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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.

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

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.

summer
April 12, 2018
I just received a voice mail that my social security number has been compromised and to call 254-300-8098 in Waco Texas.
Didntgetme
April 13, 2018
I received 2 phone message that they were calling from Social Security Administration office (512-790-2623)and that my social security number has been compromised and to call them back. The second phone message was from Sheriff Jonson same number stating they would stop my social security number and to call my Paralegal. Needless to say... I didn't return any phone calls.
David
April 14, 2018
I received same voicemail today as Summer. Hispanic voice calling from a Texas #. Definitely fake. I'm not that special to receive a phone call from SSN!
903-552-5164
June 02, 2020

In reply to by David

I had the same call. Hispanic mail but said he was from Spectrum. Phishing for SSN
Generation X
April 16, 2018
Just received a call that my SSN suspended for suspicious activity in the state of Maryland, call 410-779-9532. The scams run deep these days!
LisaNana
July 06, 2018

In reply to by Generation X

I received 2 calls from a 410 Ocean City MD number today with an identical message. Reported.
DOC724
July 09, 2018

In reply to by LisaNana

I got a call today from a Canadian area code telling me he is Deigo from the Inspector Generals office of Social Security Administration and my social security has been suspended.. Beware 204-244-6314 is the number being used...
MDever
July 09, 2019

In reply to by LisaNana

Received the same calls today. All morning they’ve been calling. 410 Maryland
Frustrated in MT
April 17, 2018
I received multiple calls from a Damian from Charles City, VA Ph#804-829-3886 stating that he is from the Social Security Administration and that my Social Security number is being used in an illegal operation and has been compromised. My benefits are being suspended today. Please contact your allotted Paralegal 804-569-5071. This has to be a SCAM! Thoughts everyone?
Marie
April 19, 2018

In reply to by Frustrated in MT

I also rec'd 2 calls today from "Damian" that my ss# was being used illegally & will be suspended today, that I needed to call today my "paralegal" back today. Those #'s are: 804-829-3886 & 804-453-0345 Social Security will tell you they NEVER contact you by phone...pure scam!
Mad men
April 19, 2018

In reply to by Frustrated in MT

Got the same calls from the same person just different number but both from Charles city
twilson
April 26, 2018

In reply to by Frustrated in MT

I had a call from 857-327-5119 with the same message, I called back fully expecting number to 'disconnected' they actually answered using my name and gave me MY soc#. If they already have my info, what do they want? I put freezes on all three reporting agencies.
KCMO
May 08, 2018

In reply to by twilson

They may want you to confirm that it's yours. Whatever you do, say nothing.
Mad momma
April 18, 2018
There has been letters to me for my children , the number is lagit but the extension is wrong, 00000 for the extension? I’ve returned the letter that is askingfor routing numbers to my kids bank account! No way not getting that info scammers, be aware friends that if you receive a letter compare it to an old letter, you can see the discrepancy
Mad men
April 19, 2018
I have gotten 2 of those today “Hi this is Damien calling from the head office of Social Security Administration this is your final reminder your Social Security is Coppermine and used for the legal activities please contact your allotted paralegal officer at 804-453-0345 immediately _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ which we will freeze your assets and forfeit I repeat 804-453-0345 thank you…” Hi this is Damien calling from the head office of Social Security Administration your Social Security number has been compromised and it is getting suspended today please contact your allotted paralegal officer at 804-569-5071 immediately I repeat 804-569-5071 thank you…” I copied an pasted them from my voicemail reading says the number was from Charles city va don't think I be call in him back
nana_1
April 27, 2018

My brother is in prison for life and some lady with a Roseville California area code 914 called my mother And said she was from ssa office of determination And my brother needed to call her immediately. Please my brother is in prison doing a life sentence How can he still have credit information How can people use a convicts information without going to jail.

JMO
April 23, 2018
I just received a call on my cell telling me that they are from the Social Security Administration, and that I needed to call (210) 607-7809 immediately as they were advising that fraudulent activity is happening on my Social Security number. Cannot be legit. If this is not a scam, let me know, but I would figure you would have reached out to me in a different way. Let me know, thanks!
Jack
April 26, 2018
Been getting calls all week. I listen then block the #.
Ticked Off
April 27, 2018
Ticked Off - Received two calls today 4.26.2018 (in CA) at 2:25pm and 4:40pm from phone #1-408-495-5151 stating we needed to call them back or social security would be suspended! Needless to say I am not calling them back! I'm going to put a new greeting on my phone that says "Scammers need not leave a message"!
MARY C
April 27, 2018

I received a call today saying our ss number has been suspended, and we need to call 1 415 763 8376. I didn't answer the call it's still on the answering machine, I'm not falling for this scam but I'm sure there are a lot of seniors that will. It didn't sound like a person it sounded robotic. Thank you.

Dscgjfdon't hu…
April 28, 2018
iIt is a google account that is as far as i could trace it past Richmond Va.
SA
April 30, 2018
I have received two calls left on my phone messages saying they are from the Social Security Hotline Division and that there is a warrant for my arrest from the Federal Crime Investigation Dept and to call 214-619-7125. What is the best way to handle this issue?
SL
April 30, 2018

In reply to by SA

i got the same call multiple times today from 210-607-7809 but they dont have my married name so i assume its a scam
Joe
May 01, 2018
214-613-9082 Someone from this number calls up to say that they are from SSA. Please investigate ASAP
Lunar blue
May 03, 2018
I get like 5 calls a day crom this so called SS ofgice, i just block every new number they use to try and get im contact with me.
VSC1981SIG
May 07, 2018
FYI, I keep getting a social security phone scam from this number: 254-262-6027
Dfg
May 08, 2018

