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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.
  • 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.

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Bostonian
May 10, 2019

In reply to by Robert Nix

I got a call today from #1-575-078-2613 recording saying: "This is the Social Security Administration and we noted suspicious activity on your account suspending your number, press 1 if you want more information". When you press 1 nothing happens. I called back this # and it does not go through.
fenchelle
May 13, 2019

In reply to by Bostonian

I got the same message left in my voicemail today. I did not press #1 as was requested because I knew it had to be a scam. The number came from PA, or so it says. 88-499-6521
NYer
May 29, 2019

In reply to by Bostonian

Same, from 618-669-3713, I basically never answer my phone now unless I recognize the person or the number. If its important they will leave a message and then I will check it out. Same for spam emails, never click any links. I am a cynic.
Gene 1125
August 28, 2019

In reply to by Bostonian

We got the same call today. Were they able to get anything based on hitting #1?
old wolf
August 14, 2019

In reply to by Robert Nix

They have a computer that makes it look like their number is local or a valid number . They are in another country and the computer generates the number , the last call the guy could hardly speak english . I am sick of all these calls .
Stu-LI
September 26, 2019

In reply to by Robert Nix

The phone companies should be prosecuted as accessories to this fraudulent activity. Then, perhaps, action will be taken to end these scams.
Dedeye
December 12, 2018
Thank you for this important information!! There are so many crooks out there, and so many vulnerable Senior citizens who rely on their Social Security monthly checks to live on that could easily fall for this horrible scam. Most of the scammer calls I've received come from Oriental countries,or at least their voices suggest that's where they're from. I keep them talking, like I believe what their telling me, so I can get their name, phone number, as much info on them as possible. Even though I know it's all erroneous, the FTC has said it helps to track them down.
HudsonTrident
December 12, 2018
Got a poorly pre-recorded call yesterday with above mentioned scam appearing to come from China, phone number came in as +86 67521019.
brlawyer
December 12, 2018
A new scam I've received by email twice in the last two weeks: Sender claims he/she has obtained my password and has read all my emails and has access to all web sites that I have "visited," including dozens of pornographic sites. Sender threatens to reveal to my email recipients that I am a porno addict and demands that I pay a ransom of $700+ in bitcoins. The sender also explains what bitcoins are, and how to transfer them to him/her. I have deleted both emails without responding. So far I've seen no evidence that the sender has followed through with his/her threat. My advice is, if a similar email is received, do not reply.
ttwwrrss2
December 12, 2018
I have gotten a call, AND an e-mail, asking for the last 4 digits of my social within the last month. I refused them since there was NOTHING I'd done in years that required my SSN. The result was some very vicious e-mails and one call that indicated the SS Office as the caller in the CID. I did not answer it, but what I did do was wait past the first ring, answered, and before the second ring, hung up, and never received another such call but there's still time since that was only a week or so ago. I parsed the e-mail, threw out the obfuscations, detected the actual sender, and filed a complaint immediately. Now, if the stupid captcha let's me thru, I'll send this. Otherwise as so often happens I never make it through it.
Lyn299
December 12, 2018
Yes I received a FAKE CALL SSN pre-recorded . The pre-recorded message said some has been my SSN . They asked me to to call a toll free number . I hung up area code 7XX . DONOT respond to Social Security Administration will never call you .
maggiemarr
December 12, 2018
I received this call saying my ssi number had been suspended
Thanks
April 23, 2019

In reply to by maggiemarr

I just received a call saying my SS Card had been suspended due to fraudulent activity
same here
April 30, 2019

In reply to by Thanks

got the same message here and the number showing is (508) 401-5955
Kjedwards
May 29, 2019

In reply to by Thanks

I just recieved the the same call...i domt answer call with out names to them... This came from a 800721773...thats not even enough #s to be calling....smh Left a voicemail saying my S.S. card has been suspended....amd to press 1 for futher info... I blocked the so.called #
Don't use your…
May 08, 2019

In reply to by maggiemarr

i just recieved a call stating my ssn has been compomised that my ssn is going to be suspended i blocked number and hung up.
cstrombo
December 12, 2018
I received a cell call today from 1 847-737-7751 claiming to be social security and stating that there has been fraud suspected on my account and to contact you at the number above. It was a recorded message, not a real person. It asked me to call the number above to discuss the issue. I did not call back.
Marymary
December 12, 2018

