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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.

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  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
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Pavan
June 13, 2019
today i got a call that they are calling from social security verification - that i have criminal activity is going on. they asked my full name for verification, i question them back about my full name - so the operator got hung-up - how can i make a complaint ?
thewellkeptwoman
June 13, 2019
Got one from 1-800-325-0767. Said that my SSN would be blocked and I would be brought before a “magistrate judge” (LOL). Me, being a troll, wanted to humor the person on the other end of the line so I pressed “1” for more information. The guy sounded like he’d been knocked upside the head 20 times (he had trouble saying full sentences and no, he wasn’t a foreigner). I TRIED to ask for an employee number or extension so I could use the real SSA number to get someone to transfer me. He kept telling me what I “needed” to do and to call him back at his “direct number”. I asked him how hard could it be to just give me the information if this was all legit! He started sounding more and more idiotic so I hung up.
Bree
June 13, 2019
My boyfriend received a phone call from (917)725-5108 and left an automated message saying his SSN has been suspended. Where else can we report this shady phone call?
Ram
June 14, 2019
I got a call from 1800 191 7213 on June 13 - I did not follow just hang up after the initial automated message. As, I am aware of this type of calls. Again, I got the call from same number on June 14. This time I missed the call - Thought of having some fun time with the caller. :-)
EK
June 14, 2019
1-800-227-4082. Robo message threatening to shutdown my social security number
Cindy G
June 14, 2019
I keep calls from a 510-112-7221 saying my SS# is going to be suspended. twice a day, 2 days in a row.
SC
June 18, 2019

