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Your Social Security number is an important key for an identity thief. Scammers want it, and they think of all sorts of ways to trick you into giving it away.

Here at the Federal Trade Commission, we’re getting reports about calls from scammers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They say there’s been a computer problem, and they need to confirm your Social Security number.

Other people have told us that they have come across spoof websites that look like the place where you would apply for a new Social Security card – but these websites are actually a setup to steal your personal information.

If you get a phone call or are directed to a website other than ssa.gov that is claiming to be associated with the Social Security Administration, don’t respond. It’s most likely a scam.

Here’s some tips to deal with these government imposters:

  • Don’t give the caller your information. Never give out or confirm sensitive information – like your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number – unless you know who you’re dealing with. If someone has contacted you, you can’t be sure who they are.
  • Don’t trust a name or number. Con artists use official-sounding names to make you trust them. To make their call seem legitimate, scammers use internet technology to spoof their area code – so although it may seem they are calling from Washington, DC, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.
  • Check with the Social Security Administration. The SSA has a warning about these scams and suggests you contact them directly at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the reason for the contact and the person’s identity prior to providing any information to the caller.

If you come across one of these scams, please report it to the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271, or 1-866-501-2101(TTY), and then tell the FTC about it.

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identity theft
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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
Scams
Phishing Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

NiceTry
June 18, 2019
Received an automated call from 276-628-9402 saying my ssn was compromised and press 1 to avoid legal actions.
dreamcicle
June 18, 2019
I received a call from phone number 510-112-7340 letting me know my social security number was suspended. The voice sounded computerized. I am on the DO NOT CALL LIST. I sensed it was a scam. I did not press the number the voice instructed me to press to find out more about it, I just hung up. After I hung up I thought about vulnerable persons (e.g., elderly) that fall for these scams. As much technology there is out there, it's unreal that scammers cannot be arrested and made accountable for all the money they have stolen.
backkupmom
June 20, 2019

In reply to by dreamcicle

I have received 8 phone calls today from that same number, 510-112-7612 or 7622 or 7632 or No Caller ID, with the same message from a robot, saying my ss# was compromised and I should call them immediately. 8 phone calls , really?
Denise
June 18, 2019
Received a call recording saying they are starting legal action against my SS to call back immediately - total scam - the phone number was 206 316 2567 - —- my comment is in regards to the phone listed on this site to report scam numbers —- it does not have prompts nor will it connect you to an operator for reporting scam Purposes. To the website - PLEASE update phone number and procedures to report scams.
FTC Staff
June 18, 2019

In reply to by Denise

The Social Security Administration asks people to report scam calls to its Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. There is a voice response system on that line that asks you to press a number, or say why you are calling. You can choose to say you're calling about an imposter call.

