Skip to main content

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
imposter
scam
Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators
NewScamNumber
May 28, 2019
New one using the exact same script: 858-788-1208
Donna
May 28, 2019
Got a call on May 28th 2019. Says my SS# has been suspended for suspected fraud. Number was 410-381-0254
Ray
May 28, 2019
Received a similar message from 1 (800) 103-3213
RCG
May 28, 2019
I just received a message on my cell phone from 800-934-2338. The message read, "suspected for fraudulent activity so once you get this message kindly call us back as soon as possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings. Again that is 800-934-2338." I called the number back even though I knew it was fraudulent to see what they would ask. A man with a heavy middle eastern accent answered stating I was calling the social security office and the office of a name I could not understand. He asked for my full name and I told him the SS office would not make these types of calls. I told him I would rather call a legitimate number to get information and he said he was just trying to help me before they started legal proceedings. I hung up on the idiot.
Danuli6 Don't …
May 28, 2019
I just got this call . This is number was ‭+1 (800) 105-3213‬
Claire31
May 28, 2019
A recorded voice message was left this morning from 858-788-1211 scam caller pretended to be SS office calling ; “...because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one 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 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…” I am blocking this number now.
stuff
May 28, 2019
Received call from 800-651-8721- just like this. I blocked them.
BeCoolBeSafe
May 28, 2019
VM from 805-200-3881 (Oxnard,CA). I never answer calls from numbers I don’t recognize. Important calls will leave a message. No msg is usually a sales call anyhow. Scammers are looking for ‘active’ numbers. If you answer or block or call back, they know it’s an active number and they will continue to call. ‘Do not call’ lists are published so that legit companies won’t call. Scammers see the list as active numbers and use it as a pre-screened list of active numbers. New Phone technology allows users to send any caller ID they want. Case in point, I got a call from my own number, really?!? They will often use a caller number from within your area, to make it look like a local call, to trick you to answer. If the caller says they’re from your bank or insurance or local store and ask you to verify your private info, hang up and call the company with numbers you have, say on the back of your bank card or from a credit card statement. Never confirm private information to someone who is calling you. My insurance company calls to check on medical services, but I won’t confirm my info with them, they could be scammers. Instead I call the number I already have. Never call a number the caller gives you, it could be another number for their scam. No agency will call you to threaten legal action for some made up legal infraction, or track your social security number or bank fraud. Scammers will not send info via mail as that is a federal offense and they don’t want the feds involved. Your private information belongs to you. You are not required to validate your info with anyone who calls you! If you think the call might be valid ( bank, CC company, etc), then hang up and call the number you already have on file for them. ... and keep reporting the scammers to let FTC know how large this problem is!
Deanna
May 28, 2019
I've been getting like 3-4 calls a day. I block the number and it uses another one. This is SO obnoxious. Robo script "federal crime" "investigation department we need to talk to you as soon as possible again this call is from the Social Security Administration"
Claire31
May 28, 2019
A recorded voice message was left this morning from 858-788-1211 scam caller pretended to be SS office calling ; “...because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one 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 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…” I am blocking this number now.
tjewell
May 28, 2019
I am in NC and have received 3 calls from 888-577-6906 today saying that my SS# has been suspended due to fraudulent activity and to press '1' to hear more about "the case". First time I received the call I pressed '1' and the call was then disconnected, never spoke with anyone. Tried calling the SSA but was not able to reach a live person.
CaleF
May 28, 2019
Just got a call from 866-507-8456 saying my Number is about to be suspended. :/
jhopk
May 28, 2019
Just got a similar call today from this # 866-727-6945. They left a voicemail stating they were starting legal procedures on my social security number due to fraudulent activity and I needed to call back immediately. I called them back and told them I was reporting them as a scam. I received numerous calls last year from the IRS scammers. I just blocked the numbers after listening to their voice mails. Will do the same here. They stop calling after awhile.
Monue
May 28, 2019
Received call 810 369 0741 claiming the were Social Security
Becca
May 28, 2019
Gotten so many phone calls about this! I send them all to voicemail.. try not to answer them! But we need to have a better way! I block and delete but still 10 in a 24 hour period
HokieMomDon'
May 28, 2019
I just got a call this afternoon from Annapolis, MD 410-849-6735. It was someone with a middle eastern accent who told me my SSN was going to be suspended and my bank accounts frozen for suspicious and fraudulent activity. I told him I didn’t believe him and asked him what my name and SSN was. He gave me my first name but that was all. I refused to give him any information and he hung up on me!
nf
May 28, 2019
I got 2 calls today from 18667267865 saying my ss number was being suspended for suspicious activity.
