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The FTC is getting reports about people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) who are trying to get your Social Security number and even your money. In one version of the scam, the caller says your Social Security number has been linked to a crime (often, he says it happened in Texas) involving drugs or sending money out of the country illegally. He then says your Social is blocked – but he might ask you for a fee to reactivate it, or to get a new number. And he will ask you to confirm your Social Security number.

In other variations, he says that somebody used your Social Security number to apply for credit cards, and you could lose your benefits. Or he might warn you that your bank account is about to be seized, that you need to withdraw your money, and that he’ll tell you how to keep it safe.

But all of these are scams. Here’s what you need to know:

  • The SSA will never (ever) call and ask for your Social Security number. It won’t ask you to pay anything. And it won’t call to threaten your benefits.
  • Your caller ID might show the SSA’s real phone number (1-800-772-1213), but that’s not the real SSA calling. Computers make it easy to show any number on caller ID. You can’t trust what you see there.
  • Never give your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Don’t confirm the last 4 digits. And don’t give a bank account or credit card number – ever – to anybody who contacts you asking for it.
  • Remember that anyone who tells you to wire money, pay with a gift card, or send cash is a scammer. Always. No matter who they say they are.

If you’re worried about a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration, get off the phone. Then call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you’ve spotted a scam, then tell the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

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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.

