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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.

Search Terms
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Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators
clm
May 21, 2019
I received a call today at 4:08pm PST from 1-781-344-1741 Stoughton, MA w/a recorded male message (sounding official) saying they just suspended my SS# b/c they found some suspicious activity. They asked me to press 1. My rule of thumb #1...I don't answer calls from numbers I don't recognize. If it's important, they'll leave me a message. After hearing their message, I highly suspected it was a scam phishing for my information. I did not call the # back, but instead, researched the information the caller gave me. SCAM! My rule of thumb #2.....I do NOT give personal information over the phone unless I know it is a known trusted contact and there is no other alternative b/c of my circumstances. Those times are RARE.
Temeden
May 22, 2019
I get these calls occasionally, never answer and then erase the message.
JLK
May 22, 2019
How do we make the calls stop???!!! I’ve been getting hourly calls since two days ago—I block every number but then another number calls. I’ve filed four complaints already this week.
mmorn
May 22, 2019
Here is the number that called my phone 4 times today to tell me about my SSN being suspended: 320-321-6010 When I told them to stop calling me incessantly (4 times in 3 hours) and that I knew they were a scam and weren't going to get any gift cards out of me, the lady said "ok well good luck in federal court" and hung up.
zoamber
May 22, 2019
Just received 2 calls from 940-324-4025 Pilot Point, TX with a message that my social security card has been suspended. Blocked and ignored!
Kyguy
May 22, 2019
Got call stating my card was suspended. Valet I'd says us government phone number 8003250778
Scam likely
May 22, 2019
New Social security scam number called my phone 844-566-3828 don’t pick up
Rodney
May 22, 2019
Same call, asked for same information as all previous comments. 1-800-772-9191 Just Hang Up!
K.E.
May 22, 2019
This is the third call I've received from these scammers. This one from Texas (512) 605-1005 saying there is "criminal activity" connected with my social security number and they will take legal action against me if I don't call them back. Yeah, right...
jkkk
August 25, 2020

In reply to by K.E.

