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
May 29, 2019
These scammers have called me five times. Here is the transcript :
“This call is from the Department of Social Security administration the reason you have received his 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…”
May 29, 2019
What if you get a call about a DEA to come by your place the next day to give you a new social security card? I received a call from a SSA number 810-369-0718. Is it a scam?
May 29, 2019
I received the same call threatening that my account has been put on hold and that they're going to issue an arrest warrant. Please be very careful with these people they are scammers. Heard lots of noise in the background like a boiler Room, the person calling had a sort of an Indian accent. Number they called from with 800
283-2468. They wanted the last 4 of my social. I believe you would get a letter in the mail before anything if social security wanted to contact you. Please be very careful for these scammers they prey on the elderly.
Especially people with high anxiety, which causes them to get nervous and to panic, Scares people and is not fun at all.
Please be aware and do not give out any information.
May 29, 2019
These scammers have called me five times. Here is the transcript :
“This call is from the Department of Social Security administration the reason you have received his 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…”
May 29, 2019
Got call today as well! May 29 2019 , left me voicemail
“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 810-369-0716 I repeat it's 810-369-0716 thank you…”
May 29, 2019
Also received a call from (618) 669-4373 stating they have suspended my SSN for fraudulent activity. Last week I received a call from a different number but also stating they were calling from SSA and would be issuing an arrest warrant for fraud if I don't call back. I did call back and an Indian sounding man answered as SSA. When I said I am calling to find out why you keep calling me he hung up. When I called back there was no answer.
May 29, 2019
I just got a call from a (630) 265-4397 The (Asain or Indian) guy said he was William Smith ID number 11242. He said I needed to speak with someone about fraudulent activity, & asked for a middle name & the last 4 of my social. I said oh no I'm not giving that info out and I'll call social security im the am. He then said I better get a lawyer too. I hung up. Has anyone had this type of call ?
May 29, 2019
Just wanted to let you all know do not pick up calls from the number listed below! I have been receiving calls from
(858) 788-1267- with a voicemail saying my SS# has been suspended...blah blah blah.
May 29, 2019
Just got one if these on a Gmail. I tried to report but link won't go through.
May 29, 2019
Yesterday, my mom sadly felt for the trick. She almost got $38,000 removed from her bank. Until another number called her through google voice asking for a gift card of $700 which she sadly did do in order her to get $38,000 back to her bank account. She stayed up 10 hrs trying to call the bank in order to stop the transfer. My mother was not born here and she doesn't know what these criminals can actually do to ruin anybody's live. I'm thankful that the bank was able to stop the wiring but its sadden to hear from my mom that they keep calling her. She lost $700 just get back $38,000. Please be aware of these names:
- Social Officer - Jerry Thompson
- Social Officer - Jordan Martin
- Social Officer - David Jones
- Social Officer - Ronnie Calvin
- a girl name Jenny Ross
May 29, 2019
Yep, got a SS scam voicemail today too, exactly like many others here. Caller ID said it was from Pocahontas, IL: (618) 669-4377. Claimed to be from the ‘department of Social Security Administration’, said that my SSN ‘has been suspended because we found some suspicious activity’, and ‘if you want to know about this case, press 1.’ Way too sketchy, did not call them back.
June 03, 2019
+1 (619) 202-6084 can ask this no? Is a register in the unitate state
May 30, 2019
I have been around the block a few times. There was a time I was sort of scammed when I was 18 and that was a long time ago. I did order supplies but paid way too much. However, I digress; the new scam numbers are 6182766320 -call back to an 855 no. then another one with an 866 exchange. If you are not aware of all the types of scams you could be really broke.
May 30, 2019
Got same call May 23rd from # 812-286-1981 Claiming to be from SSA. I gave no information and was hung up on when I started asking him questions. SCAM!!!
May 30, 2019
Just received a call stating my social security has been suspended from number 408-766-3911. I didn't answer, they actually left a message.
May 30, 2019
Three days in a row I am getting this scam calls from 800-022-4213, -152-3213, -142-3213, -112-3212. When pushed the 1 and asked who is speaking, what is your name and where the person was located she hung on me right away. Keep blocking these numbers.
