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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.

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Victim of Phon…
April 17, 2019
The day is not over yet, and I have already received six (6) calls from the same robo-caller, despite being on the "do not call" list for a decade. Male (computerized) voice says that my SSN has been abused and is suspended. Says to "press 1" for more info. Clearly a scam. Glad I let most of my calls go to voicemail, now. But sad I can't just answer the phone like I did before technology ruined everything for good people. The spoofed numbers on my Caller ID are: 888-810-0720 (x2), 888-810-0724, 888-810-0729, and 888-810-0808 (x2). Clearly an incremental pattern in the first three numbers. A series of crimes as been committed.
Scammers Are Lame
April 18, 2019
Just received this phone call this morning. I have a scam blocker thru verizon, so it went straight to voicemail. Spoof number is 1-855-406-4747. Call back number left was 1-855-603-5794. This is the transcription: “Hi, this is Mike Jacobs calling in regards to our previous attempt to contact you. Our system had left you a notification regarding a complaint in the office (no specific office or company name given) and attached to your social security number (but they never ask for a specific person). If this isn’t you, please contact us and press eight to be removed from this persons file, but if it is you that we need to speak with you and get a final statement on behalf of you and the complaint. The process has already started because the client nor I have been able to get a hold of you. So we will start calling references and family members until we hear from you or the client has deemed you unreachable and than at that point the only way for them to get a hold of you would be by having your local county court locate you. Contact me as soon as you get this message at 855-603-5794 and reference your case number (no case number was ever given) so we can resolve this complaint please. Thank you.” Lots of problems with that. I didn’t call them back.
Calista
April 18, 2019
I have received the same recorded message from 2 different phone numbers in 2 days - that my SS# was being cancelled (HAHA) due to fraudulent activity they detected on my behalf. One area code was Rochester, NY and the other was Washington, DC. um, folks, you can't CANCEL a Social Security Number!!!
Denmark2019
April 18, 2019
Received a call from +14698400018 is a recording voice saying: “This call is from the Department of Social Security Administration the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for criminal activities so when you get this message call us at this number ...” And they repeated the number. I called back hiding my ID number and they answer as the Social Security Department. But I just read that thisnis spam.
Flamingo723$
April 22, 2019
Got 2 calls today 4/22/19 from 1800-772-1051 and 1800-772-1037 saying my SS# was suspend, not even suspended. Call immediately. No thanks. Verified both # and of course its a SCAM!!!!!!!!
nancy
April 22, 2019
I got a message from a tape saying it was the ssa calling, my social security number was a risk, call 986-200-0791. The message was on my business phone so I was automatically suspicious. When I called the number, they wanted my ss number. When I refused to give it, they hung up.
rex
April 23, 2019
what should i do if i provided it before researching?
AlsoScammed
April 23, 2019
Recv'd an automated message from 210-361-4830 saying the same as these other complaints, "There are issues...your s.s.n....will take legal action...call us back." Please watch for this number.
Stq
April 23, 2019
Oh my God! Why didn’t I read this before. I got a call from an unknown number 2 hours ago saying that informed that due to suspicious activity my SSN will be suspended and all benefits denied. I instantly pressed ‘1’ and they connected me to an “administrator “. He asked for last 4 digits of my SSN and my name and other information. I gave him that and other information and he said that my SSN and Name is being used by someone to transfer large money to different overseas bank. I am really worried. Someone please tell me what I should be doing now.
petersDon't us…
April 24, 2019
We received several calls from 914 area code claiming to be social security I hung up without speaking
Sac Gal
April 24, 2019
Received a call 4/24/2019 at appx 4:50 pm from 866-069-1213 saying that my SS number had been compromised and that any SS benefits I am receiving will be cancelled. This was a robo call. The told me to press a number for more information. I hung up.
Don't use your…
April 25, 2019
I received a call today from officer james rhoadson phone number 281-220-3443 federal id 2602910 with case number dc-7010. Asked me to confirm my DOB gave him wrong DOB and wrong last 4 of my SSN. Then he says SSA is citing me $5700 and is putting a sanction on my SSN and I will be arrested onsite in 5 mins.... Okay guy come get me!
Aray123
September 18, 2019