In reply to by cstrombo

I received the same message last week in Georgia. Just hung up and added the number to my auto reject list, but they just called from another number with the same message.
Ethelouise
February 13, 2019

In reply to by cstrombo

I received a phone call this morning, they told me the same thing, fraudulent activity on my Social Security Account, they wanted me to call back. I did not.
Vic10
April 10, 2019

In reply to by cstrombo

I just got the same call today. I'm in New York state. I didn't recognize the number (actually came up labeled spam on my caller idea) so I let my machine get it. The recording said the same thing. I didn't call back.
GrandNanna
April 11, 2019

In reply to by Vic10

I just got one on my cell phone, Robo call and said that my SS had been suspended and to call the 800 number. Will not call them back as this is not how Social Security contacts people.
Jb3
December 12, 2018
I had called and told the SSA about call I got on my Cell their number but I knew it wasn't them , but I wanted to inform them about this but I was sure they may have already knew and , she asked all the normal questions one would .. but she said that it was not them which I knew, cause they do not contact you on your cell phone but I just wanted to give them the information if someone else hadn't already callrd them and told them ,that someone was using there #.. I wish these lowlife would get a life already. Thank you FTC always being up 2 date on everything and so fast.. I know you can't always do so much about it but you do what you can ,cause they move so fast one to the next one....
Annoyed
December 12, 2018
How timely - I received this call yesterday from 325-218-0234.
Bibi07
December 12, 2018
2 suggestions: 1-can the FTC ask all phone providers to better manage ID; we pay a monthly fee for it, but cannot trust what is shown???..We got calls with so-called US Gov, or out of area; we know these were scams bec of the accent and they treat us if we do not pay... we ignored all. 2- Can the FTC work with Captcha to improve the quality of pics??? some are too dark, or blurred, or to small to see, for seniors;. my old relatives ( 70yo+) gave up after 3 times. Thanks and Happy holidays
Luna
December 12, 2018
I would like to see the FTC crack down on US business that still continue to ask for social security number for no reason. Yesterday at a doctor's office, I was asked for my SS number. (not just the last 4). I asked why and they said "it's for the insurance company". I replied that the doctor's office already has my insurance number and a copy of the card. So I have to assume this is to make it easier for the doctor's office to put a bad debt mark on my credit report if I fail to pay the bill. I told them I did not give out that info. Remember, only entities that pay you money and must report to the IRS can ask for your SS number. No one else has the right to this information.
FTC Staff
December 17, 2018

In reply to by Luna

It's good to be cautious about sharing your Social Security number. But, you didn't list all the entities that can ask for your Social Security number.

Your employer and financial institutions need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. A business may ask for your SSN so they can check your credit when you apply for a loan, rent an apartment, sign up for utility service, or purchase a mobile phone. You need to give your SSN when you request your free annual credit report, and place a credit freeze.

FTC Staff
December 17, 2018

In reply to by Luna

It's good to be cautious about sharing your Social Security number. But, you didn't list all the entities that can ask for your Social Security number.

Your employer and financial institutions need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. A business may ask for your SSN so they can check your credit when you apply for a loan, rent an apartment, sign up for utility service, or purchase a mobile phone. You need to give your SSN when you request your free annual credit report, and place a credit freeze.

FTC Staff
December 17, 2018

In reply to by Luna

It's good to be cautious about sharing your Social Security number. But, you didn't list all the entities that can ask for your Social Security number.

Your employer and financial institutions need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. A business may ask for your SSN so they can check your credit when you apply for a loan, rent an apartment, sign up for utility service, or purchase a mobile phone. You need to give your SSN when you request your free annual credit report, and place a credit freeze.

John S
January 31, 2019

In reply to by Luna

Many insurance companies require doctor's offices to use your social security number as a means of proving you are a patient there. Without that id confirmation, they will reject the claim, then the doctors office will end up having to bill you for the full fee, which will make most people angry at the doctor and their staff. It's an ugly cycle. Most doctors don't want to keep the massive amount of information they are required by federal and state regulations. But, if they want to practice and get paid for their work, they have to acquire the information, and put up with angry people who don't want to understand the real reason for gathering the information.
commenter
July 31, 2019