May 30, 2019
+14087663911 called me at the crack of dawn. I didnt answer and they left a voice mailing saying I'm being sued. Hope the FBI gets these snakes.
May 30, 2019
I just received a call with the he number 858-788-1272 telling me SS account has been suspended. I ignored and went to voicemail. Unreal
May 30, 2019
Just got a call from Ct - 203-484-3358 --- Same thing---saying my SS# had been involved in a criminal case. They don't like it when you call back and waste their time. I know it is a scam. I called them back several times just to waste their time until the foreign MAN not a gentleman by any stretch of the imagination started asking me vulgar questions over and over again before I could hang up. These people are horrible. I which someone could figure out how to stop this nonsense.
May 30, 2019
just got call from 888-595-5932 and a call back number 407-585-5454 told to call back ,if they did not get a call back they would put out a arrest order on me.....
May 30, 2019
I’ve been getting calls saying if I don’t sign up for a back or knee brace then I’m in danger of losing my SSD & Medicare. I’ve seen the ads on TV saying if I get Medicare then I’m eligible for a brace & all I need is a note from my doc or they can contact my doc for me at little or no cost. I believe these companies are scamming the patients & Medicare since the going rate is $20-$40 & they charge $100’s. Not fare but I wonder why they can’t be shut down
May 30, 2019
Got a call saying there is legal enforcement action filed on my SSN for fraudulent activity. 718-666-3634
May 30, 2019
I also got a phone call from +1(858)788-1278 with a message saying my social security number had suspicious activities and it was getting suspended.
May 30, 2019
I have been plaqued with these telephone calls at all times of day and night, telling me my social security number has been suspended etc. etc. Here are the phone numbers that they are using: 1-858-788-1280 *** 1-858-788-1276 *** 1-858-788-1272 these are just in the last hour. I have blocked and signed up to stop fraudulent numbers but nothing is working. This is constant harrassment around the clock. I have them recorded too.
May 30, 2019
I got a call from (858) 788-1279, did not answer it, an automated voice left a message that my SSN was going to be suspended due to suspicious activity and that I should press "1." I did not respond and blocked the number.
May 30, 2019
Hi,
From past few days, i also got same like this that my SSN has been compromised and they got some orders to suspend my SSN. I didn't respond but today I got the same kind of voice mail 603-707-4368. I just gave call back knowing it is fraud call, they have all my information my First Name, Last Name, Address, Last 4 digits of SSN etc which was very disappointing. He asked me my age also however I told it wrong :) To prove he is liable person he gave some Case Number, His Name etc. and all.
Case: KS7010
Name: Adam Lee from SSN Crime And Investigation department
Badge: SSA5430
Then he asked me to stay quiet and asked me to listen all the details just to make up mind and want to be his prey. He told lots of obligations were there on me like police department found car with blood registered on my name (By the way I don’t know how to drive very funny), drugs, and cocaine so many. I was just thinking in my mind how they are hypnotizing innocent people with their words which is very rude.
He asked me do you have any questions finally I said no questions. He was shocked :) Then he said are you agreeing to all these crimes. I said no and I asked what next very rudely. He said we followed you around your house from past few days and tracked your phone calls etc. as we didn't find anything suspicious we will cancel your current SSN and issue new SSN. So please stay on call don't disclose this information to anyone will transfer the call to my BOSS who will process your new SSN. I just disconnected call, immediately I received multiple calls from the same number. Then finally I called them to the same number, a lady lifted call I told her to remove my number from your list, I am not a person whom you can scam, don't disturb me with your stupid calls. She just disconnected and no calls from then :)
Guys please be aware to all such scams, if you have not committed any mistake you no need to afraid of anything.
May 30, 2019
I just received a call from 858-788-1278; I let it go to voicemail. The robotic voice on the other end states that my social security # is being suspended for suspicious activity and I need to call. That phone number has been marked as "not safe" according to an internet search.
May 30, 2019
I received this call a few minutes ago from 858-788-1278
May 30, 2019
I received these calls from 3 different phone numbers with the same message and the same male voice in the last couple weeks. I recognized these are scam, so I just ignored the calls. Hopefully, the government will do some things to penalize these scam calls.