Evie
June 18, 2019
Just got call that my SSN was suspended due to suspicious activity, number 7162411668 . Hung up at once.
John Q
June 18, 2019
***BEWARE of 470-744-0492 and 206-415-2328 ext#201. I also received a automated voicemail calling (spoofed) from a 470-744-0492 (a Georgia area code) that was a poor quality automated robotic voice and said “...Social Security Number for Fraudulent Activity. When you get this message, call us ... as soon as possible before we begin the legal proceedings. Call 206-415-2328 ext.201 as soon as possible.". That phone # is a Seattle area code.
bob
June 18, 2019
RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM 844-456-5084 claiming that i needed to obtain an attorney because of fraud on my ssn. I called back and it was clearly not the ssn office but the person asked me if I was my son. SCAM
Joseph Baniszewski
June 18, 2019
I also received a reobocall today on my office work number -- I work for a federal agency in Washington DC -- from Amanda Barnes with the same message about my Social Security number being used for fraudulent activity on the Texas border.
Candice E.
June 18, 2019
I just received a call from a scammer from 1866-887-8997 and then again from 1877-876-3171 from an Office Oliver Page telling me that my SSN was going to be suspended for suspicious activity. He provided me with a legit social security office in Alexandria, LA and badge number. He asked me questions that would already be incorporated with my SSN - do I work or am I disabled, do I owe a vehicle, home and where do I bank. After hanging up on him, I received a call from the second number stated that they wanted to continue the call - I then told him that I was calling the social security office directly to follow up - which is when she hung up on me.
McCain
June 18, 2019
‭I received calls from both of these numbers saying they are SSA and my ss# has been compromised. 1 (877) 250-8567‬ I called this one back and and the guy who barely spoke English answers saying SSA. When I asked him to repeat that, he hung up. ‭(866) 457-8998‬ left the same voice mail yesterday and today the number is no longer in service. I just pray an elderly person or a teen doesn’t get these calls and no know better than to give out the information. I’ve had the IRS call in the past also telling me there was a warranty. I don’t understand why these people aren’t being caught by the authorities, with so many of people reporting it.
Willie
June 18, 2019
Just recived a voicemail stating, legal action was about to begin on me? Concerning fraudulent use of social security and my SS#. Was told to call 501-578-6901 to try and resolve any criminal actions before they start. The beginning of the voicemail starts, with the woman talking late? She purposely doesn't say what or where she calling from, starts off mid sentence with ( department )? Someone should track this ph# down and arrest them!!! Im not going to call fake or real!!
Mrdtotten
June 18, 2019
I got a call from 877-841-4943. The lady said she was from the social security department and that there has been fraudulent use of my ss number, and I must call back to speak with social security about possible issues that need to be resolved. I tried calling back but the number was busy. Has anyone else been contacted by this number 8778414943??
Sexymomma
June 18, 2019
I got a call from 1 800 506 0213 saying my SS# was linked to a criminal investigation and my number would be suspended.
DMR517
June 19, 2019
I just received a phone call from a man with a heavy middle eastern accent saying he is the Social Security Administration, that my Social Security number has been compromised and that they are shutting down all my government services until I notify them, to be connected directly, press one. I pressed 1 and he ask for my name? I then became suspicious as why would they ask for my name when they called me? So, I told the guy that I think this is a scam as Social Security would not call me, they would send me a letter. I also told him that I was turning this phone number that is in my caller ID to the authorities, he then hung up on me! Be careful every one, this scam is still going on!!!
RGary
June 19, 2019
Just got another phone call from ‭+1 (408) 872-5962‬ stating that this was their 2nd attempt to contact me from the IRS. It’s the same scam as I’ve run into quite a few times. Why can’t the US Govt. do something about this?
dhibben
June 19, 2019
Just received a call from 877.701.4104. Recorded message saying my social security number was being used in fraudulent activity around the southern border of TX. Asked me to press "2" to continue. Second call I have received in two days. Blocked number.
laura
June 19, 2019
6/19/19 9:32am PST: 510-112-7472 is another number these scammers are calling from. When I answered, the recording of a man’s voice said something about my SS# being discontinued or something like that. Hung up on the call & blocked the # from my phone.
Nina
June 20, 2019

In reply to by laura

Received Similar call from scammers today 6/20 with below numbers: 510-112-7578 510-112-7585 510-112-7601 510-112-7611 510-112-7612
TLo
June 19, 2019
I just received a call and voicemail from an automated robo call that I think is a scam. This is the message they left: “For you to call the SSA back is 844-321-8729 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 and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any questions kindly call us back at 844-321-8729 thank you”
MB
June 19, 2019
I received a call from ‭+1 (833) 254-5634‬ claiming to be SSA saying my SSN has been compromised and was involved in illegal activity and they wanted to verify the information with me before it goes to the “courthouse”. It was a digital sounding recording. I blocked number and didn’t call back.
randomthinker
June 19, 2019
June 19 received a call from # (510) 112-7472 with same line as many others below; your social security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. I just hung up and reported the number. Let's keep reporting these calls and hope it helps others to recognize the scam.
A username
June 19, 2019
‭+1 (510) 112-7484‬ Telling me my SSN was suspended lol. Man my govt job will love that.
N/A
June 19, 2019
Received a scam call from this number 510 122 7482
Dontuse
June 19, 2019
got a call from 844-456-3447 and declined the call each time. i called the number back later and they answered "social security administration." i immediately hung up.
Frustrated
June 19, 2019
I wanted to report a scam phone call. The numbers listed for this are no good. Poor web site, typical Government screw up and wast of my tax money
FTC Staff
June 19, 2019

In reply to by Frustrated

This blog tells you the number for the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline:  1-800-269-0271. You can call to report a scam call.

