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.

Human
March 27, 2019
I got a call from 2816884166 just today and let the answering machine get it. It warned me about my “social being used for criminal or fraudulent activity”. Of course it’s a scam.
D.
March 28, 2019
When is the FTC going to do something about these scam phone calls. They call at least 10 times a day and know they will get one poor person to fall for their scam. DO SOMETHING FTC!!!!!!
Disgusted
March 29, 2019
Got a robo call from 281-454-9994 - saying that my social security number was suspended and that I should dial "1" to straighten this out - I did not - hung up - this has been happening with other phone numbers for other things also regarding various Government offices
AM
March 29, 2019
I received multiple calls that my SSN has been compromised and then another call that my SSN has been suspended.
Lee
April 01, 2019
I got a call from ‬310-627-0710 today. The recorded message said my Social Security Number has been compromised and has been blocked. Please call ‬3106270710 immediately. (same number as incoming call) DO NOT GIVE ANYBODY WHO CALLS ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION ESPECIALLY SS#, BIRTH DATE, PASSWORD, ADDRESS, YOUR NAME, YOUR MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME. REPUTABLE COMPANIES, YOUR BANK, THE GOVERNMENT, ETC, WILL NEVER ASK FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION!!
concerned citizen
April 02, 2019
I received a pre-recorded call from 818-746-3970 (btw a California number i don't live or have never been to California) stating that there has been some suspicious activity on my social security number and that i needed to call them back before legal action was taking. I of course hung up as i have always been told a don't call back the number they leave for you and b. government agencies in general not call at threaten you but send certified notices.
Anne
April 02, 2019
I got a call today from 833-518-7473 stating my SS was suspended, and I must call immediately.
Robin Rod
April 02, 2019
I received a call and an automated message started saying ' this is an important call from the Social Security Administration, your SS Number has been suspended and you must call 1-720-398-0925
Immigrant
April 02, 2019
I got 3 voicemails on my cell. 1 866 704 4857 United States ,on 3/11/19 telling me to call this # back to avoid a arrest warrant for illegal activity with my ss# (I didn’t) 2 calls on 3/31/19 from 1 202 455 5843 Washington DC , telling me that a arrest warrant in my name was issued and that it’s imperative to call this # back to avoid arrest and enormous legal fees. (I didn’t) because when I receive phone calls about my health insurance and my SS# I listen to call hang up and go on line to check about phone scams.
Immigrant
April 02, 2019
I got 3 voicemails on my cell. 1 866 704 4857 United States ,on 3/11/19 telling me to call this # back to avoid a arrest warrant for illegal activity with my ss# (I didn’t) 2 calls on 3/31/19 from 1 202 455 5843 Washington DC , telling me that a arrest warrant in my name was issued and that it’s imperative to call this # back to avoid arrest and enormous legal fees. (I didn’t) because when I receive phone calls about my health insurance and my SS# I listen to call hang up and go on line to check about phone scams.
steve
April 03, 2019
I just received a call l‭ike this and while the call was ringing the caller ID said Pakistan. After I hung up, my recent call list showed an actual phone number, as though they forgot to mask the real phone number. It was ‭+011 92 93 6611617‬
Oliver
April 03, 2019
Received a fake call today in Newport York :: 877 188 1213 sought to get us on with an agent. Also threatened among other things that the card would be cancelled and benefits cease . We must have technology to put a stop to this frightening assault. By the way the inspector general hotlnes is so cumbersome and unhelpful that it is virtually impossible to report an event without a PhD or two hours of waiting just does not address the need
Freedom1Day4All
April 03, 2019
New Number to be Aware, 04/03/19. Gunter Texas--(903)207-1121 Plus being Tax season, So all be weary. Stay Blessed.
HS
April 03, 2019
Have been getting at least 2 calls a day from this # 760-266-4450 regarding "suspicious activity on my social".
Chtozaxy..
April 03, 2019
Just had a conversation about some suspicious activity on my ssn, that is taking place in Texas.(according to officer Ceneth Mittsu bage #GS9731). The officer was calling from the Maryland... and informed me that my bank accounts are about to be arrested so I have to hurry up and answer all his questions. I asked if I can call him back in 2-3 hours he agreed. Lol none of the ss offices are open till 7pm. Phone # to be aware of (240)774-0194 Lonacoin, MD P.S. I checked, there is no ss office in Lonaconing MD and that’s a cell phone number (Verizon).
