ticket or worse then yes you may receive a call from the police department but it’s going to be something you ARE aware of. Most indictments are mailed to the individual. 5. No one except a court of law, in a court of law with again something you will already know about but no one else can ever have you arrested for a judgment or a collection or debt of any kind. That’s not to say that bill collectors won’t call you too and they could be legitimately calling you (again you should be aware), but they themselves have zero ability or authority to have a warrant issued or to have you arrested. The only way that’s possible is through law enforcement. I hope that helps. I get these stupid calls all the time and they are very threatening and scary. I understand why so many people fall to the scammers, they have very stern, illegal attempts to get you on the phone and either rob you of your money or scam/steal your identity. I’m sorry to all the folks that have been victimized by these criminals. It’s beyond ridiculous that there’s nothing that can be done, but they fantom the phone number they are calling from. And YES it shows the IRS or SSA is calling but they are not who is really calling you. If they are showing up as a legitimate caller ID, go ahead let the call go to voice mail and call the number right back. If it truly was the IRS or SSA calling you trust me they will never ask for your info and never ever ask you for money, they will leave a voice mail with you and when you call back it will be legit if it truly was those organizations. If you call the number back and it’s not the actual IRS or SSA you’ll know right away, just don’t say anything at all until you can be guaranteed it is legitimate. Be wise, Be smart, don’t give your info out. Recheck numbers before calling back and when you do call the actual agency back they are going to tell you they didn’t call you. Ps, if not already mentioned, I know this was mostly about social security but just from years of experience, Bill Collectors cannot and do not have any authority or power to issue a warrant or place a judgment on you, be careful everyone!!!
Andrea
October 23, 2019
I never answer my phone unless I know who is calling. I'm sick of junk calls and fraudsters. If a call is important, they can leave a voice message. Yesterday I received the following identical ROBOCALL voicemail message, FOUR TIMES from 4 different phone numbers (which Vonage provided): (The first word in the message was truncated. There were at least 2 grammar errors - that's the first clue.) Here are the phone numbers from the caller and a verbatim transcript of the message. 512-156-0744, 8:55 am, October 21, 2019 469-912-8314, 12:07 pm, October 21, 2019 469-874-4588, 3:54 pm, October 21, 2019 858-779-2351, 2:03 pm, October 21, 2019 "-partment The reason of [sic] this message is to inform you that the STATE DEPARTMENT is filing lawsuit against you an arrest -ward has been released on your name due to legal enforcement actions by your social security number for fraudulent activities. To get more information about this case file from [sic] federal database press 1 and speak to our officer now. I repeat press 1 to resolve your case now."
FBI78
October 23, 2019
Its October 23rd 2019. I just received a call from this number: 001-226-256-5777, saying i have an issue with the court and if i dont respond i would be in trouble.
scam detector
October 23, 2019
Add this # to the growing lis 512-548-0620
Unknown Number
October 23, 2019
+1 (800) 809-6417 on Recent Calls, but recognized as Unknown. Message: Social Security will be cancelled.
AngelP
October 23, 2019
I just received a similar call from 901-484-4650. I also got 2 calls yesterday.
Shelly't use y…
October 23, 2019
I received this call twice today. When I get these calls & they ask for info, I say but if you called me you have my name and info. They immediately hang up and you know it is a scam. Never give out info. If in doubt, hang up. Look up the real number and call.
WGW
October 23, 2019
Just received a scam call from 713-452-1008 (Houston, TX)
Sincere35
October 23, 2019
I just got this call...telling me that I have at least 25 accounts in Texas and my SSN was suspended. Those 25 accounts were wrapped up with money laundering, both domestic and internationally- in excess of $10 million. If I had all of these accounts even with a fraud alert on my SSN...how would all of this be possible? When I called the lady out about the scam, she asked me why I was talking to her like that. If my SSN needed to be suspended, I hope they'll be giving me a new SSN because my credit sucks!!!
