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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
Garfield
June 22, 2020
Got this scam from 202-443-1242
Corri alice
June 22, 2020
Just received a phone call did not answer both same number call back they told me that they were the federal agency of the Social Security and they wanted all the information and I said absolutely not they had it and they told me that I was fighting with a federal officer and that I would be interested so I told them that I’m waiting for an officer to come down and this is getting out of hand because this is really scaring some people and I don’t think it’s right it’s a number out of Texas and I live in New Hampshire I’m getting sick and tired of these damn phone calls
Jinwoo
June 22, 2020
Got a phone call by 213 528 3537 saying my ssn is suspected of suspicious activity, i almost fell for it until i searched it up.
ira
June 22, 2020
647-720-8484 just left me the same message that is given in this article as an examle, and couple hours ago it was the same attempt from 647-720-8724.
zya
June 22, 2020
+1 8337300605 scam number
AJ20
June 22, 2020
I received a phone call/voicemail from 469-754-3567 letting me know my SSN was about to be suspended and I would have to present myself to a judge and jury. Luckily, I know it's a scam but sadly, this will work on people who are not aware.
Don't use your…
June 22, 2020
They called me from 305 300.0352 and they said my social security is suspended and I have to pay 1000 dollars
Gals
June 23, 2020
7862184515 .. This number called me saying the my social security was involved in some suspicious activities in the State of texas , I never been in texas and Its a typical scam .. a women answrr me back when I called back saying was sorry that She did not call me..
NR
June 23, 2020
We got this one just now... I called them back and it was a guy with Sn Indian accent saying it was officer Kevin. I asked him all kinds of silly questions and told him I was going to report him and he hung up on me. He founded he was calling from a calling center “19084427662 Depositing new message Or your retained criminal attorney of record to return the call. The issue at hand is extremely time sensitive. The number for you to call the SSA back is 908-442-7662. 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 court house and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any question kindly call us back at 908-442-7662. Thank you.. “
Concerned citizen
June 23, 2020
I received a call this morning from the number 443-384-0202 stating it was Social Security informing me that my social security has been suspended due to FRADULENT activity. I was informed to phone this number in Maryland. I am always suspicious of calls such as this, particularly when no name is given or extension.
TINK1983
June 23, 2020
Just got the same voice but from this phone number from Arizona 480-648-2725
CrazyD
June 23, 2020
I just received a call from 1-888-421-1522. The recording sounded just like the one listed above.
CrazyD
June 23, 2020
I just received a call from 1-888-421-1522 stating that there has been suspicious activity with my social security. The moment you receive this message you need to get in contact with us to avoid legal consequences. This is a scam as stated above.
James
June 23, 2020
Mine was calling from 229 579-5532. Same scam.
MLB
June 23, 2020
Just received a similar message (with a female voice) from +1 786-372-9609
Blurr
June 23, 2020
I recieved a call it's slightly different it says your SIn is seized fraudulent activities and the RCMP will arrest you so press 1 now. Don't do it 5145209684 it's a scam don't press 1 hang up it's a scam.
BA
June 23, 2020
I have received 4 of these phone calls today.
Decalguy
June 23, 2020
Just be beware with this number, ‭+1 (832) 543-4516‬ Scammer with lot of information about you
CLK
June 23, 2020
Got call from 833-797-0850 and message said to call back if I don’t do that my SSN will be blocked and a arrest warrant will be issued. I called the number back and provided my last name and last 4 digits SSN when the guy asked. I was interrupted every time I asked questions. I was ask to be by my self not to have any one around me because it has personal questions. I was threatened if I don’t do what he said he is issuing a arrest warrant. I then realized it is a fraud. I cut off the phone. Now they have my name and last 4 SSN. What should I do.
Annie
June 24, 2020
Guys anybody know who can call from +6862500279 , since a few days receving a calls like this , number are obviosly different , anyone had simillar experience ??
malaksallam
July 08, 2020

In reply to by Annie

yes i have getting calls from the past few days, and today a got a voicemail saying that
Watchdog
June 24, 2020
Watch out for 469-257-1964; I called back several time with number blocked. Answer social security right away (that's fishy enough), once just hello because they were getting annoyed with me holding up their line.
Anonymous
June 24, 2020
I got a call saying fraudulent activity in Texas.2072176847
bow29
June 24, 2020
Please add 747-212-1932 to the list. Received this call on my work cell phone number stating that my SSN has been suspended for fraud activity. My SSN is already flagged due to identity theft from 2012-2013 and I have Identity theft lock on my SSN. This computer caller requested that if you want more information on the fraud to return the call back to the number listed above.
