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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.

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They tried
April 30, 2019
I just got a call from fake Social Security Administration. The number they used was 1-866-193-1213 ( unknown and fake of course) I got slightly scared after the message they put before connecting to the representative. But, from my previous experience with IRS callers, I immediately searched online about SS scammers and received plenty of information. So, I just said -"Guys whats is the purpose of you scamming people, the money"? Before I finished my frase, they hanged up. Be aware, they will be trying over and over.
blue sky’s
April 30, 2019
New number 281-839-2030 Bay View TX. I called it back after I heard the robo call. I tried screwing with the guy :)
jessiy
April 30, 2019
Hi All i just received a call from a number saying social security was suspended. When i called the number back it didn't ring on the other side. Be aware the number is 516-6619168 !
ransen
May 01, 2019
It was too late for me, I got a message saying that they are from SSA and that my identity is stolen, an abandoned car with cocaine and papers etc. that all my assets, my SSN, passport etc. will be seized. The number I got the call from is (817)727 4685 from Fort worth TX. I called back and the person who talked to me had an artificial voice. He gave his name as David Smith, but had a non american accent. he gave a agent number as 03091407 and a case number DC 7010. He asked me several questions - he then said an officer will follow this up. The officer gave me a name of Ted. Then he asked me to send me my picture copy of driver license with my face. I sent that to him and he sent me a picture of his badge as a FBI special officer. After a long conversation he asked about my accounts and told me they are not asking for my account number or details. Then they threatened me that all my assets will be seized unless I follow their "protocol" - all the time they kept me busy on my phone and told me not to disconnect because it is a recorded line which will be used in the court to save me from this problem. Anyway, they wanted me to sent cashiers checks to them, which I did not agree to do, then they asked my to get Apple gift card for 4000 so they can register it and use the receipt/registration as witness in the court to stop warrant against me. When I did not agree to share the registration number and disconnected my phone, there was a call from my local police dept (as it showed in my phone ID), I received the call but was not sure if it was from the PD, I told him that I will call later. But then I got a call from Washington DC. This was a lady who after a lot of talking make me share the Apple numbers. I am very worried that they got a picture of my driver license.
Mary Jane
May 01, 2019
Thank you for the information FTC. I received a call from a scammer this morning. I let it go to voice mail when I saw 888. They asked me to press 1 because of fraudulent activity on my SS account. Here's the number they called from, 888-815-0024. These comments were helpful.
P Diggs
May 01, 2019
I received a call today from 410-600-1127. They told me my social security number is going to be suspended. I just hung.
in NYC
May 01, 2019

