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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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Shopping and Donating
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Social Security Impersonators
michie000
November 07, 2019
Just received a call that my ss number has been suspended due to fraudulent activities, to please hold someone will be with you. Yea! right I hung up!!!! # 1469-982-8917 call shows Grand Prairie TX
Fjuarez
November 07, 2019
I just received the same phone call from the following number +1 (800) 133-5307. It was a computer telling me that there has been a suspisious activity on my SSN and that if they do not hear from me, all my benefits will be suspended. I just blocked this phone number.
nottodayscammers
November 07, 2019
Just received this scam call from (469) 551-5167
SpiritBear
November 07, 2019
Nov. 7, 2019- I just received an automated call with a computer voice posing as SSA. They said my Soc Sec number has been suspended due to suspected fraudulent activity. The call came from area code 479. It did not register in my recent call history. Scam!
USERNAME
November 07, 2019
I just received a call from 800-661-6995 claiming to be the Social Security Administration calling to suspend my social security number as it has been subject to fraud. When I researched the number, it relates back to a health insurer in Alberta, Canada.
God is good
November 07, 2019
I just received a recorded message from 800-358-9995 and hung up on them, it asks you to press a number to speak to an investigator. Scam!
Nov19Scams Int…
November 07, 2019
I received one of these calls just now. The call came from (866) 635-6756, so you THINK it's legit. But because I've learned to immediately doubt EVERYTHING, instead of giving my social or any othe info, I asked for a call-back number to verify the legitimacy of the message. Of course the lady hung up.
Jen123
November 07, 2019
I have been getting this call daily with a female voice, I just simply hang out, as any SSA matter will get to you in written form.
judyki
November 07, 2019
I receive 3 different recorded calls, stating that among other things : "we identify suspicios activities on your social number we will suspend your number... press one now to fix it." 2 yesterday 1-800-834-6124 1 800 -308-4895 and today from 1 800 -290 - 0162 that include the frase "social security number" and even treatthens with " jail"
Sarah
November 07, 2019
Miami, FL: I got a call from (888) 779-8778. A robotic, automated recording that said that my SSN was being suspended due to suspicious activity and asked me to press 1. I immediately hung up and logged into SSA's website. Nothing out of the ordinary was going on.
SSN survivor
November 07, 2019
Well it looks like my social security just got suspended! gosh darn it... I just got my final notice from 360-637-4112. If you also got a final notice from this number, Just ignore it its part of their scam.
greatdanew
November 07, 2019
just had a phone call from 205-518-3470. female robot sounding voice saying my S.S. number had criminal activity.... I then hung up.
Jack
November 07, 2019
11/07/2019 scam phone calls SS office
rich
November 07, 2019
yes my cell phone got this crap 6 times in 3 days
jstackpole
November 07, 2019
Call from 1-800-159-4331 telling me my SSN would be suspended. When I said I'm going to hang up and call Social Security my self because this is a scam. The lady repeated what I just said in a creepy voice and hung up in my face.
Whotha
November 07, 2019
I got a call from a woman's voice from 1-800 517 7280 and they said the due to suspicious activity my social security benefits and number will be suspended due to suspicious activity and the number has called me 5 time's. I don't know what to do can someone please give me some advice????
Ann
November 07, 2019
800 207 9369. Look here another number, they is calling,
Don't use your…
November 07, 2019
I got a call like this and it was automated saying there was suspicious activity but i know there wasnt just cause im 10k in dent and a convictef felon!! Lol nice try though bud, no one wants my identy trust me.
David
November 07, 2019
Received two calls 800-216-2972 and 800-029-4971 I did not answer the phone, they left a voice mail with automated system saying my social benefits will be cancelled and I need to call and talk to CONCERN department :D
EndScamCalls
November 07, 2019
I got a call today from 1-800-624-5859. They didn't even pass the first layer of vetting as legitimate. Not articulate, not a native English speaker, poor quality attempt for sure.
Drewcap
November 07, 2019
I received a call November 7, 2019. Phone number was 14253107328. Did not give her any information.
AG
November 07, 2019
Received one from 855-605-0723. Same scenario...
Freddy
November 07, 2019
I received a call say the same thing my ss was being suspended. I press 1 someone asked me how can I help you I told her How ac I help you. She reply by go to my house and wash my dishes and hung up on me
RemDon't use y…
November 07, 2019
They have called me every day for the last two weeks they are using a new Port Ritchie telephone number and telling me that I will be arrested shortly if I don’t press one to continue Social Security never called you on the telephone they would send you not one but two letters in the mail and have you come in I know that much
CSA
November 08, 2019
I just received a call from 1-888-830-1586 saying my SSN had been compromised and suspended. I should press 1 to speak to an agent. I pressed 1 and said nothing. The gentlemen on the other end sounded like he was in a call center environment in India. He finally hung up as I remained silent
EB
November 08, 2019

In reply to by CSA

Me too! Only my call was from 1-888-493-7984. I never pressed 1 & it just hung up.