UnknownDon't u…
June 24, 2020
Received a phone call from 7875596600 with an recorded message stating I was being investigated for criminal activity.
Kim
June 25, 2020
‭+1 (833) 797-0831‬ Just received a call from this number claiming to be from SSA saying legal action will be taken if I don’t call back. I knew it was a scam, but I called the number to find out how they would answer. When answered, all they said was “Hello.”
PrN
June 25, 2020
Have been receiving similar calls from a supposedly law office regarding my ss being involved in a illegal case. Ph 469-567-0804
Dlw
June 25, 2020
I received a call saying from SS telling me my social Security number has been used in Texas did not call the number back
andwelebbx
June 25, 2020
can somebody help me? this number keeps popping up on my phone for no reason, it's 833-652-0852
Momma2g
June 25, 2020
I have been getting soo many calls from scammers and even leave me vouce mails All 909 area
Mhelton
June 25, 2020
I just received the social Security scam phone call
luluhernandez8…
June 25, 2020
I got a call from my area code saying they were going to issue an arrest warrant for suspicion of money laundering. These people are insane.
Don't use your
June 26, 2020
Got a call like this today from : ‭+1 (475) 473-4258‬
Tracy
June 26, 2020
I got the same recording. Number is 1 469 3937204
Over it
June 26, 2020
‭+1 (833) 540-0587‬ Is the number I just got a call from!
MO
June 26, 2020
Received a call from 740-218-1247. Did not answer but they left a voicemail: "...Suspension notice. We have received (unintelligible) a social security number..in the state of Ohio. I repeat this is Social Security Administration. I need for you to call me at..."
Jorge Lopez
June 26, 2020
(469)496-5660 New Scam Number, they called me today.
Ace Chicago
June 26, 2020
I had a call telling me my Ssn was compromised had only given them my last 4 digits then i hunged up. The jumber is 224 266 7009
SP
June 26, 2020
Getting calls saying "Our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for criminal activities" from 210-879-9954
CAP
June 26, 2020
i just received a call from 206-835-5412 - the announcement said that my social security and bank have been frozen -i knew this was a scam so i just wanted to report it to you
MsFlowers
June 26, 2020
Received a call from 786 305-3170 The person said she was officer Victor Franks with the Social Security Administration and stated the reason for the call there's a legal enforcement action file your ssn for fraudulent activity and I need to call the number above back as soon as possible before legal action is started. Needless to say I didn't call..
Lindz
June 26, 2020
Receive 3 calls/ voicemail from 916-378-8863, 26 June 2020. Noted that my SS # had been compromised and to call for assistsnce. Of course I did not return their call. Scam arrest at work here.
Calgary, Alberta
June 27, 2020
they just called me. June 27, 2020 I reported them to the Canada anti fraud dept ...450-611-1734 i hope they are caught and criminally charged
Persistent caller
June 27, 2020
2157709027,2157708817,18663312317, 4232051715,2157708855,2154448512 Officer Paul Smith, said texas has warrants for me. He called from all of these numbers
Yaliz
June 28, 2020
A family member received a voicemail message with that scam and I received one today as well. The calls were from phone numbers: 541-982-4516 on June 23, 2020 and from 915-226-0443 today, June 28, 2020.
Nette
June 29, 2020
I've received a phone call as well, twice this month. First call was on June 23rd and the second one was today around 9:40 EST. I did not answer and they left me a VM with a similar message saying that my SSN was involved in criminal activity and before they took any legal action, they'd like me to call back to a certain number. The number that showed on my phone from the mentioned call is: 469-917-1285, TX
ShellyDon't us…
June 29, 2020
Got a call on 6/29/20 from 1-844-985-0877 accusing me of money laundering and my ss# was frozen and threatened arrest. This was a scam.
Kelli
June 29, 2020
I’ve gotten two calls today saying I would be arrested for fraud if I didn’t call him back immediately the number was blocked but they still manage to get through a second time to leave a message not a ring but leave a message the number is that they gave me ‭+1 (425) 292-1060‬. I already priorly had something like this happen and I did talk to Social Security person it is a fraud if there’s anything that needs to happen they will send you a letter it will not be over the phone
Patti
June 29, 2020
I googled the address in ElPaso he gave me while on the phone and it brought me right here lol. While he had me on hold I played the recording and he came on and said did you call social security ? I said no and he started screaming cuss words and hung up haha
Daly city
June 29, 2020
I have received a call from 1 804 250 8647 nobody on the phone then I called back there is one, he introduced himself as Social security agent, he asked about my name then the last four digits of SS. Then I felt its a scum immediately I hunged off the phone.
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