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
August 12, 2020
I just got a call from this number 1-844-908-3296 saying my ssn has been use in criminal activity that they was going to get a warrant for my arrest if I didn't call them back
August 12, 2020
Received a scam call from 267-563-9249
August 12, 2020
Hello, I have received two calls today with the same recording.
They are using our local phone area code. I waited to hear enough of the recording. It is just like the sample on this page, but a woman's computer voice.
August 12, 2020
(210) 772-4436 called just now with a similar message you have on this page. My social is deactivated due to fraudulent activity......people be aware of these roboscams.
August 12, 2020
Got a phone call from them ! 2020 it says Romania on my phone
August 12, 2020
8/12/20
3:30pm a call from ssa that I need to call them back I hung up
August 12, 2020
I received 2 calls in one month...i reported. It
August 13, 2020
Scam call from 713-258-9802 claiming to be the Shell Oil Company Information Center. Caller claimed I was being offered a job with Shell and they needed me to send several thousands of dollars to process work permits, file for my insurance, etc. Knowing Shell nor any other reputable company doesn't do hiring in this manner, I asked for written confirmation by fax and email of the hiring offer. The caller hung up.
August 13, 2020
I get about three calls a day on my cell phone. My SSN is going to be suspended and they're going to issue a warrant for my arrest. They don't even call me by name or know who they're calling.
*Each time I get the call, I block that number - then it comes from a different phone number. Call block is useless against the robots. What good will reporting it accomplish?
August 13, 2020
I just got this call from (510)626-8267. It had very scratchy, patchy audio similar but female. It basically said my SSN was being sold on the dark web and to call them back immediately.
August 13, 2020
Received 6 calls today from 980-272-3893 they left messages saying my SS number was being suspended unless I call them
August 13, 2020
They Have called me a couple times trying to tell me my Social Security card is going to be in activated due to fraudulent activity I knew it was a scam and turn the tables on them and they hung up
August 13, 2020
Just got a call from 854-222-9227
August 13, 2020
Here are 2 more scam numbers..
MARLOW 8506019762. HERNANDEZ PAYES 3016484996. These scammers are saying they are from ssi wanting your info. Dont know what for cause i didnt engage. Beware
August 13, 2020
On August 13 2020- Officer Theresa Dunsworth from SSA called and said they would take legal action as I have fraudulent activity told me to call at 830-267-4167. Call came in from either number 1-800-254-9066 or 936-510-2810. The 936 called and I answered after listening to threatening message and told them SSA doesn't call and I am reporting them and I hung up.
August 13, 2020
I received one of these scammer calls literally the second I signed up for notifications from the USPS in order to track a package I was waiting to receive. Fishy fishy!
August 13, 2020
I have been receiving calls along the same line as the previous posts. The number associated with the call is from 1-469-423-1160. He gave the name Nathan Chapman, Badge SSFP208686. Very aggravated when I began asking lots of questions but would not provide a business number or supervisor name before I proceeded to answer his questions starting with verify information let’s start with your name...but my friend Nathan would not address me at all except Miss. I finally hung up.
August 13, 2020
Got a call recently from "Officer (name) at SS" telling me my SSN had been used in a crime near the US border with Mexico. I asked which SSN, as I have fourteen of them. Click.
August 13, 2020
had 3 voice mails today that my SSN is suspended and to call 346-261-0272. thank you for exposing why they do this.
August 14, 2020
I am receiving many calls about my SSN being suspended, so is my husband. The last call was from 346-271-7732. Each time we block the number, but "they" used new phone numbers. All our phones are on National Do Not Call Registry.
August 14, 2020
just got a similar call from 202 932 6207.
August 14, 2020
They should be able to stop this less. They send a man to the moon
August 14, 2020
SSA or IRS will never call in person! Don't give into the threats!!!
Hang up and block their number. Scammmmmmers!!!!
August 14, 2020
Five calls in four hours today. All from different numbers. Same robo message and asking to call same number...740-651-2342. How can we make this stop?
August 14, 2020
Beware of...+1 (917) 298-3408, they are trying to scam using this same tactic. I wanted to mess with them but hung up on me. Oh well. Please do not fall VICTIM to these scammers. 8/14/2020
August 14, 2020
Beware of...+1 (917) 298-3408, they are trying to scam using this same tactic. They sounded so scripted. I tried not to laugh and wanted to mess with them but hung up on me. Oh well. Please do not fall VICTIM to these scammers. STAY SAFE EVERYONE!
