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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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Shopping and Donating
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Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators
SBBeau
June 20, 2019

In reply to by H8scammers

I also received a called regarding legal activity from the 210 742 9479 number on 19 june .
anon
June 19, 2019
I just got a voice mail from 510-112-7476 (my phone blocks calls from anyone not in my contacts) saying that my SS account had been suspended due to "suspicious activity". Asked me to press one if I wanted to learn more about the case. Obviously was a robocall - what a bunch of low-life scum.....
over it!
June 19, 2019
510-112-7476 has been calling me for three days. at first it's an automated message telling me to dial 1 to speak to an officer. Yesterday I did it because I knew it was a scam. They did have my name and address but so what. The more I questioned them the more pissed off they got. They hung up on me. They called again today and I happened to be available so I picked up and dialed 1. When they answered I told them they need to stop calling me...they immediately got angry. Again told them there's no such thing as a suspended social security number...then they threatened me saying "okay...you want me to suspend it then? okay. you watch what's going to happen" and hung up. They HATE being talked down to. I've them do this very thing several times over the years when I've questioned them this way. The calls will stop for awhile until they come up with a new scam. I blocked the number but I would like to know why there isn't police involvement. Especially considering they are making threats. I know I'm not the only one they've done that to. Is there a formal process for making those kind of reports? Thanks
Kq
June 19, 2019
The same phone call scam from this # 1-325-265-0651
acm
June 19, 2019
Received this same call today - same message as stated below from these two phone numbers : 1- 800-106-0880 and 1- 800-663-9546
S
June 19, 2019
Got several call from +1 510 112-7484 & +1 510 112-7478 today. Started this morning.
Fiafee
June 19, 2019

In reply to by S

I got the same calls from very close phone numbers 1-510-112-7493, 7485, 7419, 7404, and today 1-510-112-7505! Once I pressed one it was transferred to a man who asked me for my name!! Once I gave my name he hung up on me!!
Tryingtohelp
June 19, 2019
Here is a new number that they are using. 800-205-0103. Please never give them any information.
OpaKub
June 19, 2019
Redding, CA 6/19/2019 Just received a call from (510) 112-7485. Robo call stated that my SS number is being suspended for suspecious activity. Subsequently received another call from (510) 112-7473. Very annoying.
E&J@SoPs
June 19, 2019
Just got this scam call from (315) 215-1969
DavidB
June 19, 2019
Scam callers telling me my SSN will be deactivated due to illegal activities.. Ya right... I blocked the number from Sanford Florida - (321) 283-5862
bmw
June 19, 2019
I have had several of those calls it scared me at first and then I remembered S/S doesn't call.
todd
June 19, 2019
i just a call about my social security being used in a forgulent 1. was drug Traffiking in Texas. the other was Money laundering in the same place. i asked where he was located, he told me Maryland, but couldn't give me the address. ten i told him as soon as i hung up, i was calling SSA. at that all i heard was a click. the number was 1-844-401-0121
Nimna
August 02, 2019

In reply to by todd

I just received a call from this number. The same about my SSN being used for fraudulent activity in Texas.
Jrh
October 30, 2019

