Skip to main content

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.

Search Terms

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.

Keyk
May 23, 2019
I received 10 calls in 1 week , that my SSN # will be blocked . I spoke with a office that gave his name and badge #.He said there was a warranty for my arrest, under my SSN #. He then asked for my name which I provided. Then my address, I gave him a P.o Box #. Then he asked for the last 4 digits if my SSN # , and I said NO. and he hanged up!. This was from Washington Dc, area code (201)
pb
May 24, 2019
Just got 2 calls from 1-800-325-0778 which is SS TTY #. This is getting old.
fedup
May 24, 2019
Received a call last night @5:37 recording, another recording today at 11:35 and numerous other hang up calls. The 2 messages were almost identical to some the others have complained about, threats they have suspended my card because there is a problem and I am to call back. The current scam number to our home is 415-578-7209. I have tried to reach the gov. number posted for the OIG and the SSA only to get the run around. Well, anyone reading this, thanks for listening. I guess this is al we get.
JMPer
May 24, 2019
SCAM CALL robo 5/23/ 19 #415578729 A threat about my number being discontinued, then to return call. I received another one last night, Thursday, with the same info. This is the only place I can manage to get something connected. When will thi stop?
Cathy F. Lombardo
May 24, 2019
I just copied and posted my voice mail. I was sleeping when the call came in. Second call in 2 days. "Suspension notice we have received against your social security number by the Federal crime and investigation Department. We need to talk to you as soon as possible. Again this call is from social security administration. The number to reach department is 484-202-0926. I repeat it's 484-202-0926. Thank you. "
Sharris
May 25, 2019
I got a voicemail from a 1 914 from ssi saying someone ss will be locked a warrant will out for the arrest. Is that fake?
Tia
May 27, 2019
I got a call today from somebody claiming to be from the social security office in Texas they told me my ssn was going to be Suspend the number they called me from was 8669367075 I need these fake calls to stop
Mary
May 27, 2019
I receive these messages for these #8007010948 Lawsuit against you and arrest warrant has been filed under your name due to a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for frozen activities to get more information about this case and the _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ federal database please call 1-800-701-0948 I repeat 800-701-0948 Social Security deputy officer waiting for your call back…”
gscmstr
June 06, 2019
I RECEIVED SEVERAL CALLS OVER THE LAST MONTH. STATING MY SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT WAS CLOSED. I HUNG UP. BUT DID CALL THEM BACK. THEY PICKED UP ON THE THIRD RING, I TOLD THEM SOCIAL SECURITY NEVER PICKS UP THE PHONE THAT FAST. I HUNG UP ON THEM.
BREEbree86
May 29, 2019
Someone just called pretending to be from ssi..telling me my ssi number has been suspended..due to criminal activity...what can I do to avoid any scams with my bank account
fedup
May 29, 2019
Just received 7 calls in a row. 800-701-0879
VJ
May 29, 2019
Today I got a call from number asking about SSN number and provided . he told i did not find any information on the system. oi asked what is your name ? he said some abusing words.
Galyodj1
May 29, 2019
I have been receiving numerous calls claiming my ss # has been used in fraudulent activity. The last call came from #833-378-9293.
JPSwin
May 30, 2019
I keep getting calls to say that my SS number has been stopped/blocked due to suspicious illegal behavior.
MetroDC
May 31, 2019
Got this call today : The reason of this call is to inform you our department has decided to suspend your social security number and file a lawsuit against you as we have received in suspicious activity on your social to get more information. Please call on our department number 239-494-8952. I repeat 239-494-8952. Thank you.
Weena
May 31, 2019
Geese Louise...these guys are all reading the same scrip. I got pretty much the same garbage from #512-489-6454. Didn't call back and blocked it. I'm sure they will just use another phone number. It's a good thing I don't answer calls unless I know who is doing the calling.
Amy3955
May 31, 2019
just got a called... t was showing PRIVATE saying i have been suit by the government because of fraudulent activity with my social...press 1 to speak with an agent from social security administration... when press 1 it cut off the communication.
DINGLESNORT
May 31, 2019
JUST HAPPENED TO MY WIFE #720-669-1813 OFFICER SAM WILSON BADGE#382443 CASE#IR1593541. WIFE WAS TOLD SHE WILL BE PICKED UP IN 45 MINUTES AND INTERROGATED.
Gemini A.
June 03, 2019
