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
Jeff P.
June 06, 2019
I just received a call from1-814-975-2087. It was a recording saying that my SS has been suspected of fraud & they want to call them back on the above phone number. I will not call back on the number & I will block the number on my cell phone.
Brandi99
June 06, 2019
Calls from 917-740-7950 saying your ssn is involved in fraud and is going to be suspended.
Texas lady
June 06, 2019
I just got a call with a computer generated voice saying my SS # was involved with fraud & that a warrant had been issued. The call directed me to press 1 to speak to an agent. I did NOT! the number was 206-435-8909
Candy Cane
June 06, 2019
I have gotten 4 of these calls and just today they left a msg on my phone for my spouse same one thats on your report. I dont know why these people dont get caught and hung out to Rot..
xschienfield
June 06, 2019
Today, I am receiving calls from 1-828-865-4506, 1-828-865-4503 and a-2 from 828-865-4211. They have received an alert of suspicious activity with my social security and has been blocked. I called the number back and does not even ring.
social security scam
June 06, 2019
Got a call that my social security benefits were seized due to a suspicious activity and I need to speak to their representative. I was on hold for 5 minutes then a man speaking in thick Indian accent said, "Social Security administration how may I help you". The call got disconnected at that point. When I tried to call back 1800-013-6213 the number is not working.
George K
June 06, 2019
I received a call from 872-356-0071 Chicago IL, it left a voice message of a woman telling me that my SSN has a problem.
Jacob
June 10, 2019

In reply to by George K

Even I received a call from the same no. 872-356-0071, voice message of a woman saying a suspicious activity is going on with my SSN, so please call back.
LO
June 06, 2019
I just received this call from 1-917-740-8750, "We just suspended your SS# bc we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about his case just press 1 thank you. This call is from the Department of Social Security admin. The reason you have received a call from our Dept. is to inform you that we just suspend you SS# bc we found some etc."
Tim
June 06, 2019
Scam came to me today on number 917-740-7959 from NY.
pete7138
June 06, 2019
I just received a series of calls from 828-865-4507. FRAUD! He also gave his name as Eric Foster but had a very heavy South Asian accent.
Sassysixties
June 06, 2019
Got a call from the scammers, it went to voicemail and I deleted it because it looked like a scam even though my phone didn't report it as a spam call, I guess it looked real.
A13412
June 06, 2019
‭+1 (915) 229-4617‬ Social security scam number. Got the call from that number 4 times.
San Marcos Texas
June 06, 2019
received a call twice today from Frankston TX from a robotic voice that said “19034815780 Depositing new message All from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action has been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity. So when you get this message speak to our office or or kindly call us back on our hotline number 903-481-5780. I repeat that is 903-481-5780. Don't disregard this notice and to return the call before we begin with the legal proceedings against you. Thank you
Kumquat
June 06, 2019
Just received a call and vm from 1-877-363-1213 telling me my ss# had been suspended due to suspicious activity. The message was a recording.
Rkva88
June 07, 2019
i had 3 missed calls from a castle Pennsylvania number +17243947435 the left a voicemail saying my social security was being blocked. that there was an investigation that i needed to call back. I figured it was a scam but i still called. i asked them why they called me they asked for my name i said who are you looking for. they said my name and that it was important to verify information. i cut him off right there and told him he had the wrong number. that there was no ome with that name here. All he said was Are you sure i think i have the right number and name even church tell lies can you verify your name and date of birth. i told him sir you have the wrong person and phone number he said ok ty bye. i already had someone from irs try to scare me. please all remmember IRS NOR SSN will never call you unless your call with them drops the same person will try to call you again. but they will always send you a letter on the mail with any information they need .
JPanders
June 07, 2019
new social scan 760-858-2098
Shelbystang1968
June 07, 2019
Just got same call from a number ohio 854-277-7079
beachboy
June 07, 2019
I've just got exactly this scam phone call in Indian accent from 828-865-4507. He told me that I'm in a recored line and if I ever give him wrong info I will be arrested by FBI in 45 min LOL! I asked him my name and address in the record but he spelled both wrong!!
psdonahue
June 07, 2019
Add my name to the growing list of those who got the robo-call twice! My call came from North Carolina - 1-828-865-5106. I missed the call, but the cut off message said my Social Security number was suspended for illegal activity. I couldn't detect a number to call back - but would definitely will NOT be calling them back!!
Julianagl
June 07, 2019
(828)865-5210 (828)865-5208 (828)865-5203 Amount of 5 missed calls saying they suspended my social because they seen some suspicious activity going on.
Kaycee
June 07, 2019
They also impersonated as my local police officer. After the fake ssa agent talk to me he said my local police officer will call me. I got a call from my local police department. They can use their number to call me and impersonate an officer. They told me i have a warrant and comitted crimes, if i want to clear it i have one hour to get to the bank to clear it. I need to prove my innocence by safe guarding my money and transffering it to another account. I got to the bank they told me the teller cant know about this.. called the real police and found out it was a scam.
Frustrated!
June 07, 2019
I keep getting calls from the same number 855-328-3456, they are posing as the SSA. They tell me there is a warrant for my arrest. Each time I ask questions they hang up on me! They seem to have an Indian accent, with a bunch of noise (people talking) in the background... One guy gave me a Badge ID# - Martin Brookes #SSA53485. I just told them to go ahead & arrest me , because I wont give out my info.
David C.
June 07, 2019
I’ve received this call 4 times in past two days. First two were people and left messages, next two I answered. They were robocalls saying my ssn was being used in South Texas and I needed to press one to speak to an officer. What’s funny is even the robocall had an accent. Really want to press one and see what happens. They’re all 1(866) numbers.
Eric M.
August 20, 2020

In reply to by David C.