I just got this same call as well !! I was over here thinking the worst.
Aommanney
May 23, 2019
3 calls in a row. Scam caller. Claiming my social security number has been suspended. ‭+1 (858) 816-1579‬
Amy
May 22, 2019
Have received 3 scam calls today in less than 2 hours saying from SSA and my social security number is suspended due to fraudulent activity and to press 1. I haven't answered any of the calls but have voicemails for all 3. Calls from 858-816-1570, 858-816-1576 and 858-816-1580. Don't provide personal information to the scammers. Sometimes the scammers are able to manipulate the call from number and it could reflect SSA correct #. Hang up and call SSA direct (800-772-1213). I work too hard for every little dollar I have to have some low life take it from me in a heartbeat. Be aware and cautious!
S. G. Borovay
May 22, 2019
I received a scam call from (877) 803-6318 telling me they've found suspicious activity on my SSN and will suspend my account AND create an arrest warrant in my name. Needless to day, I never picked up the call, listened to the message and sent this email to warn others.
hh
May 22, 2019
add a new one 1-877-803-6043
coffeen'scones
May 22, 2019
I'm so glad this thread is here- I'm living abroad but can still receive calls to my US number once in a blue moon - the one that came through today was 1(800)102-2213 and sounded scammy -- same thing everyone else has reported, my social security number has been compromised, it's going to be blocked, I'll loose my benefits-- but at the same time anything involving social security numbers is just so nerve wracking I almost connected to the 'concerned agent.' Had this forum not been up, this whole thing definitely would have sent me into a tailspin. Thanks!
Simon
May 22, 2019
I have received 2 calls today 6126501087 and 9405801832 both say they are social security and my account will be suspended if I don't call back and give them the information they require for me to continue having a social security number. When you call them back it is a loud call center and they want alot of personal information... I was hung up on when I questioned them. I wish I hadn't called them back and never gave them info ...now blocked
MB
May 22, 2019
Received a social security call claiming my say number was about to be suspended. Phone number is 9794855146 4087663911 4087663917
Annoyed In San…
May 22, 2019
Received 2 calls today from 858-816-1571 and 858-816-1588 with the same recorded message that my SSN is suspended.
R
May 22, 2019
Just received a voicemail from 424-369-3636: "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 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.
prowl18Don't u…
May 22, 2019
I was called by phone number 888-713-7561 was advised if I did not return the call that my social security benefits would be cut off. Obviously I did not return the call, it is a scam. Social Security does not call with threatening messages.
CJane
May 22, 2019
Received a voicemail from this number 802-723-0551, recorded voice giving the compromised SS# and blocked the number.
EF
May 22, 2019
+1 (702) 588-5434 Called me just now with a very similar automated message. I did not answer but it left this message on my voicemail.
auderin
May 22, 2019
Received a call this evening from 1-833-278-1671 indicating my SS was suspended and that I needed to immediately call the number back to ensure my accounts would not be frozen. I called back and a man, with a Spanish accent, stated his name was Officer Kevin Foster, Badge #GS45198 and the FBI had given him authority to gather further details from me. It was definitely a call center as there was quite a bit of noise in the background. He had my name and address and then asked me to verify my social security. I told him I would never do this over the phone and he reiterated he had authority from the FBI. I told him to please send the FBI to see me or if I receive a summons I will go to their office to speak with them directly. I hung up and have not received a call back.
TT
May 22, 2019
Why can't the FTC work with the cellular phone companies to figure out where these calls are coming from and block them? I got 3 of these scam calls in one day. Since they are "No Caller ID" calls, my cell phone cannot block them.
TC
May 22, 2019
My wife was called twice from +1 (833) 264-2916 claiming that it was extremely time sensitive that we call the SSA back because there was a legal enforcement action filed on her social number.
Don't use your…
May 22, 2019
I received a call from 2548567496 about an hour ago-didn’t answer but they left a message that my Social Security number was involved in suspicious activity and would be suspended. I was asked to call back and press 1- I didn’t do it but checked on the # and it came from Marlin,Texas. We all need to be so careful!! I’ll report the # in the morning.
Cheysum
May 22, 2019
THIS NEEDS TO BE SCREAMED OUT TO EVERYONE! These scammers sound so believable. I had not heard about this at all and it just happened to me. Luckily I was able to run and get my money back before it was too late. They knew everything about me. All my info. Very scary!
OLGA
May 22, 2019
They have been calling me non stop from a 858-8161594 and other similar numbers. Non stop today every hour.
San Diego RK
May 22, 2019
I just got this voicemail today (May 22, 2019) from the following number: 802-723-0551 which shows as from Island Pond, Vermont.
RoddyP61
May 22, 2019
Received a voicemail saying my SS # was suspended for suspicious activity. Call came from 702-588-5434.
We2Smart4Scammers
May 22, 2019
I've gotten 3 calls, I didnt answer but was a robot voice msg from 800-960-6551, saying it was about Social Security fraud and to call back immediately to avoid being arrested. After the 3rd call, I blocked my number and called it back. She was foreign, sounded as Nigerian, she automatically knew my 1st name, they can unblock caller i.d. The call was awful reception and she stated social security fraud on my SS#, and I had to clear it up because theres a warrant for my arrest by Federal Marshals. I never confirmed my 1st name, I asked her office location & she said Texas, then call went silent like she muted me, I waited, then she came back and blurted Dallas Texas and asked for my last 4 digits of social security # to start, I laughed & said my SS# is fine & to prove it, she asked for my # again or I'll be charged, i laughed and said ss doesnt behave this way & you're not scamming me...then she hung up. The background was very very noisy with a lot of ppl, sounded just as a telemarketer call sounds, BS & noisy. How disgusting. Never ever ever give out your info ever ever if they call you. If you are concerned, call Social security yourself,also report it. Yeah, I agree with others, the world has gone to poop. Ps. If you do answer, be sure to make them uncomfortable by asking detailed address, and laugh a lot b4 you hang up. Lol... its annoying but obviously those ppl are losers so they are targeting good ppl.
Yet again
May 22, 2019
I got this from... 310-923-9953 424-369-3352 213-246-0415 8588-816-1570
Enterausername
May 22, 2019
10am started getting calls from [858]816-1576 then a "private number" then [858]816-1579 then [858]816-1585 then [858]816-1594 then "private number" in total 13 calls in 6 hours. ALL of them using the same robo-call "you SSN has been used suspiciously and is being suspended. Press 1 for more information. " [pressing one will get you even more calls i bet] I was immediately suspicious on the first call and hung up without hesitation. It didn't stop the torrent of calls I did some sleuthing on my own and found an endpoint in the Russian Federation. NONE of these calls are genuine just a scam team with a phone line and a call box. If you gave them ANY information you are in for a bad ride. These people are scum and should be breaking large rocks into smaller ones in Siberia.
Hippichic
May 22, 2019
I'm getting these calls daily from 8 different phone numbers so far!
Rosep
May 22, 2019
My call showed up on my caller ID with my own name & phone #. Unbelievable !!!!!
bhimani
May 23, 2019
Hi, Received a call from an automated system from this number 800-141-2213, saying my social will be suspended until I press 1 to speak to a live agent. I hung up.....
Tstew1234
May 23, 2019
call from 800-815-3847 stating my social security has been suspended due to suspicious activity
SCaldwell
May 23, 2019
I just received a robocall from a California number (310-620-7825) stating that it is from the Social Security Administration and that my social security number has been flagged for fraudulent activity. It said that I needed to call them back before they take legal action. They need to get a life!
Carl
May 23, 2019
I have got a recorded voice mail from this number 802-723-0459 (Island Pond, VT) yesterday stating my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity detected in my account. Reading the Users comment and also notes from the Director, it must be another scam call. By the way, I also logged into USCIS account and verified it yesterday. So, it appears as the scammers are tapping into Govt system to gather data as who is accessing their account and contacting to make it more authentic for people to fall into their trap.
Shanya K
May 23, 2019
Received this scam call today from this number: 858-816-1613 858-816-1611
pf flyer
May 23, 2019
Just got a call from 443-687-7252 saying that SSN was suspended. It was not a recording. He also said the sheriff would be contacting me.
June
May 23, 2019
Got two calls in the last hour with same message from California 858-816-1615...from SSA, SS# suspended etc.
TC Johnson
May 23, 2019
I keep getting a call from (314) 463-8281. They have called twice so far to say my SSN has been compromised.
Don't use your…
May 23, 2019
I just got the same call left on my voice mail.
Outlawdog777
May 23, 2019
I received a call from this number ‭+1 (314) 463-8281‬ So beware of this one too. Same message about my SSN.
Mayfare15
May 23, 2019
Tried to get me just now from 320-321-6010, Montevideo, MN. I didn’t answer but they left a VM identifying as SSA.
Todgwms
May 23, 2019
I have been receiving phone calls from from the Social Security Administration stating that they have suspended my social security number. And if I want to hear more information to press a certain number on the recording. Here is the phone number 8003250779
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