On 06/03/2019 at 9:10 AM I received a call on my land phone line but did not answer. The call rolled over to my Vonage voicemail, that recorded the following message that was left by the scam perpetrator; "Hold on your social security number for frozen activities to get more information about this case and arrest warrant from federal database please call 1-800-932-0437. I repeat 800-932-0437. Social Security deputy officer waiting for your call back."
Not a SS number ?
June 04, 2019
18173801469 foreign pretending to be social security services ?
Jhong
June 05, 2019
This is EXACTLY what happened to me today in Baltimore, MD. The numbers which they used were: 1-830-431-9956 and 202-622-2000
Manna
June 05, 2019
I got a call today saying that they are calling from SSN activity and call came from 9145937148
ddecero
June 05, 2019
I have been getting calls for about a month now from a 510 area code telling me that they are from the SSA and that I needed to call them or they will start legal proceedings. I have blocked an number of phone numbers and they just keep calling with another new number. I am so very sick of it and wish there was a way to stop it.
Honeybun1
June 05, 2019
6/5/19 I received several calls 3 times a day, it’s automated, also left a vm. The one is from Texas, and the other is 800-151-5213 and 281-562-7626. Scam
Paul - AZ 2019
June 06, 2019
800-811-1719 fake soc sec call
Alarmed And …
June 06, 2019
I just received a call telling me my SSN was being suspended shut down due to suspicious activity it requested I push 1 now. When I hit the 1 nothing else was said. Not only and I worried about my SSN I’m concerned it could have given access to my phone With private content . Although I have VPN you never know what A fraudulent Person has capabilities of doing . The number that called is 800-175-5213. I called it back it then said “you have reached Verizon this call can not be completed .
Robert MaC
June 06, 2019
On 06/05/19 We received the third bogus call, from the so called FBI / Social Security Admn. The number called from is (443-927-5836), and they have become threatening! Claiming to stop one's SSA payments, bring suit and arrest the person receiving said call. Don't fall for this, it has been described as "fraud & extortion"!!!
mysteryracer
June 06, 2019
I got constant calls saying that my social security card has been suspended. I finally got fed up with the constant calls that I pushed 1 to talk to one of the guys. The guy who I talked to asked me for my name to "look up my file", so I gave it to him, cause I wanted to see why these people keep calling me, but he ended up hanging up cause he got frustrated trying to spell my last name. I wouldn't have given him my SSN, even if it was a real representative, because if it was a real representative, then they should already have that on file. I'm unsure whether my name is enough for them to do anything, but I seriously doubt it, because in that case, I would have already been extorted by now, since somebody could find my name and number if they look hard enough. Whatever you guys do, NEVER give your SSN over the phone. There's no reason why anyone should need that information.
test
June 06, 2019
i got a call from 1800 505 6380 and they said my ssn is suspend and told me to press 1. i did. i am worried. will anything happen?
SweetShannen
June 06, 2019
I wish I had read all these comments sooner because the same thing happened to me today, got a message saying my SSN was used in fraudulent activities and to avoid any further legal action against me, to call (210)761-3314 right away. I called back and a man speaking very broken English, said my SSN was suspended and I was issued an arrest warrant for SS fraud. I too got scared and gave him the last 4 of my SSN, my full name and birthdate. Can he do anything with the information I gave him or is that not enough? I did get him to tell me his name which was officer Jason Park, badge # SSM6068. I doubt it's his real name but if anyone else gets a call from the number (210)761-3314 or by someone claiming to be "officer Jason Park" with the SSA, hang up right away!!
Marc lewis
June 07, 2019
A person called my father and left a voicemail asking for his ssn and threatening prison time. Phone number was 1-877-841-4744.
Kathy D
June 07, 2019
Received a robocall today and they left a voice mail message with much the same information as in previous comments (robot voice saying, "This-is-the . . . So-cial Se-cur-i-ty Ad-min-i-stra-tion . . ." Um, yeah, right. Also told me my number had been compromised and would be suspended if I didn't press 1. Had I answered, I would have hung up as soon as I realized it was a robot anyway, but I don't answer calls if I don't recognize the number (I recommend you all do the same -- if it's a real caller with a real issue, they'll leave a message, folks!). The number used was 347-349-5455, but as they spoof everything that's likely useless information.
karen
June 07, 2019
I ahve been getting calls claiming my SSN is being used and I can get arrested soon. If I dont pay money
