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A caller says that he’s from the government and your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended. He sounds very professional. So you should do exactly what he says to fix things…right?

Wrong.

The FTC has gotten reports about scammers trying to trick people out of their personal information by telling them that they need to “reactivate” their supposedly “suspended” SSNs. The scammers say the SSN was suspended because of some connection to fraud or other criminal activity. They say to call a number to clear it up – where they’ll ask you for personal information.

Thing is, Social Security numbers do not get suspended. This is just a variation of a government imposter scam that’s after your SSN, bank account number, or other personal information. In this variation of the scheme, the caller pretends to be protecting you from a scam while he’s trying to lure you into one.

Here are a few tips to protect yourself:

  • Never give out or confirm personal information over the phone, via email or on a website until you’ve checked out whoever is asking you for it.
  • Do not trust a name, phone number, or email address just because it seems to be connected with the government. Con artists use official-sounding names and may fake caller ID or email address information to make you trust them. Besides, the government normally contacts people by postal mail.
  • Contact government agencies directly, using telephone numbers and website addresses you know to be legitimate.

If someone has tried to steal your personal information by pretending to be from the government, report it to the FTC.

 

Search Terms
scam
Topics
Credit, Loans, and Debt
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.

Emerson
July 29, 2019
I was called many times last week by the number 1 800 813-3154 . An audio message informs that your social security is blocked due to suspect activities and if you do not agree you have to type 1 to be attended . An Indian guy attended and asked my name and social security and I said that since they called me to my phone number , they were supposed to have my name and social security and I asked him to identify himself and he got mad and said bad words to me an hang out. They use a system to make you worried and in doubt to extract important information from you . Do not answer them , take care !
Tammy
July 29, 2019
I have just received a voice mail saying that my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. The caller number is 877-895-7454. I google it using reverse phone lookup and it shows low rush scam. This should be flagged as high risk scam. How on earth did they get my number in the first place? FTC please shut down these scam artist. I would worry for the elderly since they are more vulnerable to these kind of scams.
Os99
July 29, 2019
an 866 number called me 6 different times today (each a different number) with the same message that my ssn has been suspended or will be due to suspicious activity. i look this up to see if anyone else may have had the same issues and found this chat. the fact that they called me so many times and ended up changing the story a bit made me suspicious and when i googled it i came across a number of people who have had the same call/ issue I knew it was a scam. on the 6th call i finaly answer just to see what kinda things they would ask. After pressing 1 after the automated tone ended, I was redirected to a live rep. They ask if i had gotten any mail on the situation, i say no. they then ask for my name to look up my case. While still trying to be cautious i don't say my full name though mistekenly i say my real first name and they hang up. should i be concerened? if so what steps should i take to prevent possible identity theft?
madman10000
July 29, 2019
Just got a robot call (877)165-2984
Johnb304
July 29, 2019
I just got a phone call from the "ssa" saying that my SSN will be blocked tomorrow and the guy sounded like he was from a different country and when I asked him to let me speak to someone who is in charge he hung up on me and then I called back and asked why my SSN was going to be blocked some lady asked me to verify my SSN and I told her that I worked for the sso in West Virginia she hung up then I received 6 more calls with in 5 mins and the number was from Connecticut. The number was (203)490-0840
Gary
July 30, 2019
Just got same call from 883-495-3022
forma lite
July 30, 2019
I got a call yesterday from (877) 909-8557 saying "my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity" and to press "1" to learn more about this case. I just remained silent until they hung and then found this page.
SGV user
July 30, 2019
I got a call today from (877) 909-6557 saying "my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity" and to press "1" to learn more about this case. I just remained silent until they hung and then found this page.
mwhite
July 30, 2019
I received a phone call from a 1 - 866 - 984-1584 1-866-715-6570 1-866-758-0724 1-866-562-4965
muscleguy675