In reply to by Don't use your…

I just got a call from this exact same guy. But he gave a different ID number. When I told him my dad was a judge and I was reporting him he got really upset hing up in my face
Jen
April 25, 2019
Received a call from 1 (888) 810-0313 stating "This call is from the Department of Social Security Administration the reason you have received this call from our department is to inform our that we just suspend your Social Security Number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press the 1 key thank you".
Gunner
April 25, 2019
I just got an automated call saying legal action was taken against my social security #. The call came from Alabama and requested a call back at 205-598-3121
sss
April 26, 2019
I am getting a call, pre-recorded message states that there has been criminal activity reported on your social. Please, call us back. Is there a phone or email, where I can report such details with phone #?
Abe
April 26, 2019
Just received a robot call claiming it was SSA office. I called back and in trying to ask questions it was someone with a very heavy accent and I couldn't even understand. After realizing that I was giving any info the guy straight out told me he was trying to scam me. I was more than surprised.
TB
April 26, 2019
I just got a call & she even gave me an ID # & ext too. Number called me was 866-856-3247 , same very load call center & said blood found at crime scene in Texas, cocaine , blah blah, I thought it was a scam , but decided to hear her out, ended up hanging up on her. But how do I make sure she didn't end up getting anything that can be used to steal my stuff?
MFab
April 26, 2019
Just got one of these calls. Just wanted to post the phone number so that folks are aware. I don’t be calling them back. 925 276 0580. Scammers are awful people!
John Wayne
April 26, 2019
Hello everyone... hate to have had this experience, however yesterday at approximately 1300 hrs, I received a call from (682) 323 2745. It was a robot. The recording said my SSN has been associated with illegal activities, and that Homeland Security will soon get in touch with you. It asks people to call back a number, which probably will further ask you for your information like SSN and other details to perhaps use your excellent credit history to purchase things, open bank accounts, etc. BE AWARE
Michael45Dodson
April 27, 2019
Someone is calling me they're are pretending they are from the DHS office asking for my information they are calling from 18008426596
Suehmk
April 27, 2019
I just received a call saying my ss# was used in a fraud case. I said how do I know that you are from SS. They hung up
Suehmk
April 27, 2019
Here are the numbers they called from 1-800-269-0271 and 1-800-227-4825. Said my number was suspended for fraudulent activity.
Manju
April 27, 2019
I just received a call on 04/27/2019. With voice message they said your Social security number got suspended and asked to press 1 to know more details . I did press 1 and they asked my Name as soon I said my name the call got disconnected. The spoof number is 559-321-7258.
Anonymous
April 27, 2019
Still going on today! Witnessed first hand when they called my daughter! Not once, but twice within an hour of each call!
AngelSings4u2
April 29, 2019
I received a call from this number ‭+1 (800) 269-0271‬ and it seems like the real deal. I did not answer but when I called it back it said thank you for calling the social security fraud hotline. They did not leave me a message. Any clue of this could be the real deal? Why wouldn’t they send a letter? Anyone?
Mphs Girl
April 29, 2019
I’ve Myself gotten 3 different calls from a recording of a Man sayin that My SSN # has a warrant on it or something like that but the Number that is calling doesn’t show up. Every time it calls it Just shows up Unknown there’s NO NUMBER TO EVER CALL BACK and it tells me to press 1 to talk to someone.... Has ANYBODY ELSE had this kind of thing happen with an UNKNOWN NUMBER????? If someone can PLEASE LET ME KNOW....thanks
Arkansas Resident
August 08, 2019

In reply to by Mphs Girl

I received the same robo call left on my vm from an unknown number saying an arrest warrant has been released on my name due to fraudulent activity filed on my SS number. To get more info press 1 to speak with an agent etc. They did not leave a callback number. Even tho it said unknown, I tapped on info it pulled the number up. So, yes I believe this is just a little different spin in the scam. The # was 1-800-334-6230
Sherry
April 29, 2019
I received a message from 903-705-7116. I called back from my work land line and they claim to be the Social Security Administration. They asked for my full name and I refused. The person on the line had an accent similar to someone from Pakistan.
marthajul
April 29, 2019
Just had a call threatening a $499 charge if we don't cancel our computer service. Called themselves a "computer exchange."
TMchugh
April 29, 2019
Just got a spam phone call from: 325-340-1215 pretending to be the Social Security Administration and said they had suspended my SS#. Please pursue these scammers and punish them for targeting vulnerable populations.
Avi
April 29, 2019
I got a call from a random number +1 (817) 380 1469, Saying my SSN number has been suspended and my identity has been used for drug trafficking and fake bank accounts for money transfer. The caller asked for my SSN number and DOB. I was scared and provided the information. But now realize that the call was fake. What should I do now as I have leaked my SSN to a fraud person?
Don't be fooled
May 03, 2019