In reply to by John S

This is not true. Medical providers do not need your social security number to bill insurance. They will tell you they do but most insurance companies do not use your social as their id. They only need the info on your insurance card. I refuse to give out my social when they ask. I have to be firm but when I don’t provide it ,they don’t push. Guard your personal info!
Tristate
December 12, 2018
I got a call with that exact scam. The perpetrators impersonate federal officers and have the audacity to ask you if you are going to cooperate with their investigation or they should proceed charging you of all kinds of crimes. They even offer names and badge numbers, which of course cannot be verified.
Laurie Vancil
December 12, 2018
I have gotten at least three calls per day all month. So far. I just pick it up, look at the usual "SSI" showing who the caller is, and set it down and they hang up pretty quick. Why would I want to talk to anyone from Social Security anyway!?!
retired LEO Gr…
December 12, 2018
Federal Government will never call you on the phone. I like the IRS calling. I tell them I’m retired IRS agent and ask where they are. Maybe we know some of the same people. They always hang up for some reason.
DLK
December 12, 2018
I informed the Residents of our Retirement Community a Long time ago, that the Government Will NOT make Initial Contact with them By phone, Only by Postal Service.. They may themselves, set up any future Phone Contact, if Offered...
oli
December 12, 2018
Caller ID shows 1-800-772-1213... And the pre-recorded message says that my SS is going to be suspended due to suspicious activity and to call 920-268-4462. 3 calls received today already
GeoCal
December 12, 2018
Use caller ID. Don't answer a number that you don't recognize. If it's legit, they will leave a message. If they do leave a message, do a google search on numbers before even calling them back. I don't take the time to even talk to them. If the message is garbled, I delete it.
Jimconjr
April 26, 2019

In reply to by GeoCal

Ive recieved a few messages from a private number stating warrants have been issued and a lawsuit has been filed for fraud . im disabled from a work related injury. Its a computer generated voice. Wondering of it is a scam . Ive missed each call, on the message it offers option to talk to agent
Don't use your…
May 01, 2019

In reply to by Jimconjr

Yes, it's an old and pretty common scam. Ignore it. If you were to be sued, you would be notified by registered mail, not the telephone.
Peachezz82
January 29, 2021

In reply to by Jimconjr

+12157708812 I got a call just now with this number saying the same thing that I got a warrant for fraud...... I hung up because I remember y'all posting on this b4.
Very annoyed.
December 12, 2018
Got a phone call today and yesterday and the day before telling me my ss# had been used for fraudulent activity and if I didn't verify my ss# with them they would go ahead and send the case in for prosecution. Laughed and told them to go ahead and told them I knew they were bogus. Called me a not very nice name. So tired of these calls.
Annoyed with F…
April 03, 2019

In reply to by Very annoyed.

I have received 2 calls in the Last Hour on Fraudulent Activities and use of my SS# and there are filing a care with the Court against me. And I need to Talk to them Now..... These People need to be dealt with severely. And not just a slap on the hand. Something Permanent....
TruBlu
December 12, 2018
I tried to sign up online, was told I must contact Experian Credit Agency as they get their info form them! REALLY? you trust an agency that had no less then 40 errors on my report? An address two decades old and no work history since I was in my 30s!? That's frightening. * And I did get a call ( from SSA?) saying there was an error on my app so I had to call them.. How do I know that wasn't fraudulent?
Knowledgeispower
December 16, 2018

In reply to by TruBlu

Go into the SSA office. They can create the online account for you . They’ll give you an activation code to set up your username and password at home.
JDS
December 12, 2018
Rcvd a VM from 903-767-4666 with the SS scam on my home #. Not calling back, hope they are caught.
It's a scam
December 12, 2018
Scam call from 847-737-7751 today. Recorded message telling me that my SS# had been suspended due to suspected illegal activity and that my assets were in jeopardy. Gave me a number to call back. DON'T DO IT!
Coco
December 12, 2018
I received this scam call and inwas told my ssn is used somewhere in texas for illegal actions. Afterwards i kept receiving weird phone calls that i did not answer. The last phone call was from 118007721219. All the weird numbers i get start with 1180077
Mike
March 20, 2019

In reply to by Coco

Today 3/20/2019 I got the scam call message on my cell phone saying something very broken up but I could make out ...before we take legal action...." So I call the number that showed on Caller ID I get a female says a fake name & badge number then tells me "Your SS number was used in a crime in Texas. We are going to suspend it." By now I have realized this is all a Total Scam-so I push back a little- I tell her it is a "California Social Security Number" so how could it possibly be used in Texas?" This seems to confuse her & she hangs up!