 

DogsNanny
June 19, 2019
I got an automated call from 1-856-334-0578, telling me that my SS # has been suspended because of suspicious activity with my SS #. Told me to press a number to talk to someone or call this number. I hung up. June 19, 2019
fladonn
June 19, 2019
Got a recorded call from someone claiming to be from SSA, and that fraudulent activity was detected. Unless I accepted the call they would begin criminal charges and that a warrant would be issued for my arrest. They wanted me to respond with the last four numbers of my SSA. This call came from 17135453210.
Sal
June 19, 2019
I received a call from (315) 215-1969 in New York claiming to be SSA stating that my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. It was a robo call prompting me to "press 1". I was left a voicemail. I logged into my SSA acct and there was no info. Googled the # and it led me here.
Carmen
June 19, 2019
I received a call from the number 6468590074 asking me to call back immediately because they were going to suspend my social security number.
jd
June 19, 2019
Received a scam call from 760-414-3360. I did not answer of course. The voice mail was a machine stating "Your Social Security number the moment you receive this message you need to get back to us to avoid legal consequences to connect the call immediately press one" The concerning part is that when I googled the number is that it comes up as a court/sheriff in San Diego.
Mping
June 19, 2019
I got a call from 18668778997 saying it was the social security administration and something about my social security number had been compromised and something about law enforcement.. when I connected the call the lady said social security administration and I said what is this about and she hung up... Of course it's a scam!!
ellen0711
June 19, 2019
I just received what sounded like an automated voicemail from 1 (315) 215-1969 claiming they were from the Department of Social Security to inform me that my SS was just suspended because of suspicious activity.
Beau Beau
June 20, 2019
My husband just got a call on his cell from 510-112-7551 stating there was an issue with his Social Security number and to call them back ASAP. Scammers! We did not call back.
tired of scammers
June 20, 2019
Beware. call from Louisiana 225-320-1972 trying to get a call back telling you that there is problems with your social security
Shipp
June 20, 2019
I just got a call from someone claiming to be calling from the SSA. They told me that my SS # had some suspicious activity and they have suspended my SS#. I should call them back at 1-957-605-762.
AE
June 20, 2019
I have been receiving calls that say "My SSN has been suspended press 1 to find out what to do" Can a SSN be suspended?
RJK
June 20, 2019
I'm being hammered by these calls. On 6-19-19, I recieved three calls within thirty minutes. I then blocked the number. It took them about fourty five minutes before I started getting calls from a similar number. I blocked that number, but everytime they attempted to call, my phone notified me that the call was blocked. So my phone was constantly alerting me of blocked calls. I had a total of 15 calls starting at 10:09am to 11:30am. They started back up again today 11:00am with a new number. We'll see how many time they call today.
RJK
June 20, 2019
I'm being hammered by these calls. On 6-19-19, I recieved three calls within thirty minutes. I then blocked the number. It took them about fourty five minutes before I started getting calls from a similar number. I blocked that number, but everytime they attempted to call, my phone notified me that the call was blocked. So my phone was constantly alerting me of blocked calls. I had a total of 15 calls starting at 10:09am to 11:30am. They started back up again today 11:00am with a new number. We'll see how many time they call today.
eugsdsj
June 20, 2019
Starting 6/17/2019, keep getting calls from (800)-205-xxx numbers claiming my social security has been terminated. The sub numbers are: 0508, 1139,6425,7290
Zeke
June 20, 2019
Just received call from a machine saying my card is being used and would like me to call back. But I answered the call and it was a voice-recording the number is ( 315) 232-6979.
smith001
June 20, 2019
Received a call from 888-452-4837 saying there was illegal activity with my social security. They said the needed to "suspend" my social and that I needed to call them back. They said FBI and Homeland Security would contact me soon.
Tidus
June 20, 2019
Scammers calling from this number 1800 176 6650, claiming as SSA and gonna send federal agents to the workplace right now :).
UselessFed
June 20, 2019
Got 3rd call today from Agent Barnes - SSN used in Texas BS. Do something about it GS 13 telephone 212 657-2791
JEN
June 20, 2019
I received a call today. Left voicemail "This is your notice concerning a tax fraud investigation against you so before this matter goes to the federal claims court house or before you get arrested please call immediately our department number 202-838-8053 make sure you call us as soon as possible. Reporting this to everyone I can!!! I did NOT call them back!
Kansas City
June 20, 2019
I just received a phone call from this number today 989-963-5494 claiming to be from the Social Security Office. When they answered the phone they ask when I received the phone call and ask if a claim number was receive via voicemail. The voicemail left is a robot informing there is a lien against my social security number if not handled quickly then jail time could be associated with it .
LeRoy
June 20, 2019
Receiving calls 3-5 times a day from a 510-112- number each time the last 4 digits are different most of the time starting with 7. Leaves voicemails that are exactly the same... Automated voice claiming to be from the SSA and that my social number is suspended because of suspicious activities for more information please dial 1.
Lbell
June 20, 2019
1-800-277-6817..... keeps saying to call them ss# has been compromised!
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