Another upset …
June 08, 2019
Receiving calls from 903-480-4858 and 773-657-5071 stating that legal proceedings are being initiated against me or that my SS number is being used fraudulently and will be suspended. Always an Indian accent or voicemail with computer generated voice. Receiving these calls several times a day. Tired of this.
Yor Fullait
June 10, 2019
Just got this call today, pressed 1 just for kicks. A man speaking in a middle eastern accent asked for my name and SSN. I said my name was Yor Fullait. My SSN was 7. He said, Maam I cannot help you unless you give me whole number". So I said "I hardly think someone from India would be handling a SSN problem". He said "I am from Pakistan and we have contract with your government". I said "Then call them for my number. I pay taxes every single year so they do know it". Then hung up.
Tegegn habte
June 10, 2019
+1(325)400 5759 I got call from this number from Abilene ,Tx she said your SNN is problem and call back so How can I know it the problem?
PO'D
June 10, 2019
Got 4 phone calls to day out of Blairstown MO, stating this is "Officer Kelly Jones of the Social Security Administration" and that I needed to call their number back immediately to stop proceedings against me. The number they called from, their so called "Hot Line" is 660-283-4556. They claim if they don't hear back from me I'll be in trouble, my social security number is being investigated for fraudulent activity. Really, 4 times in one day while I'm at work is ridiculous! Blocked the number for now....Till they get a new one!
sh74
June 10, 2019
I just received a call stating that my SS# has been compromised and will be suspended due to criminal activity. I also received a call from someone stating that they are an Ally financial representative asking for the last four digits of my social security number. I am tired of these scams!! As consumers, we are paying too much money in taxes for this to occur on a daily basis. One of my friends got scammed a few years ago, as he signed up as a secret shopper and sent $1500 from his bank account through a cashier's check. The so called company sent him a fake check of $2000 that he was to cash and keep $500 for being a secret shopper. It took him awhile to recover from that scam, as he was unemployed at the time.
Tko45
June 11, 2019
I received a call 603-944-9540 today claiming they were from SS. First it was an disturbing recording to call back. I called back 3x and each call the person's sounded like they were from India or another foreign country.
Smith
June 11, 2019
‭+1 (800) 745-8323‬ Called claiming to have issues with my ssn
M S
June 11, 2019
Got a call from 408 827 7890 saying the call is from Social Security Administration and that your Social Security Number has been found in a criminal activity in Texas and that it is going to be cancelled right away. Gave the federal employee id and the case id. The address is from San Antonio, TX. I asked them to send a letter to which the guy said is not going to send a letter so I ended the call.
TIRED OF PHONE SCAMS
June 11, 2019
Just got a call (again) and a voice mail asking me to call back (254)2535387. They had called this morning two times. They said my Social Security Number has been involved in a criminal activity and I must call to resolve it or the law will be after me.
NotStupid80
June 11, 2019
‭+1 (833) 253-2242‬ A female voice saying my social security was used in a case and that I needed to call them back in order to prevent legal action.
Notellingthem
June 12, 2019

In reply to by NotStupid80

Got scam today June 12/2019 claiming someone from Texas had stolen my num. Idiot tried to make it sound real. I accused him of scam and he threatened me about court and deleting my SS num. Call from 410 656 6139!
Pls ban these …
June 12, 2019
Today's caller purports to be from Alabama. Same spiel about my ss to be blocked. Dear govt PLEASE FIX. FTC tks for this blog so we can pass on warnings.
California 1
June 12, 2019
I have been getting fraudulent calls from this number: 1800 063 7213 DO NOT answer calls or give these people your information. Many people do that is why they continue with this scam.
turtle
June 12, 2019
Have received several of these calls. - various states.The one I received today was from Pennsylvania with a recording - female voice. Gave a badge number. This phone number was 215-695-9820
Candle
June 12, 2019
Got call from men today claiming to be SSA from #410 656 6139. Used the Texas scam.
Me
June 13, 2019
I had a call made to me about my ssn being used for something of a crime the thing is I gave them the last 4 digits of my social will something happened??
CherylAnn
June 13, 2019
Just received a VM recording from (917) 725-5108 stating the call was from the Department of Social Security Administration. They have suspended my SS Number because they have found fraud against it and to call they immediately to resolve the matter