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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.

Mika
August 08, 2019
Mine was pretty much like you said but they ask for my name first lady and middle and it’s the same as the one I looked up on line and they said there recording everything, they didn’t ask for money they ask if I lived in two places in Texas that the crime happened I said no and they asked my current address I said the street address and they hung up! Not the city or state or zip are they doing identity theft too?
Vcueto
August 08, 2019
I just received a robot call telling me that there has been suspicious activity with my ssn the phone #5305371092
md80boy
August 08, 2019
I was just called by a number in San Francisco asking for my SS #. They dialed from 415-796-6467. He said he was from the SS Administration. It sounded very professional and had background noise and everything. Once he asked for name, I said it, then he asked for my SS# and i said - 'no, i will not give you my SS#" . He immediately hung up.
barbwire
August 08, 2019
I receive up to 5 calls a day saying my ss number and all benefits are going to be suspended. The calls start out “Dear citizen”. The numbers they call from are 800-619-8902 and 800-603-8821.
vmishin
August 27, 2019
Another one 1-800-252-5199
Ana
August 08, 2019
I had a voicemail from (646) 227-8532 saying that my SSN had been cancelled and asking to call them back directly.
JVS
August 08, 2019
Received calls from various numbers in D.C. all leaving voicemails that my SS no has been used in the commitment of a crime and if I don’t call they will release the arrest warrant. I ignore the calls, block them and they continue to call multiple times a day!!! This in itself is criminal!!
Voila 1963
August 09, 2019
I received a call from a guy who goes by the name of Brian Curtis and he said that my social security number was being used somewhere in another country and it could get me into a lot of trouble. I told him that I am going to call the social security office this morning to verify this information and he hung the phone up in my face. Beware of scams. I don't have money to give away to these criminals.
Debwise
August 09, 2019
My call came from 903-251-3526, from Officer Marie Gomez, my SS number is being suspended for some reasons, was asked to return call.
rr
August 22, 2019

In reply to by Debwise

Got the same call yesterday, but coming from 214-974-5637
Dittothat
August 29, 2019

In reply to by rr

Call came in from (425)903-8593. Didn't answer, they left message: Social Security has been "suspended for some reasons". Asked to call back at that number. Female voice. Today, August 29,2019
vickiviolin
August 09, 2019
I received a scam message my google voice account, and the caller ID showed up as a legitimate Social Security Administration phone number: (800) 325-0778‬
Alex
August 09, 2019
I just got a scam call on my cell... didn't recognize the number so I didn't answer. They left a message, and it was a recorded voice saying legal action has been taken against my SSN in regards to criminal activity. It scared me for a minute, but I've never committed any crimes so I knew it must be a scam. The number was (909)679-3002. I searched online and couldn't find any other complaints about that number, but it sounds like they're being sneaky using tons of different numbers. Glad I found these comments so I could confirm it's a scam, plus share the number publicly!
Sherie
March 17, 2021

In reply to by Alex

this is happened to me a while back and sometimes i have moments where i do fall for things but as i talked to the person more i realized maybe i shouldnt have given up the info that i did he did ask to verify my last for ssN and i did for them ..now i am worried... i never really thought about it until now
Jovie
April 01, 2021

In reply to by Sherie

I fell for this scam! I just hang up the phone after giving my last 4 digits ssn to the person name “Adam.” Now I am very worried and scared of what they can do? My husband and my 16 yrs. old son are crucifying for providing some info. to this call scam and meanwhile I am already freaking out!! I should have known better! To everyone out there, please never, ever disclose any personal information to anyone! Be very careful!
Paul
April 01, 2021

In reply to by Sherie

Can i get an update because i did the same too or what did you do after that happen
Elizabeth14
August 09, 2019
Mine was a 206-745-9639 phone number it left a voice message saying that there was a lawsuit against me for fraudulent and that i would have the police at my door to arrest me
Concerned citizen
July 16, 2020

In reply to by Tom

Received basically the same message on cell, from San Antonio Texas 210 880 0503 and another one on home phone that they used a local telephone number but left almost the same message.
Retired Vet
August 09, 2019
I received a phone call today from 15126432378, and a guy with a strong accent answered the phone and said he was a SS Agent and that I had suspicious activity with my Social Security number. He knew my name, phone number and address but wanted me to confirm my social security number. So I told him if he had all the other information about me, he should know my SS number. But he was very persistent on getting my SS number. He further to giving me his name, badge number and case ID, like that mattered to me. So I laughed and hung up. I found this website and realized that other people was going through the same scam. This website was very helpful and I am so proud of my self for not falling for this scam. Anyone that calls out of the blue and ask for your personal information you should always be suspicious.
Mr C
August 11, 2019