In reply to by P Diggs

got a call from (585) 000-2110‬ said: "this phone call is from department of social security administration the reason you received this phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspend your social security number because we found suspicious activity"
NYer2009
May 01, 2019
Husband received a call from 512-817-2593 today saying his SSN was tied to fraudulent activities in Texas. How can they possibly keep doing this over and over??
Paulo
May 01, 2019
Just received a call from 888-815-0030. Mays social security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. To get more information press one thank you. Did not respond.
MB42
May 01, 2019
Received call from supposedly 785-626-8604
BE CAREFUL!
May 01, 2019
I got a suspicious phone call yesterday, number (260)263-6562 telling me... “We have received against your Social Security number by the federal crime and investigation department we need to talk to you as soon as possible again this call is from Social Security administration number to reach department is 260-263-6562 I repeat it's 260-263-6562 thank you…” I knew there was something wrong here because I haven’t done anything wrong. Also, I don’t ever answer unknown numbers, unless they leave a voicemail, but this voice mail was just not right and it sounded exactly like the email up there ^ robot voice. Today, in the morning they called me again in a different number, which is, (309)228-4792 ... again same Robot voice!!!! This time telling me... “Suspension notice we have received against your Social Security number by the federal crime and investigation department we need to talk to you as good as possible again this call is from Social Security administration number to reach 309-228-4792 I repeat 309-228-4792 thank you…” SCAMMERS FOR SURE. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!! So tired of this. If they call again, I’m going to answer and tell them I’m from the police department and that I’m recording the call. Again, so tired of this happening. It needs to stop. They need to get a life!!!!!!!!!!!
annoyed
May 01, 2019
I received a call from 470-202-3116. The person had left a message, obviously a recording, that said that my Social (that's the way she phrased it) had been suspended due to fraudulent and (unintelligible word) use. I was told to call that number to speak to a representative. I did not call back. I know that many people have gotten calls from the 470-202 number with different 4 digits.
TIRED
May 01, 2019
Got 2 calls today 5-1-19 from the number 707 356-9075, telling me my ss account was stopped.
LjWB
May 01, 2019
I have received three calls today from three different area codes: 832-224-2986, 815-630-5428,210-729-4190 two from Texas and one from Illinois. All recordings to call to fix the problem!!!
JJ
May 01, 2019
I have received 15 calls in the last two days, 8 today with area code spoof of number 315-907-1440. It is the Soc Sec scam telling your that they have noticed fraud, blah blah blah...
Hagos
May 01, 2019
Thank you so much for the useful information!!! Someone called me before few minutes that my social security number will be suspended because of suspicious activity. The scam number they used is 1-888-815-0059. Thank you again!
KBS
May 01, 2019
I've been receiving calls for the last few days - yesterday was from Ft. Worth Texas: 817-349-6704 and was a robotic call. Today, I received 2 calls about 30 min. apart both from Bronxville, NY. 914-297-8075. I called that number back and got a Voice Mail saying they were the Social Security Department and to leave a message. I left a message all right, told them I had filed a Scam Report with the FTC. Will be interesting to see if they call me back tomorrow.
Jason d.
May 01, 2019
Yeah me too i just got this call like 3 times today, very annoying , threatning me of a warrant arrest, the number is 1-914-125-4001, they said to press 1 to speak with an agent, and accused me of fraudulent activity, please can anybody in power do something about this issued, thank you.
Sasha
May 01, 2019
What if you gave ur bank info and ur last 4 digets of ur ss number before realizing you wer scammed, what dou you
Dave
May 02, 2019
I received a voice mail on my home phone, stating my social security number has been compromised and to call this number before they begin legal action. (888) 388-7746
Robertftwg
May 03, 2019
830 5826905 is another scammer
kilikate
May 02, 2019
I just rec'd a vm stating my ss# was suspended
Sherri
May 02, 2019
New scam number....1-732-352-3017. Called me yesterday...May 1,2019 about SSI. It was a recording.
tiredofspam
May 02, 2019
Was called from 833 454-7671, left message about my SS being suspended because of suspicion activity! I worry that older people would believe them! Blocked number!
For Pete's Sake!
May 02, 2019
I had three separate calls from 3 different numbers today in a time span of about 2 hours. These calls went to my voicemail, but messages were left for all 3 numbers with the same automated, male voice. It appears to be a loop message as the voicemail began with "thank you", the message below and ended in "thank you" again. I recorded all of these messages. This is the exact dictation of those calls. >>> "Thank you. 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 we just "suspend" your Social Security Number because we found some suspicious activity. So, if you want to know about this case Press 1 thank you." <<< ================== The numbers that called: 888-815-0072 888-815-0075 888-815-0065
VNUS ON EARTH
May 02, 2019
Received a call today from the SSA office on my cell. The caller left a message indicating that my social security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. The number reflected on my caller ID was (800) 965-2381. However, I am always guarded when I receive phone calls that reflect "Unknown" or now, the calls that begin with the letter "V" in front of the supposed telephone number calling me. The number looks something like this "V43015514601944." I have called the real SSA number (800-772-1213) just to make sure everything is on the up and up and my SSN has not been used for identity theft or such.
Totally Fed UP
May 14, 2019