Mary
May 14, 2019
Got a suspicious recorded message on my cell that started in the middle of the message - obviously a robot. I tried googling the number but was unsuccessful outside of a restaurant in California. "... on your SSN for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on the number before we begin with legal proceedings. That is 800-773-9396." After reading other comments it looks like the same scam. Obviously, these scammers are getting smarter and piggy-backing on other business numbers.
Scotty
May 14, 2019
I just received a scam call from Lodi, CA (209) 210 2063.
GomezB2019
May 15, 2019
Received a phone call from 210-469-0497 saying enforcement actions were filed against my SSN I called back and they asked for my SSN and told them I wouldn’t give it to them. His ID number is CS-129
Pat
May 15, 2019
I just get the same call ,stating that my social security number has been suspended because of suspicious activities. I received three different messages. ..8004683108. 84440777747. 8446700433
Geoff
May 15, 2019
Just got a robocall from 800-441-2551. Claiming an arrest warrant has been issued for me for to some lawsuit filed against my SSN. Told me to hit one for more info and then it just hung up.
AYCEE
May 15, 2019
I've gotten 4 today already between 9 and 2 and two of them left voicemails. The phone numbers that I got them from are 1-888-815-1282, 1-888-815-1286, 1-888-815-1263, and 1-888-815-1269. I'm tired of these calls.
Ekin
May 16, 2019
I got two calls in the same hour from some scammers claiming that they were going to pursue legal actions against me if I didn't call back. There were two different voices, a male and a female, but they were both robotic.
Be careful
May 16, 2019
The number 1- 888- 815-1325 just call me saying they are SSA and will take my benfits away because of my SS number that's might be wrong also I block caller which didn't help. They called 2 more times
MP
May 16, 2019
Received a call from Texas saying SS number had been used to buy numerous vehicles and that the number would be suspended and Texas Rangers would be coming tomorrow to issue a new number.
Sunshine
May 16, 2019
I received a call from ‭(214) 433-8733‬ who left a robo call message stating that they were the SSA and I had criminal activity on my social security number for criminal activities. I knew it was a scam so I called them back to collect more information. Multiple people answering. English is fair and they are claiming to be the social security Administration of El Paso Texas.
Nancy drew
May 16, 2019
Unless,it’s a hologram scammer,pretending be social security,called hiroo on his cellphone your bank account has been comprised,you must tell us your name,I said it’s a scam he said sir!
Amber
May 17, 2019
I just got a automated call saying my social security number has been compromised and to call them at 410 226 3059.
From New York
May 17, 2019
1-646-610-5000 1-800-325-0778 1-877-438-4338 1-800-772-1213 1-800-269-0271 1-877-032-4213 1-528-438-4000 These numbers are from a fake group.
LMB
May 17, 2019
I got one today 05/17/2019. It was from 800-025-1697. It said my SSN had been comprised and legal action was being brought. The call said to wait on the line or if not to call 240-771-9837. I called both #'s from a different phone. I get an immediate message saying the # can not be reached.
Lazy lazmon't …
May 17, 2019
I got a call from 8770814213 saying my SSN is suspended and I need to stay on call with someone , I dropped out . What should I do .
Lazy lazmon't …
May 17, 2019
I got a call from 8770814213 saying my SSN is suspended and I need to stay on call with someone , I dropped out . What should I do .
lee18841
May 17, 2019
I received a call from phone number 484-661-4784, Allentown PA.
Power
May 18, 2019
Got a phone call today telling me my ss# had been used for fraudulent activity she said she has a case # she needs to verify my social and name . +1 (716) 413-0552 That’s the phone . She took my last 4 #of my social ! They should do something about these liars!
BigMac
May 20, 2019
Phone companies can terminate these swiftly, but they choose not to as they get paid to establish the calls. Caveat Emptor is a bad way of doing business. We should put an end to the crooks forthwith! No everyone has the wherewithal to recognize fraud. That is what we have a government for. No ?. It is time we disallowed legal bribery of our politicians and strengthen the agencies responsible for protecting us, FCC, FAA, FDA and such.
user2468555555
May 20, 2019
Got a call this morning from a voice recording saying my SS# was compromised and to learn more select 1. No mention of my name at all. Seemed very sketchy. 1-800-928-3614
RD2381
May 20, 2019
I just received the call from (212) 335-5225, I simple disconnected the call.
JS
May 20, 2019
I got a call today from the phone 1877 126 4213 - a robot announced that my SSN has been blocked and I need to press 1 to discuss the issue with an agent. I did not react, just another variation of the scam.
Joebahl
May 20, 2019
New Jersey calls from 201-595-1377 and 201-560-3088 SSI fraud scammers
877-803-6318
May 20, 2019
scam call number
Isaac
May 20, 2019
I got a call today, not from the SSA but rather from another toll-free number (866-298-1237); they said my SSN was involved in some fraud. I didn’t call the number back but I did Google it. It turns out that that particular number belongs to some Web design firm in Ontario, Canada. I’m guessing probably a spoof. Is there anything I should do?
Crystal
May 21, 2019
From Phone number (646) 974-0479 "Because we found some suspicious activity. So if you want to know about this 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 activity. So if you want to know about this case, just press one. Thank you."
K mckinney
May 21, 2019
I ewas called by a machine that said I had to call this no. Back or I might have to go before a grand jury and they claimed to be from social security office.
DG
May 21, 2019
I received a call from 206-686-9261 claiming they are from the legal department of Social Security Administration on 5/21/19. They notified me that my SS is suspended and they filed a case under my name and threatened to take it to the federal claim court house for my arrest. Then instructed me to press 1. This phone call was very suspicious so I did not press 1. What happens if I pressed 1? I just feel terrible for the poor people who will actually fall for this. This is predatory and needs to be stopped.
betting scammed
May 21, 2019
Here are two numbers who keep calling me and I can not get them to stop. 1-800-260-5511 and 1-800-674-9869. How do I get them to stop?
Distressed
May 21, 2019
Got a phone call from 4153060869.... saying there was fraudulent activity on my social...called the number they answered Social Security Administration... just phony
betting scammed
May 21, 2019
I’m getting phone calls every single day say ing that my social security has been compromised. How do I get them to stop does anybody know what to do ?
Just-me
May 21, 2019
I just received an automated call telling me that there was crime and fraud under my social and that I needed to call ASAP!
Washington concerned
May 21, 2019
Received two calls today from the same number and two different number with the same claim, as follows. “_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ number for this an enforcement action executed by the US hire authority stating your Social Security number going to be block intending your serious attention ignoring this will be an intentional second attempt to avoid initial appearance before a magistrate judge or a grand jury for a federal criminal offense this is the final attempt to reach you to resolve this issue immediately and to speak to a federal agent call back number is 717-322-5170 I repeat 717-322-5170 thank you…” also ‭+1 (772) 208-9695‬
aud
July 30, 2019