July 30, 2019
July 30 2019 ( 469 ) - 901 - 0317 has called me 3 times in 3 weeks informing me they are with Social Security and have noticed " suspicious activity " with my SS number. Now when they call, caller ID on my phone DOES NOT show any Social Security ID. what so ever. It's always a recorded message telling me to press 1 to continue ( which I have no intensions of doing so. )
Joanne
July 30, 2019
Any advice on how to get this to stop. I block the numbers but they always call from different numbers.
beth881
July 30, 2019
I received this same phone call today from 800-559-8538
DDWM
July 31, 2019
I just got a call from 1888812516. Last number is missing. I got a recording first saying my SSN was suspended. Then a person came on and confirmed my name and asked me to hold and then hung up!
Ugh
July 31, 2019
So annoying. I had a voicemail left by the number 646-358-6685 saying my SSN was suspended and to press 1. I instantly felt suspicious and googled this number and here I am. Never give your info out. Go to the SS office or call them directly to verify if worried. They usually mail you info on official SS letterhead. Stay vigilent friends. Blessed be.
TA
July 31, 2019
Here is another number they are calling from: (800) 812-6533
Denverking23
July 31, 2019
I received a call from 877-775-5362 telling me that my social security number was suspended due to suspicious behavior and that they are from the social office so I just hung up idk your social could be suspended???
Draya
July 31, 2019
I keep getting calls from multiple numbers and they leave voicemails saying the same thing my social security number has been suspended due to fraud and asking me to call them back I never do here are a few numbers it’s like every time I block one number another one calls. 865-721-1292 865-771-8457 865-457-5973 865-515-0374 865-362-9517 865-523-1880 865-878-7919 865-945-8625 865-495-6693 865-380-2297 888-734-7273 888-842-6594 888-493-7117 888-146-1784 865-623-6503
Mommabear1997
August 01, 2019
Me too I got a call too from this unknown number and telling me that my SSN has being suspended due to suspicious activity and telling me to dial number 1 and the caller ID said scam caller and the number from where they call was +1(888)862-581 this is so bad this scammers think they can steal ppl information. This is so sad.
lec
August 01, 2019
Just got a “suspension” voicemail. SSI: Thanks for the heads up. Voicemail is history.
Smitty
August 01, 2019
Just received a call from someone claiming to be Security Officer James Johnson ID #183911. Claimed my SS# has been suspended because it is being involved in 12 different crimes in Texas. He told me I had two choices, to hire a criminal attorney for these crimes or... this is when I cut him off and told him I would go directly to my nearest SSOffice to handle this. Of course he continued to persuade me into working with him until I hung up. The number he called me from was 703-596-5578. Cell phone says this is a TN listing. Scary thing is-he had my full name and birthdate going into the conversation . After talking to a real SS rep, she assured me that I didn’t need to worry. They look up as much info from the internet to sound legit. Don’t get fooled! I did file a report with SS giving as much info as I could.
LTaz
August 01, 2019
voicemail was left to call 830-161-8490 - message says... We just suspended your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you wan to know about the case just press one thank you , this call is from the Department of Social Security administration the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspend your social security number because we found some suspicious so if you want to know about this case press one.thank you.
Flatlander
August 01, 2019
I got a phone call with an automated recording saying that my Social Security number “has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity.” The fraudster then provided a phone number and said I must call it to fix the problem or else my assets will be frozen. Hung up on the caller. Phone # was 806-256-6664 Total scam!
aadaadht
August 01, 2019
Just got a call from 803-201-0176, left a recorded voice mail saying that due to fraudulent activity, they were suspending my ss number. I wanted to call them back in the worst way, spewing venom at them, but resisted the temptation.
notemailnaddress
August 01, 2019
I also got a call today (8/1/19) from (888) 576-8502, the recording saying "my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity" and to press "1" to learn more about this case.
page
August 02, 2019
I have received eight calls regarding this social security suspension. The phone numbers are as follows 830-355-0799, 830-343-3526, 830-728-1684, 830-0411420, 830-660-0257, 830-385-1905, 830-718-0586. These calls started at 7:11 AM and have continued up to 8:30 AM. Everyone that calls I am blocking on my cell phone but they just keep using a different number. I think I am going to go insane. I don’t know how to stop this. Any suggestions?
PizzaLady
August 13, 2019