In reply to by VNUS ON EARTH

I received these calls a few months ago, fraudulent activity, arrest me. Today I received the exact message as above, suspicious activity, suspend my SSN, press 1, blah, blah, blah. The numbers showing were 888-815-0945 and 888-815-0942.
vn
May 02, 2019
Wife received a suspicious call from 603-367-3505 Madison, NH with a robo recording that her SSN was being suspended. Beware of these scammers!
Trang
May 02, 2019
I had a phone call with area code 315, this person from Social Security Administration, leave a voice mail that I need to call them immediately regard of federal criminal (?) is this legislative?
Don&#039;t use your…
May 03, 2019
Calls fromeversourceoffering me a discount on electric it’s. Yhey want my account number. I told them if they know my name,address, and tel. No. ,they should know my account number. I said I would call the company to confirm and he hung up.
Jenny
May 03, 2019
Why can't police, or someone do something about this? I waited on the line, chinese guy picked up, and told me" you better pay up". I really wish to see him go to jail.
I, P
May 03, 2019
Just got a call that my SS is suspended , from phone number 1877-048-1213 , sounds like a female robot ..
Chubbs
May 03, 2019
I just received one of the phone calls from 888-815-0217
Debsue
May 03, 2019
I have received 5 calls from 5 different numbers. I do not answer calls i do not know. They have left the same message. Saying my ss# has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Push 1 to hear more about this. I just filed a complaint with the FTC These are the phone numbers that they are coming from. 1-888-815-0078 1-888-815-0067 1-888-815-0203 1-888-815-0207 1-888-815-0217
tmaree
May 03, 2019
Received same call, (204) 033-8766 I never answer numbers I don't know but in the message it says press 1 and that my social security has been suspended due to suspicious activity. No call back number, when I call the number back it's no good. They also called back "UNKNOWN" a couple hours later and left the same message, it's probably the 3rd time now.
Janie
May 03, 2019
I just got the call telling me my Social Security has been used fraudulently and it will be cancelled and any Social Security benefits you may be receiving will be cancelled unless you press 1 now. This will restore all of your Social Security benefits. The number they were calling from was 206-128-4719 I did not press 1 and I did not give any information. It is was a lady robot voice for my call.
Scam number 88…
May 15, 2019
Got a 2 calls from 1-888-815-0321, saying my SS was suspended, the 2nd time i decided to press "1", and an indian accent person answered: Indian: Thank you for calling, how can I help you? Me: You tell me, you guys keep calling me. Indian: Can I have your name so I can pull your information? Me: No, are you calling me non stop? Indian: *Hangs up*
Illythid
May 03, 2019
1 800 674 3196 robo call saying my SSN was compromised and to call back to this number. DO NOT CALL.
PinkRage42
May 03, 2019
I received a call from 1-800-269-0271 on May 3, 2019 at 3:04 p.m. stating that my SSN was going to be suspended and thete was an warrant for my arrest for 25 bank accounts and 16 credit cards he asked if they were mine I said no I can't evenn get an walmart , target cards. He said my SSN was tied to criminal activity such as tax fraud and tied to drugs so I left a complaint at oig.ssa.gov\report . I was told that the scammers are now using 1-800-269-0271 which states that when you google it. It says that it is the # to the Office of the Inspector General of Administration and it also gives you the # 1-800-772-1213 and also 1-877-4384338 which is suppose to be 1-877- IDtheft too many numbers
Mark in L.A.
May 03, 2019
I just received another of these calls from an entirely different number: (908)752-4187. This is a different area code from the 4 calls I received over the last two weeks, all with area code 888.
sbosch
May 03, 2019
+14107569231 they are now calling from this number
ikeJ
May 03, 2019
I got call last week and I asked the lady to give me her cell number so I can give it to FBI, she hung up, again today I got call and she gave her number as 1234567890, then hung up
Rockitall
May 03, 2019
Received a call from +1 (626) 508-9939 stating my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
Sandy
May 03, 2019
I've been rec 5 to 6 calls a day from # 2244337909 ..I never pick up, but they leave an intimidating message.
Constantly get…
May 03, 2019
I just checked my voicemail and I got a voicemail saying that my social security number was going to be suspended because there was unusual activity with it. The number that had called me was 1-888 810-1038. This was on April 25th . The caller said to press one. I hadn't answered it and it just went to my voicemail which I had just checked. The voice was also robotic-sounding . I just checked my call log and I had another number which was 1888 8100036 on the following day. No message was left this time but I'm sure it was probably the same person or organization of scammers . Thankfully my cell phone will pick up what they perceive as a scam or fraudulent call and so I never answer them . But they do have a knack of spoof calling you. If you're not familiar with what that means, they can make their phone number look like whatever they want it to to get you to answer or to make it look legitimate.. I got scammed by someone recently saying they were from the IRS and I fell for because other circumstances that were legitimate played into my fear and I thought it was real. Every single person that I told about it said they will never call you so I'm extra cautious , $500 later. last week somebody charged a hundred and something dollars on my debit card business account at Office Depot that wasn't me. It's crazy how many scams are going around right now. Everyone be very cautious. I learned the hard way nobody from any of these agencies will call you. You'll be notified by mail if there's a problem. I don't know what's going on with this world. Since all this has happened I'm constantly checking my accounts to make sure nobody has hacked them because this is also happened two times in the past with my bank accounts. Thankfully I caught it immediately and the bank reimbursed the money but it is just a pain and unfortunately they are successful in scanning some people
Texas
May 04, 2019
I received a recorded call from (210) 361-5833 stating the same thing about criminal activity associated with our ss #. We won’t give these crooks the time of day. This is definitely.. just a bunch of scum!
Dk1227
May 04, 2019
Received social security scam call 5/3/19 from these numbers: 888 815 0323 888 815 0335 888 815 0226
Nettie
May 04, 2019
I have been receiving what I feel are spam calls on my cell phone, these numbers are (469)327-6764 from Ennis TX, (708)523-8041 from Willow Springs IL, (850)329-5050 from Tallahassee FL, (720)828-8312 Denver CO, (940)447-4314 Henrietta TX, (512)398-3243 Lockhart TX, (888)460-1530 Unknown location. I hung up on them all. The last call was today, Saturday May 4. Now when was the last time a SSA Office was open on Saturday??
ctc
May 04, 2019
Received robocall voice message from (646)502-8239 stating my ssn has been “suspend” due to suspicious activity. I’ll block this # but no doubt will get another call at some point. So much for being on the “national do not call registry”. Though I get fewer scam calls they still happen.
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