Consumer Alert
This is what a Social Security scam sounds like
Earlier this month, we told you about a growing scam: people pretend to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and try to get your Social Security number or your money. That scam is now growing exponentially. To compare: in 2017, we heard from 3,200 people about SSA imposter scams, and those people reported losing nearly $210,000. So far THIS year: more than 35,000 people have reported the scam, and they tell us they’ve lost $10 million.
Here’s what one of those scam calls sound like:
Scammers are saying your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it’s been involved in a crime. Sometimes, the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it. Sometimes, he’ll say your bank account is about to be seized – but he’ll tell you what to do to keep it safe. (Often, that involves putting your money on gift cards and giving him the codes – which, of course, means that your money is gone.)
Oh, and your caller ID often shows the real SSA phone number (1-800-772-1213) when these scammers call – but they’re faking that number. It’s not the real SSA calling.
Here's what to know:
- Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who calls out of the blue. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized.
- SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Every time.
- The real SSA number is 1-800-772-1213, but scammers are putting that number in the caller ID. If you’re worried about what the caller says, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to the real SSA. Even if the wait time is long, confirm with the real SSA before responding to one of these calls.
- Never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Or your bank account or credit card number.
If you get one of these calls, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Topics
February 28, 2020
+1 (713) 324-6592 caller from Houston claiming SSN problems and court action. Heavy Indian accents.
February 28, 2020
I get these SSI calls all the time. I actually connect with them and call them scammers and worse and then to call someone else. I then block their many Number's they call from. They hang up immediately when they’re called out. How sad.
February 28, 2020
Received a call from 1-800-133-4205 on 02/28/2020 @ 08:28 EST.
February 28, 2020
(281) 764-6690 is a scam number
February 28, 2020
Just received a call from 866-285-7147. Definitely a scam call.
February 28, 2020
The number called me at 7:22 AM. Left a prerecorded voicemail indicating there was an issue and court filing related to my SS# and to press one to talk to an agent ... "Before it's too late" .. I got the same call 2 to 3 years ago and do not have credit issues.
February 28, 2020
504-375-3087 Looks like I’ll be arrested if I don’t call them back.... yeah right!?
February 28, 2020
Please shut down this number: 469-421-1798
March 02, 2020
I think this is another one 888-253-9749
February 28, 2020
I just received a call from a gentleman with an Indian accent. He wanted my name and the last four of my SSN. I have given the name Susan Miller and 1234 as the last four. He immediately told me not to get smart with an officer of the Social Security and the Federal Marshall's office. He also said that my SS benefits would be suspended. As I continued to be uncooperative, he hung up on me.
So far to the scenario. - The number displayed was from CT. I did not write it down and it does not show in the display of recent numbers. The fellow on the phone asked me how he could help me as if I had called him. His voice and way of talking is familiar to me from previous calls.
February 28, 2020
Add number (646) 447-0984. Thank you
March 02, 2020
1-330 929 3586 From Akron Ohio, this is the number i was called from, they said, my s.s number is being used somewhere in southern border in Texas, and for me to call and talk to a officer, for more information. Thank you and have a great day. this is everything that was said, i din't answer my phone, but i urge anyone who receives this call, (DO NOT ANSWER IT.)
February 28, 2020
Wanted to inform that I received a call from 1-844-367-3664. I didn't pick up the call. I called the number back and a woman answered the phone "social security, how can I help you". I didn't say anything and hung up as I know it's a scam call.
February 28, 2020
What if you gave them the last 4 digits of your SSN but nothing else?
February 29, 2020
Thank you for this information. For a minute I was getting pretty confused and scared. Also the call said it was from Alhambra CA. Thank you so much for the clarification!
February 29, 2020
I have been trying to report that a number has called me twice identifying themselves as the social security admin. and threatening me with legal action and suspending my social security number. I have tried or three days to report this number but cannot. I have been answering prompted security questions.
in order to report the scam. I have answered the same questions at least 20 EACH TIME EACH!! and can't submit this scam phone number which is 832*680*5851. Maybe you can do something about it!!
March 01, 2020
This is the voice mail I received:
n the SSA the very next moment you received this automated message. We want you or your retained criminal attorney of record to return the call. The issue at hand is extremely time sensitive. The number for you to call. The SSA back is 916-545-2614. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So before this matter goes to the state courthouse, and before you get arrested, if you need any information or have any question, kindly call us back at 916-545-2614. Thank you.
March 01, 2020
This number keeps calling me after I added it to my blocked calls list 484-977-7757, 223-221-9078, and lots more
March 01, 2020
I got a email saying that dissability administration said that I have a administrative hearing and I have to see talk to the judge.and bring my identification card in Livonia and I have a dissability attorney.
March 02, 2020
+1 (844) 866-1338 This number is being used as well
March 02, 2020
Just got a scam call (prior similar scam call several wks ago) about
a "suspicious trail" with my social security number. The male caller--no name given--said I should call 1-888-952-5554. Also statement re: possibility of arrest if I do not cooperate.