In reply to by Cindy G

Also receiving multiple calls a day from 510-112 numbers with different 4 digit extensions. Blocking but they keep changing. Same message about suspicious activity and my SSN being suspended.
Sam
June 15, 2019
What should you do If you give them the last 4 of your social and later on you realize it was scam
MTPD
June 17, 2019
I got a truncated message about a court case. The call back # was 8324816684. I called back and the woman claimed she was from the Social Security Administration- Sandra Morris, Badge ID 337140, and that my social security # was being used in Texas. She asked me for the last 4 of my SSN, I told her I would call the SSA directly to investigate.
Tired
June 17, 2019
First the neighbor spoofing. Scammers must be getting really desperate. I began getting 1-800 a few days ago. The first time they called o missed the call. O called back and the number was not in service. Got another 800 number and I answered it simply said "goodbye" and disconnected. Another 800 number and when I answered, I got the message about my ssn bring blocked. They call often now. Even when I block the number, a different 800 number calls. I'm just baffled at all this technology and there is "nothing that can be done"
ashraful
June 17, 2019
I told them my ssn and also my date of birth and my name.Now what should I do?
scammers
June 17, 2019
Just got two calls back to back. Same message. Legal enforcement action. 832-572-5480 callback number. Did not call back. Scary though. Also 102-09 -9299.
PGH Scam
June 18, 2019
I got a voicemail today from 1-877-881-2322 telling me my SS number was currently blocked and I could face jail time if I didn't return the call and provide the last 4 digits of my SS number.....yeah okay I'll get right on that. It was also a robot voice.
Green Lynn
June 18, 2019
just received a SSN suspended spam call# from 510-112-7336
Samantha Don't…
June 18, 2019
Just received a call from 302-264-6945, close to the # that someone else in this thread reported, saying they were SS - and that my ss # will be suspended due to suspicious activity, and to please return the call. I knew from other reporting that SS NEVER CALLS ... but it was concerning, as I had everything stolen in Europe not too long ago including my SS card. I did report it to SS immediately when it was stolen, and all they told me was to keep track of all my financials.
glomer96
June 18, 2019
My 17-year old son just graduated high school and the only time he has used his SSN is to apply for financial aid online. Now, him and I have both received this phone call. Someone needs to look into a possible breach at FAFSA or the Office of the U.S. Department of Education... this cannot be a coincidence.
Just me
June 18, 2019
‭(315) 810-8732‬ called multiple times but I was asleep, when I called back they claim to be from the Social Security administration. I called another 2x and they hung up on me, and I called back from a different number and I told the man who barely spoke English to take me off his calling list I knew he was not from the Social Security office for several different reasons and you got very rude very fast!
Bh2019
June 19, 2019
832-481-6684 and 832-481-6685 and 844-789-4914 have all called saying the same thing about SS and it being blocked because of crimes in Texas.
Uneed2kno
June 19, 2019
Recieved a record phone call today claiming my social security number had been compromised and that all my accounts had been frozen. Wanted me to fallow phone prompts but I knew better. The call came from 18004916768
Imccrory
June 19, 2019
I received a call today in regards to my SSN in fraudulent use. Pressed “1” and an operator asked “SS office how can I help you”? I said “you called me” and the operator hung up. The number listed on my phone is 510-112-7470, be aware!!!
dion1030
June 19, 2019
Just received a call from a "Private number" to this effect. The message automated with an electronic voice.
teaser
June 19, 2019
Happened to me today. Left a message on my answer machine stating my SS was compromised and if I didn't contact them at 830-688-4123, that they would arrest me. Now I'm pissed!
Susie
June 20, 2019
I just got the same scam phone call about my ssn being suspended. Don‘t answer calls from 1-254-236-5774!
PetLiz
June 20, 2019
Two number from Tucson AZ: 520-318-1990 and 520-383-0911
lad130
June 21, 2019
I just received a call from Adams, NY (315 232 6705) with this message: "Filed on your social number, before we suspend your social kindly give us a call back one of our emergency hotline number that is 315 232 6705. I repeat the number once again 315 232 6705. Now don't try to disregard this message and give us a call back soon as possible. Goodbye and take care." This alarmed me and I have searched to find a place to register my concerns. I have read this site and it appears to be a scam so I am leaving this message for follow up if needed. Thank you.
JJ
June 21, 2019
Got a call today June 21, 2019 from 830-688-4123 re same SS fraud.
Robert J
June 21, 2019
(253) 999 - 5319 SCAM claiming to be the DEA or SSA. Location is Washington State.
Geo
June 21, 2019
I just received a call from 254 – 275 – 4254 saying exactly that. That there is legal enforcement action filed on my Social Security number for criminal activities under section 18 subsection 1028. And to call this number immediately before it goes to the federal courthouse or before I get arrested.
JAC
June 21, 2019
Got a call about blocked SSN the most bothersome thing is I just opened an account on the SS.gov site today To get my statements via email! Which really spooked me. Not sure that is a coincidence.
Don't usKimmie…
June 21, 2019
Good Evening, Today Is Friday June 21, 2019 I received a Call from an Automated System stating that My Social Security number has some Fraudlent activity attached to it The Automated Service wanted Me to push the number 1 on My Phone to speak to someone I hung up!!!! Here's the Phone Number that Called Me (718) 826-5432 I've blocked this number from calling Me Okay? Thank you for Your Service ☺ Enjoy Your Weekend
Cc
June 21, 2019
I received an anonymous 3 times today, left me 1 voicemail that my Social Security# was used south of the border. Press1 to speak to an officer. This is obviously a fraud call.
thriveinjoy
June 24, 2019
The call came from (619) 612-3811, and left me a message saying that my SS # is blocked due to illegal activity and that I need to press 1 to fix it. Fortunately, I didn't pick up a call, so that message was left. I had a hunch that it's a scam so didn't press 1 and search online and found this website's site.
Multiple calls
June 24, 2019
Yep. Totally bogus. Very robotic voice saying that my SSN was suspended due to suspicious activity on it. SSN don't get "Suspended". Don't fall for the scam as the Security Office won't call you like this.
JPOcnarf
June 24, 2019
I just received a robo call stating it was the Social Security Administration from 877-550-2175 stating that my SS# has been suspended due to fraudulent activity. I didn't press 1 for additional information, I hung up and blocked the call.
Mashfiq from M…
June 24, 2019
Hi all, Today at 12:45pm My wife received a call from 8009154142 and the computer voice said her SSN is suspended/canceled and ask her to call 8809154142 (or maybe the earlier #) .... Please tell us what should we do now?
Steve in NM
June 24, 2019
Just received a scam call; according to caller ID it was from 866-931-7075 Is there somewhere to report this nonsense?
RogerThat
June 24, 2019
Just got a cell phone call from 1-877-161-5887. They left a very garbled message that my SS# was suspended due to... and then it cut off. Please do something about fraudulent calls and please give us somewhere to log those calls in for further investigation. Very frustrating when you want to do something to prevent this from happening again and basically you have to wait until your a victim to get anyone's attention.
1234
June 24, 2019
I got a robo call about my social security being blocked today from 800-449-7960 I blocked the number. But after I got the robo call I called the number back it was definitely no social anything .... I just hung up it’s crazy
Wise2you
June 24, 2019
Just got the same calls 3X in one day!! Always just hang up!!
ealej
June 25, 2019
Called from 903-841-4407 saying my ssn was used in criminal activity, car rented on my name with blood inside, address car rented to found to have 20 lbs of cocaine. Long story short I asked to speak to someone who spoke English because i couldn’t understand his broken English. He said he would send officers to arrest me. I advised I’d be waiting with a lawyer. Still waiting.
Dusty
June 25, 2019
866-940-0585 call my husbands cell number and said his number was blocked and to push number 1 to speak to someone and get it unblocked.
Treasured
June 25, 2019
I received several calls stating that my social security number has been suspended due to some type of activity. They ask me to press #1 for more information. I hang up at this point. The caller ID shows the call coming from Social Security Administration. Thank you so much for the notices that warn us to be careful of who we speak with and what information not to release to them. We thank God for you being our Watchman.
IhateRobocalls
June 25, 2019
This is happening at a rate of 8 to 10 per hour, and they also leave a message which fills up my voicemail box. This is a business cell phone. Please find, stop, and execute these scammers.
bill
June 26, 2019
Just received a call from this no. 1-800-021-9213. FTC needs to tell us their progress in tracking and apprehending these guys based on the phone numbers we have supplied them with
FTC Staff
June 26, 2019

In reply to by bill

You can learn about yesterday's major crackdown on illegal robocalls by the Federal Trade Commission and its law enforcement partners, including 94 actions targeting operations around the country Or, subscribe to FTC email updates to stay informed about announcements.

Troy
June 26, 2019
Someone just called and left me a message from 512-861-2354. It was a robotic voice, stating that I have fraudulent charges on my SSN. I called this number back, and someone answered, "Social Security Administration. How can I help?" I asked him if he was really with the SSA and he repeated the same thing. I hung up.
Rsoria
June 26, 2019
Keep getting calls from 877 529 3294 and 877 523 6464 about my ss being suspended.
Cactusjumper
June 26, 2019
I received a call today claiming to be from Social Security. It was a Recording. I didn't write down the Number to call. But the Number it came from is: (682)459-2835. I have Blocked the Number.
SF_CA
June 26, 2019
received a called from 1-254-653-6945. Message : This call is from the department of SSN, the reason you received this phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspended your SSN because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know the case press 1... Since this is a record message, and I have been receiving tons of those robot calls, I figure it is scam...
Gt
June 26, 2019
Just got a call today from 800-993-4402. Same thing. Voicemail said my social had been suspended due to suspicious activity.