Dan
October 23, 2019
My phone auto-flagged this as Spam but a VM was left. I just wanted to post a new number to help anybody else: "The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings, that is 561-526-8367. I repeat 561-526-8367. Thank you."
Cassandra
October 23, 2019
I received a robocall and they are saying that there has been suspicious activity involving my social security number. Also, that my social security number will be canceled permanently. I blocked 1 phone number and got the same call from another number. 800-895-4231 and 800-939-2825
(800) 962-2649
October 23, 2019
Received a call today about criminal activity on my SSN. Asked for name and DOB with spelling. Asked for SSN and Told them it was illegal to ask for it. Also, stated that I was turning the phone number into the police. (800) 962-2649
Ron in D.C.
October 23, 2019
I keep getting calls from the same clowns on phone number 512-548-0620
Sure
October 23, 2019
Here's a new one: 090-425-8967 The voicemail said that my SSN was being used for fraudulent activity and a warrant for my arrest had been issued. At first I thought, "I need to go and put some pants on." And then I realized that the call was baiting me with fear. Anyway, if they call me again I'm definitely going to have some fun with this. I'll tell him my name is Amos Quito. Stay safe, y'all.
Saskatoon
October 23, 2019
Call today from a female robot voice +1 226 955 3197 stating issues with my social insurance number and impending legal action. It said to press 1 so I did to see what would be said. A guy answered and asked for my name, I did not give any info and hung up. I think the next question would have been asking for my SIN
Varion
October 23, 2019
17758873247 trying to sound like it's from Carson city nv. Mother scam number.
Shar
October 23, 2019
I got 4 calls from 1-800-935-6248 in the past few days. The voice mail said "your Social Security has been suspended.....etc. and if you wish to get more details press 1" which I did not do as I was sure it is a scam!
Pat k.
October 23, 2019
I am getting calls from 4698933792 that are robo calls telling me my social has been suspended and all my assets and property are about to be ceased due to suspicious activity and wants me to press 1 to speak to an officer. It think this is a new scam as they have called me at least 5 times today
KindZak
October 23, 2019
I was scammed not to long ago today. I need help. I fell for it and I'm not the brightest kind of guy. I'm slow in the head so I need help.
Ytk
October 24, 2019
Mine didn't say that it said an arrest warrant had been issued for me for fraud
Susieq
October 24, 2019
I just got the same call from 1800-662-3333
Alex C
October 24, 2019
‭+1 (800) 768-2509‬ I recieved a scam called 9:41 AM CST 210 area code
Mad DOG 007
October 24, 2019
Still calling stating our social security number has been suspected do to unusual activity on the account.
NC
October 24, 2019
Just want to document that the scam is still active. Today is 10/24/19 and received an automated call from (512) 345-0343.
SShore
October 24, 2019
Received this voicemail twice within 30 minutes before noon today. I’m blocking the number. What I’d like to know, is why the amount of scam type calls increased when I had to go onto SSDI because of MS and then the calls seemed to double when I joined Medicare 3 years later. Why is that? Is there a list of us somewhere that these scammers use because they think people on SS & Medicare are easy targets?
John Doe
October 24, 2019
Hello. I am not revealing my name, as I have been contacted by some automated robot caller that claimed that the Social Security Administration was having an issue with my account. The number in question is 1-360-639-5383. I also have been contacted by some more scammers previously with the numbers 1-831-000-5897, 1-866-246-6453, 1-650-253-0000, 1-612-419-2420, 1-612-338-6568, 1-651-501-9621, 1-612-547-0748, and 1-952-374-7017. The thing is that I have already registered with the National Do Not Call Registry, and yet all of these spam numbers, as well as alleged wrong numbers, seem to keep targeting my smartphone number. Please get them to stop. Thank you.
donknow
October 24, 2019
I have received several calls from 2262091550 / 2263203971 / 2266361501 with the same voice message. They started asking me my personal information but I did not provide it until they show me they were not a scam so the person hung up the call.