March 02, 2020
I just got a call that I was going to be put in jail
March 02, 2020
add new number
425-243-3935
March 02, 2020
now Mar 3 2020 I received call from (855) 214-4984, pretended to be from Service Canada. the person had heavy accent and difficulty of pronunciation, he wanted my name and postal code. to my question he said it is regarding my violation of social service code. (I did not give him my SIN ) when I asked to talk with other representative that his english is better, he hang, I called bake and the same person answered. I asked for another rep. and he hang again. no doubt it is scam.
March 02, 2020
Just got the call now from 281-509-9325. Says they will take legal action if I do not contact them. Scam Scam Scam
March 02, 2020
I received calls from (Messages, won't answer them)#(180)-088-8000 saying my social security is at risk. I just delete the messages
March 02, 2020
Similar messages left from three different numbers over the past week daily. Restricted #, 520 ac and 206 ac.
March 02, 2020
I just got a call from social security .they said to press ne for more information. It was on my phone voice mail they said they would suspend my ss number if I don’t call them back or press on. I would be arrested and handcuffed.i just deleted h message.i usually let the answering machine get it whn they start talking then I answer if it is legit.or if. Answer I hang up mmediately. The number was 1-210-000-0000.
March 02, 2020
i JUST RECIEVED A CALL FROM 448-955-4432 SAYING THAT MY SS NUMBER WAS BEING SUSPENDED AND ANY BENEFITS I RECIEVE AS WELL. I PRESSED 1 FOR A LIVE AGENT AND SPOKE TO A MAN WHO SAID THAT HE WAS AN OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT AND WANTED ME TO VERIFY MY NAME AT THAT TIME I MISREPRESENTED MYSELF AS I ALREADY KNEW ABOUT THIS SCAM I TOLD HIM I WAS AN OFFICER TO AND HE IMMEDIATELY HUNG UP . THIS WAS A SCAMMER I TRIED TO CALL THE NUMBER BACK AND TO MY SURPRISE YOU CANT CALL NUMBER BACK. SOCIAL SECURITY ALWAYS NOTIFIES US BY MAIL FIRST
March 02, 2020
I just received a phone call from the number (866)-264-0559 stating that my SSN has been involved in fraudulent activity or some crap.
March 02, 2020
They called today from 888-387-8551. The call was very staticky and was a voice recording. I hung up before the recording was over.
March 02, 2020
888-312-2596 call back as soon as possible. This is the social security administration
March 02, 2020
They just called me from this number 844-230-2976, guy with a very heavy accent and had my address and all known addresses. I need to looking to how they got my real address and how to prevent this from happening. This is just rude and cruel. I hope y’all find the ppl who are doing this and put them away. And it was the same message.
March 02, 2020
They leave a messege saying there is activity and my ss# will be suspended
March 02, 2020
Officer Kelly Jones identifies with SSA and left message about legal enforcement action on my SSN -. Says to call hot line 404-369-2234 before action is taken against me.
I am NOT calling the number, just reporting
March 03, 2020
+1 (424) 250-2197 This number just called me to tell me my social security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity
March 03, 2020
210-903-5299 out of San Antonio, TX scam calling with that number.
March 03, 2020
(703) 382-0005 Another spam number
March 03, 2020
Pls be vigilant! Just got a call from +1 (503) 966-3634 from Clatskanie, OR. Here is the transcript of a female heavily accented voice:
“ calls from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action _____ on your Social Security number for criminal activity so when you get this message I need to vote us as soon as possible on our number that this 503-966-3634 I repeat 503-966-3634 before the beginning of the legal proceeding thank you have a nice day…”
March 03, 2020
I just received a call from 340-489-0842. I didn't answer, but the voicemail stated it was imperative that I contact them back as I had back taxes to take care of. They also stated there was new laws that would help me. They gave me the number of 844-940-0842 to call back.
March 03, 2020
I received a call from this number today 1 833-550-0566 and left a message saying that my SS was compromised in a crime in Texas. That someone was using my identity and that they need to very my personal information. The scary part was I gave them all fake information and they told me that the information did not match their system me knowing that what they told me was correct but I played it off as if they had the wrong person. I'm worried that they have all my personal information including my date of birth and social.
March 03, 2020
319 720 9992 weird voicemail saying I would win 10,000 dollars if I went to a website.
March 03, 2020
Got a call saying “ “Information would be considered an intentional attempt to avoid initial appearance before the magistrate judge and will lead to your Social Security number is suspension for more information on your case please call our investigation department immediately on 617-341-8236 to speak to your case officer I repeat 617-341-8236 we would be glad to share your case information...” Obviously a scam, do not answer this number!
March 03, 2020
+1 (210) 201-1126 Add this one to the list
March 03, 2020
1 800 601 5139. Recent scam number.
March 04, 2020
New number 833 796 8601 and 888 878 0489
March 03, 2020
Add new one in the list 1-844-215-5525
March 03, 2020
I got a call today saying that my social security number was suspended and I have a warrant for my arrest. Looking up the number the name on the voice mail was a Lucy. This world is crazy
March 03, 2020
I’ve had 3 voice mails today from 844-298-9347 saying they’re from Social Security about suspicious activity. All of the calls went straight to voice mail and didn’t ring on my phone.
March 03, 2020
Officer Maria Gomez of the Social Security Administration left a robotic voice message advising that my "social security number has been suspended because of something." Something? The horror. I'm totally going to call the at 866-896-0457 to clear something up, posthaste!