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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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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
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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.

hk
March 01, 2019

In reply to by lb

I got a call with similar automated message from (877) 319-3088. I'm pretty sure it's a scam.
StopSpam
July 23, 2019

In reply to by lb

I also received the same voicemail at (868) 941-8073 from a robot caller. I’m assuming it is spam as well.
petter Rabit
January 15, 2020

In reply to by lb

My wife has had the same thing happening to her for a while now. I think it a scammer. If it was the Social Security Office They will send you a letter in the mail. Meanwhile just block them.
Hulkgurl
March 06, 2021

In reply to by lb

Absolutely a SCAM. Under no circumstance should you give out personal identifying information to ANYONE! THE IRS, THE SS ADMINISTRATION would never ask for this information because they already have it.
Meganrose
August 19, 2021

In reply to by Hulkgurl

Unfortunately for me, I’m not aware of how these things work, and I became a victim. I fortunately stopped it before sending my personal money, but I did give out my personal information so I’m reporting it today :(
Larry in Idaho
August 02, 2018
I just got a call from 1-240-900-9972, apparently a maryland are code, automated womans voice saying I need to call this number back because my social security number is being used illegally. has to be one of the dumbest scams ever since there is no way they even know my name. here is why i am telling you this. i know exactly how they got my number because i set it up that way, i have a voip Internet number that cannot be known by anyone except who i tell it to. the only outlet of the number was a silly contest ON face book. Looked legit, thousands of people enter it, blah blah blah. I have had at least a dozen calls in the last week to a number that no one knows but them. so don't put your number into a face book thing ever.
KLHParker
August 02, 2018
Just received a call from a Sausalito, CA phone number - a robo call saying my SS# has been compromised. Number that caled is (415)367-1289.
Tammy
August 02, 2018
I received my 5th, yes, 5th IRS scam call today. Tell me my SSN was under investigation for fraudulent activity. I've never called them back, not one time. It was on the News here last month this was happening so I knew what it was. But I'm about to hit my breaking point with these people, call them back and snap on them. Isn't there something that can be done?? And they are just stupid enough that they keep calling from the same automated number 210-405-4249
Paul A.
August 02, 2018
I have received a scam call from 210-405-4348 3 times that claims to be from the Social Security Administration. The number left a voicemail two out of the three times it has called. They state that if I do not return the call they will begin with legal proceedings.
UnCoolMom
August 03, 2018
Just got a call from a 614 area code. Voicemail message identified himself as Damien from the “head office” of the social security Administration. Needed me to call back ASAP and talk to their “paralegals” since my ss # had been compromised and was suspended. I reported it to the 800 number on the back of my social security card (same number posted here numerous times as the correct number to call). Don’t fall for this scam! Nobody’s suspending your SS# and leaving a voicemail to tell you!
Bucks2018
August 03, 2018
My husband received a call from 347-566-7422 and left a voicemail that his SS number was suspended. Scam.
Dave in MN
August 06, 2018
Mideast accent man on the phone called me, he said he worked for Social security and my SS number has been connected to illicit activities in TX and MX. My ss number was connected to two stolen vehicle a couple of bank accounts with over $1mm. Illegal drugs found in one of the vehicle and my ss number is the only connection. I could cooperate by giving more information of see you in court. i asked for his phone number so my attorney could contact him he did not want that, "it is your ss number so we need to talk to you". they did have my SS number and home address. Big Scam and very threatening. Nothing like being assaulted over the phone. What next.
TomDon't use y…
August 07, 2018
I have been on hold for 50 min. and fianally got connected to a ss agent. The lady was very helpfull with my Fraud alert . Too bad it took so long to get help on the phone. Not very efficient.
scam attempt 2…
August 07, 2018
Upon information and belief this party is working the craigslist for sale ads to acquire personal information, phone numbers, names, and addresses, in a physing scam. Replying to ads to retrieve the info.,beware. 214-223-1145 as of august in 2018
Texas rose
August 09, 2018
I just got one.! It was from California requesting a call back (robot voice) because my ss # had been “compromised”. For heavens sake! How dumb do they think we are?
Ripley69
August 09, 2018
I received a message on my phone transcribed as the following: ““_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ filed on your Social Security number for criminal activities so when you get this message kindly revert as soon as possible long our number that is 210-981-6978 I repeat 210-981-6978 before we begin with the legal proceedings thank you…”. It wasn’t a human voice, just a recording. I did not call the number back.
irritated by s…
August 09, 2018