DP01
October 24, 2019
I received an call from 800-911-6651 who is threatening to close out by Social security benefit If I don't not call back and will be permanently disabled who left an message. I have not called back and will advise all not pick up either.
stop calling me
October 24, 2019
Got this exact scam call from these two numbers: ‭(972) 646-1878‬ ‭(972) 430-5486‬ They were relentless and it sounded like multiple people were on the other line.
Kraiger
October 24, 2019
Incoming call from 1-800-179-5265 regarding SSN problem, I asked who the person was and where there located, They hung up.
NoHope
October 24, 2019
832 802 7116 <--- New scammer phone number
michidonald
October 24, 2019
I keep getting spam calls from ‭+1 (832) Texas area. Claiming my social is under fraudulent practice and I need to call them back to avoid going to jail.
citizen501
October 24, 2019
just got a call like this from 800 571 7083
tmhauman
October 24, 2019
I just received this call on my cell phone and the number displayed was 1-800-629-8951.
vlad
October 24, 2019
800 754 3643, scam tell me my SSN is suspended.
Thisisstillgoingon
October 24, 2019
Ok just got another call today at 5pm, On my other phone line But this time I said I would call back and it went through and the same guy answered the phone. It was a local number , but above was the number on caller Id V024125400296, then 1 941 999 6388. Same Indian accecent with kids and noise in background. They call and call, even if I block the number. There must be a connection to people already getting benefits
Leah
October 24, 2019

In reply to by Thisisstillgoingon

I do not get any benefits of any sort and Still got the weird call
BAABAA
October 24, 2019
got this call from 800-814-8797. You can tell it's a fake voice.
Tracphone
October 24, 2019
Just received this scam call on a brand new phone just activated the number- these folks are fast .
Beyond Frustrated
October 24, 2019
I started receiving these SS# calls since on 07/12/3019 (rec'd 5 separated calls from 5 diff ph#s: 12:16pm -(866)438-4056 1:20pm (866)424-8838 2:14pm (866)840-4560 2:30pm (866)040-6851 4:13pm (888)936750 (not even complete ph#!) All these original calls only stated that "some suspicious activity found under my SS#" but the messages have now gotten more agressive.. most recent call rec'd 10/18/19 3:36pm (800)142-6456 messages have now esculated to "to avoid legal consequences need to contact them etc... press 1 to connect" Apprently my 73 yr old mother us also receiving these harassing messages. Luckily she's suspicious of everyone & won't give her personal info to any stranger but this is really ridiculous that these ppl haven't been stopped & they can continue to harass ppl for months & months. I really don't understand why our government doesn't seem to think that innocent ppl getting scammed out of their hard earned money isn't a big enough issue to do anything to stop it! Hell, maybe its because the government is the one behind these calls!
Leah
October 24, 2019
I was at the dentist when I got a call from 1800 0171219 I let it go to Voice mail - saying my social security number will be permanently blocked. I googled the number and it seems to be a line from china, the odd thing is that I recently visited the SS office and I wonder about the timing? what is going on with this spammers and hackers? I will call SS office tomorrow morning. this is really odd of a call.
Michael
October 24, 2019
+1 512-522-9397 called me stating that my SS # has been locked due to suspicious activity. I pressed 1 and an Arabian guy asked me for my name. I just told him I would go to the office to clear it up.
Junebug
October 24, 2019
Called my mother telling the poor soul she has been getting as illegally and they need her social to set a appointment up to straighten out the matter . Had her c4ying . Catch these theives FCC . I let her know it was a scam they've called her several times harassing her . She's 79 years old . These CROOKS need to o be swooped up and put in jail for a long time. Like throw away the key kind.
Rasz
October 25, 2019
Still happening... I ignore every number I don’t know... if it’s important they can leave a message and I’ll judge how important it is by calling back or not! This number is a scammer ‭+1 (906) 553-6534‬.
cristy
October 25, 2019
I got a suspicious phone call from this number today: 613 041 1006