In reply to by Retired Vet

Thank God for this thread because I have been in a panic for 2 days. I got a call 2 days ago. I use textfree which is a generated number though this app ,to save money. They left a rob voicemail saying this is the ssa we have filed a lawsuit on you and there is a warrant out for me for social security fraud. Even tho I'm 32 and do not have anything to do with the ssa, it still scared the life out of me, I'm talking trouble breathing panic the whole 9 yards. Seeing all of these other people who had this happen give me such peace of mind that this was in fact a scam. I never spoke to a person and only caught half of the voicemail but what I didn't hear it give any identifiable info on myself. The generated number gets tons of telemarketers and the like but never anything like this has happened which is why I was so scared. Hope everyone here can get peace from the harassment and thanks for posting all these stories about your expirences, I'm sure it helped other people like myself.
oldspice100
August 09, 2019
I have been robo called several times from various different New York area code phone numbers, The message was saying there was suspicious activity on my account and my SSN was being suspended and to press 1 to talk to somebody about this...I have blocked the numbers on my cell phone..
Leon
August 09, 2019
got social security fake call from (888) 529-9708
Taylordame36
August 11, 2019
I received in the recent past several (3 or more) calls leaving voicemail stating my social was linked to a crime and blocked. I ignored believing it was a scam and just now got one stating there has been a warrant issued for my arrest due to fraudulant activity and giving a number to press for this or that. Can't something be done about these wankers?
Dee
August 12, 2019
I received two calls from 1.800.255.0544. The first time there was no message left. The second time a message was left and it said that my social security number would be suspended if I didn’t contact them immediately. And my benefits would be suspended as well. It said to press “1” to connect to an official. They went on to say that my number would remain suspended until I contacted them and receive clearance. I called the number today, just to see just what craziness is scamming now..... When I called the aforementioned , the outgoing message says to answer 4 questions, and once completed, I would be awarded an all expense paid cruise for 2 to the Bahamas. This is too much. It would be easier to get a job....
nini
August 12, 2019
i have been getting calls on the regular for the last week (but it started mid July and was not regular). today i got the same call from a Myanmar number! i will block the numbers, but it seems like i get more calls from different numbers. it is so irritating.
tironaboy16
August 27, 2019
‭+800 3812453‬ Just got a call about my social security has been blocked and press one to connect with someone which i did then answers then i hang up and look online that they scam people!
Grassytiger
August 12, 2019
I got one of those fake calls and I gave them my zip code, is this bad and do i need to go to my ss office?
Tirofthis
August 13, 2019
I have received 5 calls already today (8.13.16) claiming to be from social security department. From 3 different numbers.
Mary12
August 13, 2019
They have been calling my son’s number for the past 3 days. Saying that his social security number has been suspended and he won’t get his benefits. He never answers unknown numbers but it’s a (800) number. They keep leaving voicemails so I decided to dial back and a elderly couple answer. I ask if they kept calling my number they sounded confuse! It’s all a scam !!!
Frjarias
August 14, 2019
1(309) 981-7780 and other numbers received so far about 10 calls in the last week claiming my SS # was hacked and used for illegal activities...
Ron
August 14, 2019
I keep getting call from different numbers but the same 844 area code that there is fraudulent activity happening with my Social security number and I should press 1 to talk to an agent. I don’t do that but call back the number and it says it has been changed or disconnected!
madaboutthis
August 14, 2019
I get calls daily from a "Private" number saying that they are the SSA. That my ssn has been blocked. I want to call them back so i can get more info to report then. All they leave is a computer generated message.
PKeN
August 14, 2019
206-221-8855 is another social security scam phone number. I can not believe this scam has been around this long and can't get caught. Very sad. My boss just received a call today saying they were going to suspend his SSN bla bla bla ... He wasn't sure if it was real. Lol I just showed him where to find out about scams. He's relieved... And now I have something to pick on him about for a while. Lol
E W C
August 16, 2019
‭+1 (202) 768-7136‬ keeps calling me with threats of arrest for my social security # misuse. Total Fraud Call
Jennifer2128
August 16, 2019
Is 2026564898 another ss scam i got a call this morning about criminal activity on my social security number???
lola7
August 16, 2019
I keep getting calls from 315-514-3134 we need to talk to you as soon as possible this is the Social Security Administration. Your SSN# has been used for fraudulent transactions.
Girl
August 16, 2019
I just got called with the same people. I Gave my Ssn and regretted it right away. I told them I have to call my bank and they hung up. I then got ID protection.
Scam phone call
August 16, 2019
Received call from 888-868-9030. The reason they called is that my ss. Number had suspicions activity and my number had been suspended
Don't give inf…
August 16, 2019