In reply to by page

I finally downloaded an app to block these calls before they get to me. It will answer with a bot. It’s actually quite funny listening to some of the calls that come through. They think they are talking to a real person. Of course you can keep blocking them but they just keep adding different numbers.
Receivedfraudentcall
August 02, 2019
I received one from 830-810-2665, which is in Texas.
Norberto
August 02, 2019
I got this message this week. phone number is (800)-131-9816
Multiple Calls…
August 02, 2019
I received at least 5 calls in one day from separate numbers including some weird ones: +180014770474 +80017225384 18306347661 18301559800 18303488341
Concerned citizen
August 02, 2019
Is there any way to report a scammer number so that the operation is liable?
ANON
August 02, 2019
I have gotten 3 voicemails in 2 days saying my SSN will be suspended if I don't contact so and so. If I do not contact so and so I will be guilty of 8 somethings and could be arrested.. All 3 voicemails are from 877-800-7576
Weary
August 02, 2019
Same call. Left VM on cell. Here’s the number in case y’all are tracking...I’m in NorCal and this call was from New Braunfels, Tx.....I kid you not! I guess they needed to get into Schlitterbahn. ‭+1 (830) 629-6645‬
Krey
August 04, 2019
‭add this num to the list (213) 370-4901‬
I hate scammers
August 05, 2019
Add 866-020-1409 Bot pre-recorded same message as others have described on this thread. Never give out your personal info unless you are in a SS building with a government official. Ever!
Rachel
August 05, 2019
908-731-5681 from plainfield nj saying he was Officer Jefferies
Rodane
August 05, 2019
I have also received the SSA call and looking at the incoming number knew it was either a scam solicitor or criminal activity of some kind. I started a policy a while ago to not answer any call number that wasn’t my son or daughter or immediate family member by name on my phone. I assume any 800 number or between 800 up to 1000 is none of my business. What if all of us baby boomers just turned off our phones for a week or two. Would the cell phone providers get nervous enough to get involved in helping stop this outrage?
Donato
August 05, 2019
I got called by ‭+1 (844) 731-3447‬ and I accidentally hung up on them but I think I might of gave them my name. Will this be an issue if they got my name?
Concerned Citizen
August 05, 2019
I just got the same phone call and here is the number it came from +1 800-214-1052. It is ridiculous how people try to steal people's information.
Nanamama
August 05, 2019
Received a call today telling me my ss# was suspended due to someone else using it. Call came from: 830-793-4850
Concerned Citizen
August 05, 2019
I received two calls from 1-816-239-1539 saying my social would be suspended. Appears to be a scam. Please investigate.
KC
August 05, 2019
They won’t leave me alone! Even pressed One to speak with someone just to tell them that this was the stupidest call I’ve ever received it and to take me off the list. I keep getting called... All (830) Doss Tx one ID had 830-729-2899 830-053-4573 830-692-7436 839-552-4388
Janell8484
August 06, 2019
Scammers number: 1.800.772.8805. I just received a call. A woman's automated voice. Listen to the grammar (activity "running under" my SS#). Always Google the number, Google keywords from the message. Know that unless you already have a telephone relationship with a person at an agency, you will receive such notices via US mail. Nothing is so urgent that taking time to check the validity will create an emergency. Be safe and know thay you're an important line of defense against these schemes and scams.
Kim
August 06, 2019
Same call from 334-632-1082. Alabama. I'm in Michigan. 8/6/19
RockinGal
August 06, 2019
Received today from 830-509-7962
Layman
August 06, 2019
mine was from # 822-487-4304 and 822-332-7041
Savvy_Senior
August 06, 2019
Today received the same "SSN# suspended due to criminal activity". Received from 800-487-5120 which of course is a nonworking number. Also being barraged with student loan repayment options from computer generated calls displayed as "Unknown", "Private number" or a cell phone number no longer in service. Both are leaving messages. When I answer there is no one on the line. I received 4 such calls today alone. Additionally now receiving calls from 251-274-1046. When I answer no one is there. Why is FTC not doing something about Seniors being targeted with these scams. I'm savvy but many seniors are not and when they hear their SS possibly may be suspended, they freak out and answer these crooks.
amd1
August 06, 2019
August 6 2019, got the same call from the same number. The recorded message asked to press 1 and talk with a social security agent.
spammedinTexas06Aug
August 06, 2019
Yes, I just received the spam call, as well, from 1-800-697-3634. These robocalls need to stop! And I am on the "no call list".
phxAz
August 06, 2019
1-855-631-5240 Phx, AZ I let it go to voicemail.
Jb1954
August 06, 2019
I have tried to report fraudulent phone calls on more than one occasion, and I find it unnecessarily difficult to accomplish. You are given too many options that don't apply and you have to jump through too many hoops to file a report! I just want to tell the phone number that the call came from! Why make reporting so difficult?
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