In reply to by Ripley69

I have had two of these calls today, same number. Last week I got a different one. I looked up a web-site that does a reverse directory search. From the phone number they give you a name. I called the number and asked for the person by name. He answered with a stream of f-bombs and hung up. HEE_HEEE!
Racertwo
August 13, 2018

In reply to by Ripley69

I have received that exact same call from the same number 3 times today. 210-981-6978. Obviously I did not return the call, but if I had, I'm sure the first thing they would ask you for is your social security number. I have had similar calls claiming to be the IRS, with a similar threat at the end of the recorded message. Scams!
Maly09
January 14, 2019

In reply to by Ripley69

Same exact thing happened to me with different phone number coming from Texas.
Ann
June 12, 2019

In reply to by Ripley69

I am getting this exact call today. Good to see it’s not real.
Ellesq
July 08, 2019

In reply to by Ripley69

Thank you so much for this comment! It's 2019 and I just received the same message VERBATIM from some (210) number as well.
emare411
June 22, 2020

In reply to by Ripley69

Same exact message but it came from phone number 469-676-5553
Doc46
August 09, 2018
The scam calls I received instructed me to call 713-900-4330.
raquel
August 10, 2018
received a call from George Freeman at 347-915-6806
LL
August 14, 2018

In reply to by raquel

I received a call today also from George Freeman at 347-915-6806.
nycjames
August 14, 2018

In reply to by LL

I also received two calls today from George Freeman at the same number, 347-915-6806. SCAM!!
nycjames
August 14, 2018
Just received two messages from 347-915-6806 stating that my SS number is now suspended due to fraud? I called the SS admin to report it.
Josh
August 15, 2018
Received a call from this number 240 316 4678 stating my SS had been suspended blah blah. Be careful, folks!
Jasper
August 16, 2018

In reply to by Josh

I received a voicemail from the same number on 8/15/2018 informing me my SSN was suspended and there was a warrant for my arrest. I returned the call, and the man who answered the phone had a slight accent and said he represented the Social Security Administration. I asked his name and he identified himself as "Jordan Wilson". He really wanted my SSN to confirm the problem described in the vm. I hung up.
Bob
August 28, 2018