MaryB
May 28, 2019
Message on voice-mail today from 850-280-0235, woman's voice, saying she was from SSA and that I would be in trouble if I didn't call back, would have to appear before the magistrate (?), and was subject to arrest. I knew it was fraud from the git-go, but wanted to put the phone number out there in hopes of someone tracking down this operation. Stay suspicious, y'all!
meandmydog
May 28, 2019
I just had a call from 1-800-780-3817 stating that there was a breach in the database and I needed to call ASAP and that the Social Security Deputy is waiting for me to call back!!
sam87Don't use…
May 28, 2019
May 28, 2019. Received call today from Texas, 469-343-5256. Listened to the threats, then was transferred to a foreign person asking for my name. I didn't give it to him; just hung up. The initial threat really scared me, but I will let SSA come to my home to notify me if I have done something wrong.
Mikki mouse
May 28, 2019
Wow! Just got this call from a number with my same area code. The message was brief and recorded saying that my SSN was suspended, then gave the option to press 1 to speak with someone... so I did. I actually recognized the voice from a scam call i got a few months ago. Definite accent, and last time he pretended to get his supervisor on the line for me... waited 5 seconds and changed his voice. Hahaha so this time around I asked where are you located? Maryland. Why did I get a call from a California number? Because the system calls according to your area code. You know I realize a social security number cannot be suspended right? Oh well why are we calling you then huh? (Getting a little sassy) Oh really? What's next going to start swearing at me? *unleashes incoherent babble of rage and expletives* Yeah. This is a scam! Haha I had fun though.
DPN
May 28, 2019
3 VM today saying my SSN is suspended d/t suspicious activity. I had another IRS scam attempt several months ago so was suspicious. Number on my caller ID can from 858-788-1211, then 858-788-1228 then 858-778-1231. Be aware!
K. Mahlmann
May 28, 2019
I got a call today and hung up after the recording said my SS number was "being suspended." It's sad and depressing that brazen criminals can call me on my cell phone. I imagine, these kind of scams could be very effective with retirees who may , just happen to, be in recent communication with the SS office. Our NSA with their super-computers listens to everything spoken on the phones. How in the world can these criminals set up an operation like this and not immediately get caught.
Jtc2016x
May 28, 2019
Just received a phone call from 203-397-6748 With the same message telling me I was being investigated for fraudulent activities on my Social Security. I called back and it sounded like a bunch of people talking in the background I could barely hear the guy and he had a foreign Indian accent also he asked me for My Social Security number And I hung up.
CG
May 29, 2019
Getting calls from 1 858-788-1232 and 1 858-788-1219 both numbers showed United States. Left two scam messages regarding SS being suspended. BEWARE
Rieg J
May 29, 2019
(858) 816-1565 is the number they called me on. I played around.acted like I was scared to deal gave them my social...001-111-0001 hey said my bank account was about to be seized.. it was hacked.and about wiped out..I told him I couldn't remember my routing number..my bank was on sesame Street in the city of imagination land state was the north pole and any questions to ask for Chris Cringle if I wasn't available... He said thank u very much... everything will be taking care of! What's next?
JL
May 29, 2019
I just got a call also. They left a robotic message to call back.. I get so many scam calls that I block but was intrigued since they left a message. Called ‭(678) 804-4252‬ out of Buford Georgia. The guy answered.. as soon as I heard his voice I knew what was up. He said he was officer John from Social Security Administration.. I said I don't think yal are calling for me and then he said my name and I said yes, then he proceeded to tell me my SS# was being used all over Texas and that my # was going to be suspended. I said with the way you sound how do I know its not you using my SS#. He said of you feel that way then you can hang up so I did just that. I do feel bad for the ones who get caught up in the scams but I don’t understand how so many do.. think people be wary of everything these days!! Its sad to say but you can’t trust anyone any more!!
Rick
May 29, 2019
I didn't call back. This is the message I got "There is a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings. Call 830-201-3607. I repeat 830-201-3607 thank you."