May 30, 2019
Just got a phone call on home phone similar to recording above. I let it go to voicemail - called ID was "Wireless Caller" & phone number shown was: 832 274-6477. Both mine & my husband's cell numbers & our home number has been put on the "Do Not Call" Registry!!! Why is this STILL happening... getting calls like this!!?
May 30, 2019
I just got a similar call from (610)844-0394 with a recording saying that I would be arrested soon if I didn't call back to straighten out legal action taken on my SSN.
May 30, 2019
May 29, 2019
Claim:
[This is a] suspension notice we have received against your Social Security number by Federal Crime and Investigation department.
We need to talk to you as soon as possible, again this call is from the Social Security Administration. [The] number to reach department is 240-326-3574.
Also received the same notice and it said call 770-954-7094.
All Scams! Do not respond!
May 30, 2019
1-888-373-1230 is another scam line. This tool is real rude after you ask him to give a phone number and extension from the official website.
May 30, 2019
I have also received this call from (512)489-6158. From Briggs Texas. Was an automated recording supposedly from SSA threatening to bring legal charges for social security fraud. I called back to see what kind of scam it was and it was obviously a phone room. A man answered with an Indian sounding accent who was quite rude when I started to question him. They had also called my elderly mother and frightened her. Have had similar calls from various locations.
May 30, 2019
Just received 3 calls today from "United States" 1(469) 946-0889. Same thing - fraudulent activity on my social security number; federal database with arrest warrant - I hung up and blocked the caller.
May 30, 2019
I received a call from 404-206-5886 (Atlanta number) claiming the call was from Texas SSA to tell me that my SSN was being used for fraudulent activity.
May 30, 2019
got call from 1-877-803-6070 , voice mail regarding SSN is suspended...
May 30, 2019
I’ve been getting these for a month now. They leave a voicemail saying my ssn is going to be blocked bc of many failed attempts to appear before a judge on criminal charges?!?
May 30, 2019
800 101 4213 - received 5.30.19
May 30, 2019
I got my call while I was at work and they left an automated message saying my acct was suspended in Amarillo Texas and to call back. They were closed when I called back but I then emailed the FTC to let them know of the one today as well as I got a real person a few months ago.
May 30, 2019
Beware phone scam 844 772-2757
Claiming SS fraud.
May 30, 2019
Tried pulling the scam on me today. They used the number 1(800)025-1697
May 30, 2019
Got a call twice from (858)788-1298 and also got a voicemail saying my social security is suspended due to suspicious activity. They called back just now and I answered it and pressed 1 and told them that I had a voicemail from them saying my social security was suspended, they then asked for my full name and I told them that I had spoke to SSA and that they had told me it was a scam and after I told him that he hung up. He had an Indian accent
May 30, 2019
Sorry folks but I’m afraid this has been a part of our lives since the beginning of time. All we can do is to minimize by becoming aware way ahead when it starts knocking. Although this can also occur while you are asleep. In a war we know how to stay alive but with these scammers I am clueless. I just pray for my friends, family including myself. It’s game over.
May 30, 2019
I received a voicemail from this number 877-803-6070 saying that my social security number is suspended due to suspicious activity.
May 31, 2019
+1 (833) 203-4903 - Got a message from this number yesterday stating that my social security number had been suspended due to suspicious activity. I did not call them back.
May 31, 2019
I got the same call that says it is from Phoenix, AZ today 5/30/2019 the number is +1 (602) -563-5963 it is a woman vice told me my social security no is about to be suspended because of some fraudulent use and to call as soon as possible on (602)563-5963. this is stupid! some one should protect us from this people.
May 31, 2019
I received a call unable to reach the phone to answer, immediately called back there was a recording which gave a callback number of 810-369-0741. The message indicated there was a "criminal investigation" of my social security number which was suspended.
Not a way that government agencies contact individuals so it appears to be one of those scams.
May 31, 2019
I just got a call - good thing I searched this on google.
Thank you for posting this on your site!
May 31, 2019
Number (202) 232-6584