August 14, 2020
Just 18 minutes ago got this call from 316-272-0176. Claiming to be from the IRS saying my Social Security number was going to be suspended. The recorded voice sounded just like the recording you have above. My comment was, NO your are not! This is a scam and I hung up.
August 16, 2020
Nice
August 17, 2020
They're trying this on in the UK as well, from the Texas-based number +1 806 625 8618, using appropriately localised terminology.
August 17, 2020
How to stop robo calls info needed. Now got a call from 972-984-9177 about my SS number. Is there an actual way to stop these calls?
August 17, 2020
Received a scam call from 443-329-9133. The voicemail was a female automated voice message.
Scam message was as follows:
"The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call back as soon as possible before we begin with the legal proceeding. You can reach us on our direct department number, which is 443-329-9133. I repeat, it's 443-329-9133. Thank you and have a nice day."
August 17, 2020
203-539-0179 RECEIVE A CALL THERE IS A WARRANT, WHILE ASKING QUESTIONS DUDE HUNG UP
August 17, 2020
I had two calls this morning pretending to represent Social Security but using local numbers; one from a female and another from a man with an accent. Did not respond. But need to make sure my SS number is not hacked. how do i do that?
August 17, 2020
From: 209-3100480
Message: The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message currently call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings. That is 209-310-0480. Thank you.
August 17, 2020
I received a call from 956-232-2324 saying that I have issue with my ssi number. They tell you to call the same number back.
August 17, 2020
907-242-8497. They just used this number to scam me
August 17, 2020
Call came in from a local number 954-494-8551 . The accent was very must East Indian and I had a very difficult time understanding what she was saying (and that says alot because I have East Indian background and can typically understand very well). She read from a script about a care being rented in my name under my SSN that was involved in a drug bust in Texas. I asked her name, she said "Shirley White" and then offered to give me her badge number of 18003250778 - BUT this is the TTY enabled phone number for the SSA, not a Badge#.
August 17, 2020
Just received multiple phone calls and messages from this same scam using area code 630 out of Illinois. This is absolutely ridiculous and needs to stop! I know these are really bad times right now, but its not to give permission for others to take advantage of other people.
August 18, 2020
Just received a social security scam voicemail from phone number 877-604-1340 saying my social security number is about to be suspended due to fraudulent activity and I need to call immediately to rectify this... uhh NO!
August 18, 2020
Its been 2 months Im still recenving calls from " Service Canada" regarding my SIN.
I realized right away its a scam its a scam cause, as much as I know the Government always call on Private Number. The number they called me today is 1 877 646 6189.
August 18, 2020
I just received this type of call (but a female voice caller) from (855) 254-5351.
August 18, 2020
received three calls within about 1 hour from the same number 719-793-0051 stating my ss# had illegal activity and I need to call before they suspend it. they have my address as well, stating they have been sending me notices to my home (of course never received) and also had my maiden name. just needed me to verify my date of birth prior to giving me info on the illegal activity on my social.
August 18, 2020
FYI. Got a scam call from 2027967661 about my ss .
August 18, 2020
Hello Everyone.
Here is something to think about. Do you think the Police would really call and tell you they were coming by to arrest you??? Do you think that the SSA would require you to secure your money with Google Play Cards??? If you do I have a bridge to sell you in the desert of Arizona.
August 18, 2020
Got a call from this number 202-932-6344. Couldn’t receive a call but she left a voice message sounds like a robot though and says to call her back with my ssn and if I don’t call her they will release a arrest warrant under my name.
August 19, 2020
I just received a call from (202) 932-6301. The person said my SS number was under attack. The call ID said it was from Washington DC. I hung-up once I realized what was going on
August 19, 2020
Here is another Social Security scam phone # 854-222-9251.
August 19, 2020
Just received the a new SSN scam 8-10-2020
from (504) 285-0220
August 19, 2020
Had another call telling me that my SS# was about to be blocked. the automated message said that it was an officer named "jessica" and that I should call back 469-423-1237.
August 19, 2020
I just received one of these calls too.
There was a suspicous claim on my SSN & I needed to call back to verify my info. Yeah no.