Mine went to someone who sounded Indian with a heavy accent. I said quit scamming people and his only reply was I was scamming. Lol. Freaking idiots.
Another Scam
June 07, 2019
I received a call from 484-664-2874 with a recording from someone claiming to be with the SSA. I was told to wait to be connected to an associate. When someone came on the line they asked me for my name and SS#. I told them that if I was in trouble they would already know that information. At that point he said he wanted to speak with my supervisor. I just hung up.
Kathy
June 07, 2019
I just got a call similar from ‭+1 (800) 389-1458‬ it was a message on my voicemail. I am not falling for this any government office will mail you not call you. These scammers think they are so sly.
SickofScammers
June 07, 2019
more SSN Administration scam calls - about 4 this week various numbers; 1800-777-2509, 1800-777-2009. I played along pressed '1' to speak to an "agent" very strong accent (Mexican?) - I told him I knew this was a scam and asked why are you wasting your time scamming people - go do something productive - he finally admitted it was a scam and it was an easy way to make money -jeeeeez. I aske dhim for his SSN and then I laughed and said I you probably don't have one do you - told him I would report the calls and quite calling me absolutely annoyning - feel like I am getting MORE calls ever since I entered my number on the Federal DO NOT CALL LIST - is that possible- was it hacked?
Allicat
June 07, 2019
Just received a voicemail trying to scam me from this number 347-349-5455
LisaLou85
June 07, 2019
I received several call that sounded like a recorded voice and very professional. They said my Social security number was suspended and needed to call them right away or they would take my ss number from me. This didn't pose as a scary threat but it continued to happen so much that it gave me great concern. I looked up about scammers with my particular situation ending up here. Mostly, I have become bothered because they kept calling. It hasn't had an effect on me negatively but I was annoyed. Beware, this IS A SCAM DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT FALL FOR THIS OR GIVE PERSONAL INFORMATION. Thank you for protecting YOURSELF!
Catalina
June 07, 2019
To all those people that got scammed out of their money go to crime victim assistance in your city. Fill out an application to get your money back hopefully they can help you.
Tiki BlueGirl1
June 08, 2019
1800-025-1697 On the caller I’d on cell phone And it said fraudulent activity on your Social Security card has been detected please contact us at a such a number which I did not get or stay on the line to be transferred to one of our operators immediately to assist you with the situation or we will suspend your Social Security number so I waited and said home are you trying to reach they said Elizabeth how did they know my name I phone number that’s all they knew and I said what do you want visit fraudulent activity on your card and I said I don’t think so what we will we will just Cancel your card and they hung up I know it’s a scam but I get them on my house phone now it’s my cell phone really crooks and they’re not even American
Tessa
June 08, 2019
Today received similar call from 917-338-1383, which is a NY NY number. Couldn't believe they left a voice mail message with a press 1 request for further information. I did not call back, just listened to the message, as I do not answer calls from numbers I do not recognize. I find it hard to believe that nothing can be done to stop these calls. Feel sorry for the folks who have been victimized by them. Be Aware.....
Ciedie Vez
June 08, 2019
Got call on mobile phone, sent to voicemail. Alerting AT&T as well.
Mat
June 08, 2019
Just recieved one 10 minutes at 1105 AM
Ana
June 08, 2019
I got the call from 800 051 6213. Asked me to press 1 and i cut the call immediately.
Diamondgrl
June 08, 2019
Please do not give any kind of personal information over the phone ever! I have plenty of calls from these scammers claming to be the SSA saying I was gonna be arrested and leaving me voicemails saying that my SS# was suspended? There is no such thing. Please dont call any # back anything that sounds like that is a total SCAM!!!!!!! Get identity protection if you can. I've always had it for the protection of my info.....Good luck!
Hello
June 08, 2019
Awww, I pressed 1 and it directed me to Pizza Hut so I order pizza.
Icequeen55
June 08, 2019
I just got a called stating my social security number was suspended. I thought it was weird.
Icequeen55
June 08, 2019
Now they are calling anonymous. That is on my caller id now.
Shannon S
June 09, 2019
Got a call from 347-349-8617 a New York City number. I let it go to voicemail. The obvious robo-call told me my SSN was under investigation and I was to press one. A US Government agency does not call from a non-800 number.
Yoyo
June 10, 2019
People be wise, don’t give out your info- NONE!!
Katrina
June 10, 2019
+12064428172 i got a call from this number just now saying social security was suing me and an arrest warrant has issued for me is this for real? I dont even get social security
Dawn S
June 10, 2019
I have gotten the same call over the last couple months it's very annoying. Wonder where they are getting their call list from? Serious security breach.
pmsdsu
June 10, 2019
I just received this call and let it go to voicemail, it told me to press 1 in the voicemail. Which I know they are trying to get my private information. Don't fall for any of these government agency will not call you ever on any fraud suspicion, they will write yo u a letter, period end of story.
sinha
June 10, 2019
Received similar SS# call from 470-655-2323 and in their message they did not leave any phone number - just said call us back!
4143241424.adi
June 11, 2019
Please do not call them and give them any personal information best thing to do is block their number so they won’t never call you back thank you it’s Social Security scam
DC
June 10, 2019
Just received the auto voicemail SS scam! The phone number that came thru was 877-803-1028 (Unknown) and the auto-robot voice was exactly the same at the sound clip from the audio link above.
SMJIII
June 10, 2019
Just had a call from these scammers. Fortunately, it came up as scam likely.
tigerlily
June 10, 2019
Just got a call like this. Caller ID showed Alarm Central System 800-452-3555. Was a recording that said my social security has been suspended due to suspicious activity; to press 1 immediately. I looked up the number and it is a real business. Somehow scammers are able to use valid names and numbers that appear on the caller ID.
Return to top