In reply to by Washington concerned

I just got the exact same call today. From this number. 724-670-2011
friend
September 28, 2020

In reply to by aud

I got this call on my work vm today, callback number is 681-242-4650
dcboyd
September 13, 2019

In reply to by Washington concerned

Just got this call too. From 855-474-4742 and instructing me to call the same. We must be very dangerous folks for them to want to block our SSNs.
Becca
May 21, 2019
+1 866-464-2948 got a call claiming to be . saying im in trouble. on a voice mail claiming that i owe money . nope
watchout for this
May 22, 2019
just received a call by someone saying they were the SSA did not answer so they left me a voicemail stating my social was involved in criminal activity the phone number they are using is (913)214-3888
DTAMan
May 22, 2019
I just got a call in California from an unknown number about this I wish there was a way to stop them
Not Falling For It
May 22, 2019
Just received call saying my Social Security number has been suspended and need to call Las Vegas.
Ryan
May 22, 2019
I recieved a call today from 8662845665. They were really pushy and called 4 times back to back. I answered due to voice mail and asked them what the deal was with social and they wanted me to confirm it giving them my social and I said no so they told me that they will have to report me to the authorities. I'm guessing this is scam lol. I dont give out my info to anyone unless it's in person to legit place or background etc.
VICTOMDBNJ
May 23, 2019
I live in NJ and rvd a call today 5/23/19 at 10:30am from 1-938-888-7911 there is fraudulent activity concerning my SS number and I have 24 hours to contact this number; I called and hung up (and then blocked them) and man answered with an indian accent; HE IS NOT FROM SOCIAL SECURITY; I called SS and they told me about the this scam. i'm so over this nonsense with scammers trying scam innocent people.
Melissa9
May 23, 2019
I got a call from New Jersey I informed them SS doesn't call neither does the IRS but that our government is asking us to report numbers that call so here is the number 201-629-1068. They wanted my name I said you called me so you should have it. They got upset with me and hung up
JOE
May 23, 2019
sTART GETTING FAKE ssn CALL FROM 8332110352 CALLING LAST 3 DAYS
Hilc
May 23, 2019
Received a phone call from 877-813-6329 is a call from SSA to report that they just suspend my SS # because of suspicious activity! Press 1 for more information. I wish they just live me alone.
Don't be fooled!
May 23, 2019
Got a call from this 1-800-474-4569 today an auto message stated my ss number had been criminalized and used in fraudulent activity. Told me to press 1 and so i did. A women came on and said how can i help you. I said you called me and she hung up. This stuff needs to be stoped!
Cautious Citizen
May 23, 2019
I am continuously getting calls from a group identifying as SS agents, calling to both my cell phone and home phone. I will never give out my SSN but to back check on them I call the number and a guy with an “off the coast of USA” accent said “Yes can I help”, I said “I’ve just had a call from the SS” and he said “Yes, we have to shut down your account!”. I gave no details, no name, no numbers etc etc but the first think he said was “We need to shut down you account” - How did he know who I was or even what my SSN is to shut me down.......what an idiot, such a scam.
Squidbilly
May 23, 2019
I've received 4 calls in the last two days from Social Security's TTY line. I've learned a long time ago to NEVER answer numbers I don't recognize. These jerks are basically holding us hostage! We can't even use the phones we pay for in the way that they're intended. So damn weary of this.
DCLosAngeles
May 23, 2019
4 calls today about suspended social security number and it's only 2pm. The numbers that called me were: 858 816 1620 858 816 1624 858 816 1630 858 816 1640 In that order, even. This isn't the first time I've received similar calls. I'm on the DNC registry and I never ever answer calls from numbers I don't know.
MamaH
May 23, 2019
Got two calls today with the usual message re: my SS number, fraud blah blah blah. Looked up the numbers - both were likely households whose number had been spoofed. Ugh. I really want to yell at someone.