LWinCA
April 04, 2019
Fake number 888-810-0229 recording stating that "Your Social security number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity. Please press 1 for more information". Called today at 9:25am PST
lrw
April 04, 2019
Fake call today from 888-810-0229 stating "Your social security number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity. Please press 1 for information"
Cats meow
April 04, 2019
Got a call from unknown caller to voicemail as I don't answer calls I don't know or can't verify. Number requested to return call was 747-212-1846. I google and identified it as Los Angela's CA area VOIP. Voicemail was robovoice and as follows Your social security number has been found to be involved in illegal activities and will be suspended in the next 24 hours before the case is sent for execution. To know more about the matter please call the Social Security Administration office in Dallas Texas on our number is 747-212-1846. The number again 747-212-1846. So again. Besides obvious scam, this number is from CA and not Dallas.
Chris
April 04, 2019
I have got a call this morning from 8006743250 stating they have a lawsuit under my ssn. And if I don't call it will proceed to legal action to my social. Thank god and hope this is a scam its scary. But I see Social Security Administration doesn't call. And this was an automated message telling me to call that 8006743250 asap.
ret63
April 05, 2019
This number just called me twice today... claiming to be from the SS office -800-434-9612
Itsjustme
April 08, 2019
Just received same call from 888-159-8753.
Chris in Florida
April 08, 2019
Received a robo call and my phone told me it was spam so I hung up it called back so I blocked the number.
brian
April 08, 2019
Received a voicemail from one of these a few days ago from 240-720-7509.
treneerenee
April 08, 2019
I received a robotic call today the us hire authority stating your social security number is going to be blocked . Intending your serious attention. Ignoring this would be intentional second attempts avoid initial appearance.begore a magastrate. Judge or grand jury. For federal criminal offense.this is the final attempt to reach you to resolve this issues immediately. And speak to a federal agent. Call back number(206) 339 6874 Thank You .i did not call that number it was a robot recorded message ?? It defiantly shakes you up when you hear anything that has to do with the federal government
AJ
April 09, 2019
Received 2 calls today, one from 8888100006 and one from 8888100038 stating: "Your social security number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity. Please press 1 for information"
LMCR1706
April 09, 2019
I just received two calls today, 4/9/2019 Saying my SSN was suspended. Both calls had an area code of 428. It was a recording asking me to press 1 to hear more about it. I hung up.
dutches
April 09, 2019
today I've received at least a half dozen calls on my cell phone from 888-810 and then the last 4 digits were all different about my SS# being suspended do to suspicious activity and to call if I want to know about the case. Obviously a scam but so annoying.
Cperez
April 09, 2019
I just received a call from 520-689-4514. Of course is a spam. Be aware.
llayton
April 09, 2019
951-767-2708 --- fake social security office. it comes in as METRO NEW YORK.
Chris P
April 09, 2019
I received four computer voice generated calls today from a (802) 693-0289. The calls stated that a detective was looking for me because my SSN was being used a lot lately, and if I did not call that number my SSN would be suspended. So before I block this number from my phone, I called and the person that answered stated, “Social Security Administration”; however, he had a Eastern European accent and I could hear a lot of voices in the background (like a busy call center) and the call kept cutting in and out (like the phone was being muted) so the person hung up on me. Smells like a scam!! The phone number is from Vermont. I am not from Vermont and never been to Vermont.
Jiten
April 09, 2019
I loose my $4000 to this scam. They asked me to emptied my bank Account and to buy Apple Store cards. Then asked to share those cards details. I have lost my all money. What can I do ?
NSerrata
April 10, 2019
Just got a call from phone Number 877-274-5445 that my social security number is being blocked. she said her name was amanda griffin and her officer number is TX7821. She said my DNA and name is coming up on murder investigation in Texas (i live in New york) and i needed to pay to fix this. I hung up.
GrayHyde07
April 10, 2019
I have received about 5 phone calls today, and about 20 over the past week. I received calls from Texas, New York, Vermont, even France. A robocaller claiming to be the Social Security Administration claiming they have canceled my social security number unless I call them back and confirm my number and pay a fine.
Don't use your…
April 11, 2019
received call from SS told to call 210-361-3153 talked to "Officer #540960 need name Social Security Number and address. fraud on my account(?) I refused and told him to send me an official letter with those demands because they already have all that information.
ML
April 11, 2019
I just received this call today! TWICE! The second time I answered the call. It was a man with a middle eastern accent. I told him how can I get my social security suspended, when I don’t receive any money from them. That’s when he hung up.