In reply to by VSC1981SIG

Same. They leave a message to contact a "case concerned officer" at that number. It's actually kind of clever since they stay vague enough to pique curiosity instead of going the obvious threat route.
nunyabiznas
May 15, 2018

In reply to by VSC1981SIG

Same number has called me several times this week with the same message.
Stop calling m…
May 25, 2018

In reply to by VSC1981SIG

Received a call from this number today. Saying that my as number had been compromised in the state of Texas. Female digitized voice
fishpelt
May 08, 2018
I realized this was a scam after I called the number back and told them my name. It was a voicemail. I filed a complaint with FTC but will I be okay? Or did I give them too much information? Sorry, they really startled me...
KD
May 08, 2018
I received 2 calls in one day from this number. One was 'Officer' Maria Gomez, and the other 'Officer' Kevin Anderson. 1st call claimed my ssn had been compromised and to call the number back, and the 2nd was my final warning or my ssn was going to be suspended. I called the SSA toll free number and they verified there were no flags on my ssn. They referred me to the OMG of the SSA to file a complaint also. Since the callers claimed to be officers I was also referred to my local FBI to file a complaint and to the FTC to file a complaint.
Western South Dakota
May 09, 2018
FYI - Have received two phone calls today to a city government phone number from 254-262-6027. First was a feminine digitized voice stating there is an issue with "my" SSN, the second was a male digitized voice threatening to disable "my" SSN. At no time was my name provided to show the caller had a clue who was called.
California
May 09, 2018
Had 2 calls today that I rejected and then listened to the voicemail afterwards. Received two called today and they were both from a Waco, Tx phone number (254) 262-6027. The first time was a recording of a woman stating that my SSN has been compromised and then 3 hours later it was a recording of a man stating he was Officer Kevin something from headquarters saying that my SSN is now terminated. and both said to contact the same number that called and have a good day.
JoyB
May 10, 2018
I have received 2 phone calls today from 1-361-6911, they say my social security number has been suspended, I asked him for a ID number, and they hung up, the next time I didn't answer and they left a message. Is this another scam?
Josephine
May 10, 2018
I just got a call from someone claiming to be from SSA and telling me that my Social Security Number was about to be suspended, and to call (281) 249-5772. Lock these people up now.
sayssam
May 10, 2018
I was contacted by an agent claiming to be the IRS. Person yelled at me and screamed and even threatened me. I didn’t give them any information obviously. They said that they had tried to bring me a registered letter but I was not home. They stated that they have an agent at my home now but nobody is answering the door. I told them that I am home and that they were scamming me. I kept on calling the number that shows up on my phone and the “agents” kept on hanging up on me. Yeah if the IRS is contacting me they don’t slam the phone down. Whatever. It would be nice if someone would do something about this garbage.
kpat123
May 11, 2018
Here is the text of the message I got on 5-10-18: "Hello, this is Officer Kevin Anderson from the headquarters of Social Security Administration. This is the final warning for you, or else we have to suspend the social security number. We request you to contact your case concerned officer at 254-262-6027. I repeat, it's 254-262-6027. Thank you. You have a good day."
Boise, Idaho
May 11, 2018
I didn't recognize the number so I sent it to voicemail. They left a message, which was a digitized voice message.. Similar to the others "Officer Maria Gomez" and a similar message left.
Ray
May 11, 2018
They keep calling me from the number 281-249-5772. Saying I'm going to be arrested because of my SS# being used in TX. Save the voicemails. Don't answer.
DS
May 14, 2018
I got the same message in a phone call from 254-262-6027 and "Officer Maria Gomez".
DestinyB
May 14, 2018
Also got a call from an automated service telling me my SSN was compromised in the state of Texas. Number: 254.262.6027
Burtwelt
May 15, 2018
I keep getting Texas calls telling me my number has been suspended. Wants me to call a 804 number immediately because my last warning. The caller is an. Automated caller.
DONT FALL FOR IT!!!
May 17, 2018
SCAM!!...Shawn Buhcann...phone number 254-262-6027...please dont fall for this SCAM!!!!
California - Texas
May 17, 2018
Got a call from 254-262-6027 - Like listed on other comments. I went the extra step and call them. A guy with an Indian accent answered the phone and asked for my name - I gave him a different name and he said that he knew I was lying that he had information on me and that if was not going to cooperate that I needed to hang up. A very rude individual.
Tired of the calls
May 21, 2018
I keep getting calls from 573-229-0033, 0092, 0066,0019, 0090. Says its Amber from SSA, but it must be a robo because it always disconnects after that. If I don't answer they don't leave a message.
Michael
May 23, 2018
There's an IRS scam going on using number (516)462-8283. They have an automated system that gives the usual, "you have three warrants out for your arrest...pay within 24 hours or we won't be able to help you." The moment you question the person at all they will hang up the phone. I would have reported this through the IRS except they make it ridiculously difficult to submit a report without providing a lot of personal information.
Lucy Lou
May 23, 2018
Received phone call from - 214-613-9117 -Social Security Administration stating my SS# would be blacklisted!!!
Lucy Lou
May 23, 2018
Received phone call from - 214-613-9117 -Social Security Administration stating my SS# would be blacklisted!!!
California
May 23, 2018
Rec'd call on 3 of my phones in my family from Sarah Webb 434-298-4657 stating this would be my final reminder that my account has been comprised. That I should call immediately. What happen to all the other notices?
justinthe
May 24, 2018

hi i am getting calls from the number 254-269-6027 for the last 2 months and i'm starting to get to very upset about it i changed my phone 17 times and i still get the same call can someone please help me with finding out how i can stop getting these calls.