Please let everyone you know not to give information to anyone over the phone no matter who it is or what shows on the caller ID.....if it's a number of a business or company you know and they are trying to verify information with you just hang up and call the actual number yourself just to be safe.....if you don't recognize a number just let it go to voice mail or an answering machine.....and for any elderly family members who don't have either caller ID or an answering service hook them up with something and let them know what's going on and how to stay safe.....be careful and just don't give personal information over the phone
Jeff
August 17, 2019
I received a call on August 15th from 844-884-3367. He said his name was Steven Thomas and he was with the Social Security Administration . He went on to state he was an investigator , even gave a badge id, and that my name and Social has been linked to criminal activity and that there has been multiple bank accounts opened in my name. He said he needed to know what bank accounts I had, if any, and that the money available would need to be taken out before the bank account ou until was seized. He went to state that he was here to help me and guide me through the process to prevent me from losing any of my money but that I needed to do exactly what he told me to and that everything would check out and I would be cleared. To make a long story short, he had me go to my bank and withdraw this certain amount of money. I was then asked to go to Walmart and put all the cash on walmart gift cards in $500 increments and that this would get the money out of the bank account and protect my money. He then ask me to give him the numbers on the back , even the portion that you scratch, so that he could have it in my file when the field officer was to come to my house to meet me. He then said that the money and numbers for all the gift cards with receipts would have to match to be able to rule me out as a suspect. If everything matched they would at that time be able to reimburse me. Again, he continued to say that this was just the process and that it had to be done to keep my money safe as well as be able to rule me out as the criminal. Needless to say, I got scammed for $4100. By the time I checked all the gift cards they had $0 balances and I have no way to trace anything back. It just looks like I withdrew money out of my account and went and bought a bunch of walmart gift cards. I feel like a fool. Please do not let this happen to you.
Tam1023
August 19, 2019
I got a call and I use a cell phone not but they call me from this number saying he was ssa +1 202-455-6928 they was asking about cancer and car wrecks and they was fake
FED up with SS…
August 19, 2019
I have received 9 SSN spam calls TODAY. It is not even 1 pm. This has to stop.
concerned in TX
August 19, 2019
Spoof number 281-346-9396
RJFMc
August 19, 2019
Please be aware that some entity is calling using 1800-396-1765 & a recorded message is saying that due to suspicious activity all benefits and data regarding your SSI number has been “frozen”. You are then asked to press #1 to speak to a representative from the SSI administration. As soon as I said I would not discuss anything via the phone & all correspondence must be forwarded to me in writing for my attorney to review; they hung up. This is a SCAM. Please no one as specified by social security ever disclose ANY personal information (including your social security number, your address, even confirmation of your name) please. If you confront the person on the other end and ask for their name, supervisor & that all information you will pass on to the proper officials they predominantly will hang up. However, I urge anyone who is continually harassed or has an elderly parent, grandparent or friend to inform their loved one to not be intimidated nor to disclose anything. These individuals are predators and will use fear and peoples’ lack Of understanding of both their rights and the law in order to manipulate. Do not allow these “criminals” to prey upon you or anyone that may be vulnerable to their antics. Please contact the authorities immediately if you feel that you or someone else inadvertently gave any personal information. Best of luck to all.
robocalled
August 19, 2019
Just got a recorded message saying my social security number had been suspended for suspicious activity and telling me to push 1 for more information. It came from the following phone number: 808/016.0074, an Hawaii area code. Called once without leaving message, then recording came on the 2nd call. I did not answer either one, as I no longer answer any call that I don't recognize the phone number.
Suz
August 19, 2019
Just had a call from 1-800 325 0778. Ignored as I always do when it’s a number I don’t recognize & then googled the number. If they need to talk to me they can do it they old fashioned way & send me a letter!
heca
August 19, 2019
Since August 8th to the 19th, I've received more than a couple calls from the following numbers: 800.163.8957, 800.777.3009, 800.528.4800. As all the other calls, this is a recording asking to press 1 to talk to a SS Rep. My SS will be suspended until I can talk to someone about illegal activities... Since I don't have the number saved on my contacts, I don't answer it, but I do get a voice recording on my messages stating the above. Had not talk to any representative at all. Went on this page to find out if this is a scam, which so it seems.
DontTryToScamMe
August 20, 2019
Got a this morning call saying my SSN was being suspended and that a warrant has been issued for my arrest. It gave directions for a number to call to learn more. Call came from 941-522-4381.
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