Rodlicera
May 29, 2019
Just got a phone call, same thing, that my SScard is been suspended due to suspicious activity, i pressed 1 and a lady pick up, and before she could get any info the phone call droped...
RajivFromSugarLand
May 29, 2019
I got a call today from 1 800 158 3213 with the same message (Your social security number will be permanently suspended). I was given the option to talk to someone about the issue. I suspected this was a scam and hung up. I guess many people will get scammed unless someone does something.
madicam2
May 29, 2019
I received a call from Arizona 602-563-5963. Called back and someone with an accent immediately answered. I knew it was a scam just wanted to know what they would say but told them it was a scam and that I was reporting them.
Roger
May 29, 2019
I received a scam call from 858-788-1245
IceAngel71
May 29, 2019
1-877-531-4681 Ive gotten a call from this number 13 times in one day? The Philadelphia Social Security Office , the thing is i live in Texas been in Texas for 12 years, I'm not too sure what that's about.
HonestAbe
May 29, 2019
I received such a threatening phone call and was given the number 470-232-0630 to call.
CJ
May 29, 2019
Recieved call from this number in a foreign language. Sounds Chineese or Korean
Steve Texas
May 29, 2019
Just receives an automated call from 1-800-164-3213 stating that there was suspicious activity relates to my social security number and that it was now blocked. It requested a call call back as soon as possible, if not they would block the number permanently.
tooties
May 29, 2019
I got a phone call from 1-855-767-9607. They left a voicemail saying the same thing: that my SScard is being suspended due to suspicious activity. "Press 1, Thank you". Of course I didn't. Social Security always informs you in writing.
kensf
May 29, 2019
Received social security scam call in San Francisco from 618-669-4773. I did not respond to the message. If in doubt always call the Social Security office directly and never respond to the voice mail or phone call.
KAM
May 29, 2019
Received a phone call from 618-669-4773, did not answer, but a voice mail was left for me to call that number because my social security number is about to be suspended due to specious activity. I didn't answer the phone because I don't know that number and I do know that social security does not ask these kind of questions over the phone. Please watch out for this fraudulent activity and do not respond to these kinds of phone calls.
Scam Call
May 29, 2019
I received a call from 408-766-3911 saying contact the commonwealth immediately 844-340-8141
gg32hawaii
May 29, 2019
Got a ssa scammer call from 800-681-0559. Scammer. Pilau (ʻōlelo Hawai’i for no good).
hnw
May 29, 2019
I receive a phone call this morning and the message said that my social security number would be suspended. The tel number is (618) 669-4773 - Pocahontas, IL.
Report It
May 29, 2019
Received a scam phone call on May 29, 2019 from phone number 408-766-3911. The recording stated that the call was from the Commonwealth and my social security number is suspended.
j52kl
May 29, 2019
Yesterday and today alone I’ve gotten numerous fraudulent calls from these numbers claiming they are social security and that my SS# has been suspended. (800) 726-6473 ‭(910) 602-5203‬ (310) 997-2327‬ ‭(800) 741-9183‬ (530) 359-8257
Azariah
May 29, 2019
Got call from 800-164-3213 Social Security SCAM: stated fraudulent activity on my social security number and it will be suspended for life if I didn't press 1 to speak with a SS representative. Same exact recording I received a few days ago from 800-094-3213. Obviously same scammers.
CeciliaT
May 29, 2019
Just received a phone call and message from 855-328-7846 advising they (the Department of Social Security Administration) suspended my social security number because they found suspicious activity. So if I want to know about the case I need to press 1.
JB
May 29, 2019
got a call from this number 1-800-654-1025 the guy sounded foreign, said his name was Dave Hill and his ss number to reach him back at was SS0198. He said that my social was been suspended. also told me that there was 20 banks accounts under my name in California. that there had been a apartment that was rented and a car rented under my name.freaked me out i didnt know that scammers could use a 800 number for this. i guess thats how they get people. but i know now this is a scam and that i have nothing to worry about,
Gracie
May 29, 2019
This is word for word what was left on my answering machine: "You from the Department of Social Security Administration. the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you there is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message, kindly call back at the earliest possible before we begin with the legal proceedings. That is 866-660-2991. I repeat 866-660-2991. Thank you and have a nice day." Caller ID showed: unavailable Time and Date: 1558 5/29/2019
mnexus
May 29, 2019
just got the same call from 2128643185. whoever is using new scam phone number
Return to top