Maria D.
November 08, 2019
I got a call from an 1-800-072-3896 claiming that my SS# was going to be suspended of course I am smart enough not to believe them. The thing is that they keep calling its gotten to the point that its annoying .Do not fall for the scam Social security office does not call they send you a letter.
Kevin
November 08, 2019
Just got a call id number was Maryland said same - fraudulent activity detected ...we will suspend your account call call back immediately
Sperson
November 08, 2019
Just received a call stated " The legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for criminal activity. So when you get this message, kindly call us ASAP on our number that is 425-224-5970, I repeat 425-224-5970, before we begin with the legal proceeding. Thank you."
Sperson
November 08, 2019
Just received a voicemail that stated " The legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for criminal activity. So when you get this message, kindly call us ASAP on our number that is 425-224-5970, I repeat 425-224-5970, before we begin with the legal proceeding. Thank you."
AntiScam
November 08, 2019
‭+1 (888) 446-1326‬ is the number that called me today.
Estebankito
November 08, 2019
It's November 2019 and they still have the same phone number, is there anyone trying to catch these scammers?
Alleycat
November 08, 2019
I got a call from one 800-884-4861 I went I look this number up it wasnt there but I called back and everytime I call it back it rings twice three times and then ends in I don't even have the option of leaving a voicemail so I don't know what these people or what this number is up to but they're not up to anything serious probably not good
ArmyWife
November 08, 2019
Same threat to cancel social security card and issue a warrant. I called the number and a man answered and said something about London then hung up on me. Phone number was ‭+1 (866) 570-0444‬
dmphilli
November 08, 2019
8887956224 called my government cell phone (recorded message) to say my social security account is suspended and I had a court case against me for arrest. The message said to call the same number to resolve the criminal case. I tried the number but it rings busy after one ring.
Jamie
November 08, 2019
Im getting calls form this number 1 800-299-4088. I call it back and its a porno place. What tge heck is going on.
Annoyed
November 08, 2019
Within the past few days I am receiving up to six 800- calls per day claiming to be the SSA and my benefits will be permanently suspended. Each call is from a different number. Why suddenly this rash of calls that I don't know how to stop?
ZanesMimi
November 08, 2019
I just received a call telling me to call the Social Security Administration @ 866-512-9744. They now are using a different number along with a women's voice on the VM instead of a man. It is all automated.
concerned1988
November 08, 2019
I received a call today stating my SSN has been used in a crime, I could hear multiple individuals in the background, like it was a call center. I figured it was a scam, I could hear the smoke detector chirping in the background from a battery that needed to be changed. Such a waste of my time, I hung up. The number was 202-777-8889
Anderson
November 08, 2019
I received a similar message from (973) 671-8016‬, regarding my SSN being suspended due to a legal case.
LawBill
November 08, 2019
I received a call from (888) 492-5370 with essentially the same message, making a variety of threats. I ignored the call.
Vickib
November 08, 2019
Received a call from 1-800-226-2268 saying that my social security number has been compressed. Called the number back and the guy spoke broken English and asked how he can help you. We said you just called us. He hung up immediately.
PC
November 08, 2019
Received this style of call in Canada. Funny thing is, in Canada, it is not called a Social Security Number. I simply hung up.
sarai q
November 08, 2019
just got a call from +1 (1) (916) 409-7645 same message as above but with a female voice saying to call back the 916 number. My caller ID says it's from Lincoln, CA but that extra 1 is confusing
Didn't Get Me …
November 08, 2019
Just got a call from 210 858 7656, I knew immediately that it was scammy, and I phoned to report it immediately. If you get a call from any of these 210 858 #s claiming to be Social Security, never phone back, simply hang up, report it if you want to or have the time
RaeB1984
November 08, 2019
I just received a call that my social security number was suspended and to press 1 to hear more about it from Texas number 361-391-1897. I hung up.
jacksoncam
November 08, 2019
Some just call from this number 18000770765 saying they are an investigation officer from social security, I hang up because I asked them what is their name and they refuse to tell but that they are the investigating officer
chiefcecil
November 08, 2019
I have been getting a call from this # 1-833-696-6552 and its says call or you will be in trouble with SSI and you will be arrested and give you last 4 of you social. I'd like to give them something alright
KevM
November 08, 2019
I received a bunch of calls from 2 different numbers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration - 210-660-5641 and 252-989-0991. These were both calls from scammers. I called SSA to report them, but was never able to get routed to a representative. If you get calls from these numbers, they are fake - robotic voice messages and sound clearly like a loud call center. The people who answer the calls have thick Indian accents.
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