In reply to by Avi

Immediately call all three credit bureaus and freeze your credit. No one will be able to open any credit in your name unless they have the pin number that will be provided you or answers to all of the qualifying questions and answers that you provide. Don’t wait! Now if you do ever want to open an account of credit you will have to re-open it for a time. To allow a credit check to be done. Inconvenient but peace of mind knowing that your credit is locked down.
seanali
May 16, 2019

In reply to by Avi

I just got the same message from the same # with the same story. Luckily I googled it in time and saw these posts, thank you for posting!!! Hope nothing comes of it for you...
mike
April 30, 2019
just got one from this number 260-263-6557
Tmd
April 30, 2019
I’ve received 5 calls from various 1-888-810-xxxx numbers. I did not answer them but this is the transcript of messages they left on my voicemail. “This call is from the Department of social security administration the reason you have _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ call from our department is to inform you that we just suspend your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one thank you…”
Sid
April 30, 2019
I got a voicemail stating my social security number was compromised is this a scam
hi
April 30, 2019
Received a call claiming there is fraud on my SS from (281)623-0191
Bodacious in NM
April 30, 2019
Here is the voice mail I got today. It was a computer generated voice -- not even a real person. It said: "Calling to inform you that there are legal enforcement actions filed against you and your Social Security number has been suspected for fraudulent activities. So once you get this message, kindly call us back as soon as possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings against you that is 800-974-1358. I repeat 800-974-1358. Thank you." Yeah, right. I blocked 800-974-1358, but I suspect they will use another number the next time they try their scam.
Nat from Boston
April 30, 2019
Another spoofed number 877-984-5327 regarding my (non)existent social security benefits.
Chad G
April 30, 2019
I got a call from "the department of social security" robot, about my SS# being suspended for suspicious activity. The number was from 508-401-8899
Ruth
May 01, 2019
Received a phone call saying they were from SSA and they received against my social security Number by the federal crime and investigation department and need me to call them @ 305-420-6976.
RJV
May 01, 2019
Thanks for the online info about scammers. Yesterday I was called by 3 different numbers and today 2 different numbers. I tried calling whoever it was yesterday. They ask for my so. But, Obviously, I refused. And told them they Are a scammer. They said 'well you'll find out if we're for real when you are arrested. I laughed and hung up on the guy.
Cathy
May 01, 2019
Received an automated call saying they were the Social Security Office. Stated "Your SSN was being suspended to to a problem. Press one to receive further information." The number was 585-000-2110
Roxanne
May 01, 2019
I've been receiving calls from 512-746-8007 saying something about my social security number or something and if I don't respond I'm going to jail
GI
May 01, 2019
This call is from the Social Security Administration please call 760-673-7831 to verify your information and your SSN, or the Social Security Administration will notify the local police. There is a suspension notice against your Social Security Number by the Federal Crime and Investigation Department. [So my local SSA Office from the East Coast uses a supposed SSA in Palm Springs, CA to make a call, although the SSA never calls. Right! ]
girlnextdoor
May 01, 2019
Ive received 5 phone calls from an automated system today alone stating i am at risk of my ss being suspended for Federal Crime and Investigation unit Number is 309-228-4903
Tiredofit67
May 01, 2019
I came to this website to check on fake calls. I received a voice message 5-1-2019 ... that stated... "Do to legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities, to get more information about this case file from federal database press one and speak to our agent now"
Marie Jo
May 01, 2019
Just got a call on 5/1/2019 saying they are shutting down my social security. I told them great, I am sick of it anyway and prefer to be off the grid. caller ID # 785 626 8504
Santa Monica R…
May 01, 2019
I received three calls today (888-815-0031, 0028, & 0047) stating that they were calling from the Dept of SSA and the reason I was receiving this call was to inform me that they just suspended my SSN because they found some suspicious activity. To find out more it asked me to hit # 1. I did not, and from a land line I called back the numbers and it all went to a disconnected line. I am sure this is a scam as well.