Stop scam calls
April 11, 2019
I noticed this was a scam off the bat. And responded with some fake info and they are going off a verified name/phone number list they got somewhere and sounds like call center in India Numbers were(got called 3 times): 443-345-8556 240-523-3557
Carol
April 11, 2019
Received one such call on my cell phone starting it was from the Social Security Department and best I 210-982-0925. understand something about being attached or cited for some criminal offence? Phone stated probably scam. number it came from was 210-982-0925?
Ashe
April 11, 2019
I received a call today from a Mississippi number claiming to be the SSA. Number: 601-793-0050 The guy told me there was fraudulent actions against my ssn and if I did not call back they were sending it to the state court and I would be arrested. I called back refused him any personal information. I had him so mad by the time he hung up on me he told me he was contacting the local sheriffs department and I was going to jail today and that I would be there until I went to court there was no bonding out. I then laughed and told him I would be waiting for them that’s when he hung up on me.
Trying hard
April 12, 2019
Can’t easily figure out how to report this on FTC website but have received 3 calls re SSN “suspend” in last several hours. Caller IDs: 888 810 0349 888 810 0139 888 810 0136
oddwolfe
April 13, 2019
I just got a call that my SSN was going to be cancelled. This time they left a voice mail. I never answer calls unless I know the caller.
Timmonsalma48
May 06, 2019
I had two phone call about I was in a something's my stuff was block I call two number back no answer out of order they said my information in a crime have my iD card and card number to in Texas a lie I call back the number was out of order
Tiredofspoofcalls
April 15, 2019
I received a voicemail from phone #469-856-8868 stating "activities on my social", not activities using my social security number. I immediately suspected it was a spam. I did call back with my phone number in private mode. My call was answered quickly by a LIVE person, so unusual when it's the true SSA you're calling. The background noise sounded like it was from a call center, maybe in India. That's how the call taker sounded.
kimv009
April 15, 2019
I just received a call stating there's criminal activity associated with my SS# and I need to call them before they proceed with legal action. If I was a criminal, I may have been worried. The caller ID was: 469-856-8870
Raddishes
April 15, 2019
I got a call today from a NYC number. Stating that my SSN was connected to a crime in Texas. Specifically drug trafficking and money laundering. They said that I'd get arrested and I needed to withdraw the money out of my bank account and buy Google Play cards. They prey on the elderly with these schemes. I'm not elderly, but they will try to target anyone gullible enough.
rpeterson
April 16, 2019
I keep getting calls stating there is a case with my ssn in their office and they will contact local law enforcement if i do not respond. They call from a different number each time with the same voice and same message. They never say my name or anything. Not sure if this is a scam or not it seems fishy.
SNB - getting…
April 16, 2019
i am getting calls form number 817-609-4371, threatening about my SSN suspension and arrest warrant issued. Also asking me to call back on 817-609-4371 where social security office is waiting on my call.
Virginia
April 16, 2019
Just received a call from San Antonio, TX 210-338-2111. The voicemail said this is not a solicitation call a motion has been set in place to seize any and all bank accounts bearing your name and social security number. To review all immediate rights and detail and avoid all further proceedings. Please contact our office at 844-610-5967. Or you may press 1 to speak to a case manager. Who records a voicemail and tells you to press 1 to speak to a representative? Come on now... When you google the 844 number a list of people getting the call stating the same information pops up. Complete Scam... If there was a lawsuit coming for me you get notified by someone issuing you papers in person or in my town some even have the warrant for court taped to their door. Also ... No one can cancel your SS #. You get that at birth. Lastly the voicemail left no mention of the company they were calling for nor did the person leave their name or contact information. It was clearly a recorded message. Hope this helps the next person.
RL
April 16, 2019
I received a call this morning from (724) 835 4160 stating that my SSN was being used for fraudulent activities and asked me to press 1 to contact an officer. I disconnected the call.
portolau44
April 16, 2019
I got 5 within one hour. I blocked and the number changed by one or two numbers.
Niki
April 16, 2019
‭+1 (888) 253-5629‬ Got the call 3 times while I was working , then again after work. When I answered it then asked me a series of question. I was balling /crying !!!! They told me a bunch of stuff my “ SS” # was being used for. I had no idea what to think. Finally after them saying I was gonna have a warrant I knew it had to be fake. Went to the police /// found out it’s faker than fake PLEASSE DONT ANSWER THIS #. It was not a very nice call for me & had me stressed out for nothing !