In reply to by Jasper

I had a call from 469 769 4853 (Texas) on 8/28/2018, I declined the call and it left a voice mail. The robotic recording was cut off by the greeting and all that came through was "Before we proceed this matter in court house get back to us on our department number" and gives back the number that had called me. I called and the heavily accented man identified himself as this "Jordan Wilson." He asked for a case number, which of course I don't have because the VM was cut off. He asked for name, then zip code, then SSN. I explained that I was uncomfortable giving out SSN, and asked him what the office was, and he said Social Security Administration. I asked what the call could possibly be in reference to and he said he couldn't tell me without me giving my SSN. I hung up.
GV
August 15, 2018
Hi I got a call today, saying that my SS# has been compromised. Something!!!
StewieR
August 15, 2018
I got a call today from a guy with a foreign accent said he was from the Social Security administration and he had my name and my address and said my Social Security number was being used fraudulently . I asked him how it was being used and he wouldn’t say he wanted me to give him my SS# and I said no way. He said we have your name and address and cops will be at your home tomorrow.
SS scam attempt
August 16, 2018
The phone number 1-915-243-1450 called today with a robo call that had an India accent to it. It stated that my social security had been stopped & I needed to call the number back to have it re-instated. I don't even GET social security to begin with. When I called them it was a gentleman with an India accent & when I told them to quit trying to "scam" in the states he hung up on me. This number is generated from Texas. Don't give them any information.
jonesbl0
August 16, 2018
I also received 2 calls the same and the number is 443-792-9834. they did not list a name but I do have call back from the ss office to let them know.
lori
August 16, 2018
I received 2 calls today stating "Your ss# has been compromised. It is being suspended today. Please call 909-764-0034 for a new #" Im sure this is a scam.
Another scam
August 20, 2018
Just got the same call as you guys, it was from Texas and my ssn was used in a fraudulent activity and will arrest me if I didn’t contact them soon
Donald Ashton …
August 21, 2018
Beware of this number 240-666-7098!!! They will tell you that your social security number has been used in fraudulent and illegal activities, they tell you to call them back so they can help you fix the problem. DO NOT CALL THEM BACK!!!!
Karla B
August 21, 2018
I have received a call from 614-826-9791 stating that they are cancelling my SSN and will issue a new one. Is this a SCAM? I have had no issues with my number in the past
MJ
October 01, 2018
Received via email.... Scam???? Dear We’d like to remind you to review your Social Security Statement online. The Statement has important Social Security information and, if applicable, estimates of your future benefits. If you are working, we encourage you to check your Statement yearly to make sure your earnings record is correct. The Statement also will help in planning your financial future. To view your most recent Statement, please visit www. socialsecurity. gov/ reviewyourstatement and sign in to your account. On June 10, 2017, we added a second method to verify your identity each time you sign in to your account. This is in addition to your username and password. Using two ways to identify you when you log on will help better protect your account from unauthorized use and fraud. Now, when you sign in to your account you will complete two steps: Step 1: Enter your username and password. Step 2: Enter the security code we send you by text message or email, depending on your choice (your cell phone provider’s text message and data rates may apply). With instant access to your Social Security Statement at any time, you will no longer receive one periodically in the mail, saving money and the environment. Thank you for Going Green! Please do not reply to this email, as we are unable to respond to messages sent to this address.
FTC Staff
October 01, 2018

In reply to by MJ

The URL www.SocialSecurity.gov is the real web address of the Social Security Administration.

Annie
August 23, 2018
I called both numbers given above, in this article, in order to report an automated phone scam that claimed that my social security number has been compromised... and after going though the time consuming automated instructions and choices that took about 5 minutes for each time I tried. I was told by the real social security automated voice that my wait time to talk to a human being would be 50 - 55 minutes!! I was trying to report this scam but apparently the social security office doesn't really want to know about it. NO ONE is going to sit on hold to report a phone scam. It's lame to expect anyone to do that! The scam number I was told to call by the scam phone call here in Arizona in order to call "social security' LOL was 916-226-9264. I think that whoever these creeps are keep using different phone numbers to avoid being caught.
TiredOfScams
August 23, 2018
I received an automated message stating that there is a legal enforcement action filed on my SSN for criminal activities. The recording instructed me to call (210)245-5069 before they begin legal proceedings. Flipping idiots!
Buford
August 25, 2018
Have received this same message every couple of months with different phone numbers saying that my social security has been compromised and payments will be suspended if I do not contact them. (Fat Chance) Just getting tired of it. the last number and location shown in caller ID was 651-560-0832 Wasbasha Mn.
Concerned
August 27, 2018
Just received a call today from 651-560-0832 from an obvious recording about my SSN being compromised. Please investigate.
FTC Staff
August 27, 2018

In reply to by Concerned

You can report the call to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations. The comments you put here on the blog don’t go into the law enforcement database.

RedStar56792
August 28, 2018
Received a fake call from SSI today. Number was 701-409-0235, they left a name of Kimberly Johnson. Wanted us to call them back. Did some research and found out about the scams! They said the asocial security number had been suspended, but not who's mine or my husbands. Didn't trust it!
Deemazza22
August 29, 2018
I keep getting phone calls from tel:915-603-5299 this number telling me my SS# was used fraudulently n they will be taking action against Me!!!!!!! These people are so stupid and when they called u could hear a baby screaming in the back round
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