In reply to by Nimna

I just received a call from Houston saying my SS# has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
Charlotte
June 19, 2019
I just received one of these calls. I wonder how much time and resources are dedicated to stopping these criminals. The elderly are particularly susceptible.
Candi
June 19, 2019
This has been happening to me, they have been blowing up my phone for days now, leaving the automated voicemail over and over that my social security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity and to press 1 if I "want to know more." I know it's a scam, but how do I get them to stop constantly calling and filling up my vm?! 510-112-7503 is the number calling me most recently, but the last 4 digits keep changing. The last call was only 21 minutes after the one before!
Irene22
June 19, 2019
I received 2 calls today from ‭+1 (240) 619-8088. They left a voicemail stating, “ Your Social Security number has been compromised and it is getting suspended today please contact your authorized commissioner at 240-619-8088 immediately I repeat it's 240-619-8088 thank you…”‬.
Ms E
June 19, 2019
On June 17th I received a call from ‭+1 (940) 324-4020‬ (Pilot point, TX). I voicemail message was left by what sounded like a man with a heavy accent. I was able to make a copy of the transcript message from my iPhone: See following message left by these scammers: People please do not let messages like these to scare you. They are doing the same scams with IRS as well. These desperate lowlife scammers will say and do anything to scare you into giving them your personal information so they can steal from you. The department of Social Security send documentation in writing. They do not make calls like these and if you’re unsure, hang up and call the actual number of SSD. Same goes for IRS, car insurance, health insurance and any scammer that calls you asking for personal information. Hang up and call the real number and the places in question. Do not call numbers they give you. Just google the information yourselves. This is the transcript message these scammers left on my voicemail: “With some serious allegations five on your name by the drug enforcement agency _⁠_⁠_ the police station stay connected to speak to a Social Security administration representative stay connected so you can speak to a Social Security administration _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ I want you or your attorney to call us back on 940-324-4020 if you've missed this call I want you to give a call back on 940-324-4020 not disregard this message and called back immediately at this is a very serious matter goodbye…”
Bigred
June 19, 2019
For 2 days now I keep getting the same call almost every 10 minutes only they change the phone number by two numbers it has a 510 area code and then the next number starts with the seven and the next two numbers are the ones that they switch.
Maggie
June 19, 2019
I received a call today form SSN department, my SSN was used, if i don't cooperate with them who called from local police department neal me, i gave them my name and my SSN, they will help me to resolve this bank criminal activities, so they will teach me how to deal with this problem or i will be arrested if i can be approved innocent, but i speaks not well, i transfer the phone to my daughter to follow the nest step i need to do, Suddenly my daughter hang up the phone, my daughter told me that was a scam. Then i need to call my banks and my credit card bank to set up alert, luckily i didn't give my bank account number, but they have my SSN and my name. I feel how terrible bad men are.
Maggie
June 19, 2019
The calls are coming from a VoP, posting the numbers does nothing. The best thing we can do is file a report and tell everyone you know (esp elderly folks) that this scam is growing.
myusername
June 20, 2019
Apparently this is going around again. I just got called twice from 510-112-7550. I hung up the first time then they called back 30 minutes later and I let in go to VM.
R G
June 20, 2019
Just received fake SS call from 510-112-7561
DudeInDetroit
June 20, 2019
Received an autodialer call from 231-444-2359, repeated the number in Spanish as per other posts. Told me that my SS# was about to be suspended as per other posts. Told me to call Commonwealth at 844-340-8141. Called, got some guy on the line in "claims investigation." He verified my phone number, and as he was about to begin his script, I asked him what the name of his company was. He replied, "I get it, you're just a scumbag who doesn't want to pay your bills." Hahahaha! I called back and got the same guy. He proceeded to shout obscenities into the phone as I laughed. I hope the FTC or the FBI or whoever nails them.
nomorescams
June 20, 2019
Add 855-275-8946 to the list of BS calls. Got the call this morning and it went to voicemail (was at appointment). I called it back to see what it was: "officer" Edward Collins quotes me a case and warrant number...goes on to say a car rented in my name was found on the TX/Mexico boarder (blood traces, etc.) and linked to multiple CCs and a cocaine bust in NC. Tells me that if I cooperate on the phone they won't have to handcuff me and haul me off to jail. Says it is suspected identity theft and they will suspend my SS# and give me a new one ?!?! REALLY...over the phone?! He started to get a little hostile when I didn't want to cooperate, but who calls to tell you about identity theft and then asks for your SS#?! I hung up at that point, guess we'll see if the cops show up. :)
Smart Citizen
June 20, 2019
I just got one today, never even answered, I used a callerid app... here is the voicemail they left: Call we are trying to reach you to let you know that your social security number has been used for some kind of fraudulent activities in the South border of Texas. So, please in order go ahead get more information to speak with officer, press one. I repeat, press one. Thank you and have a great day. and the number probably fake: 212) 657-2791
PeterCSanJose
June 20, 2019
800-674-9365 received a bogus Social Security call from this number. I am praying to Baron Samedi to infect whoever programmed this scam with a flesh eating virus. Also their family and friends.
Barley
June 20, 2019
I have gotten a dozen such calls and so has a number if my friends ..it is indded a scam and if you tell them they a fraud they will randomly call you numerous times a day and when you answer it just says GOODBYE
R.O.
June 20, 2019
One more number from these scammers: ‭+1 (315) 228-1978‬ I wonder why nobody take action and arrest these criminals.
Mn4truth
June 20, 2019
I received a call from 800-576-5977 on 6/20/2019. The robotic female voice told me there’s legal enforcement action filed on my social security number so before this matter goes to the state courthouse and before I get arrested I need to get information call this number 800-576-5977. Another scam undoubtedly!!
Alert
June 20, 2019
Recieved three calls today..and it keeps calling 510..scam saying benefits suspended
Richmond, CA woman
June 20, 2019
I received same scam call numerous times on my cell phone in the past few days from 510-112-7602, among other 510-112 numbers.
Catherine
June 20, 2019
Today I received calls from 1-800-389-1458 stating they are SSA and my social security number is suspended.
jmc
June 20, 2019
I received a call from 510-112-7605 that I think is a scam. The lady asked for my name. I didn't give my name but asked for a website where I got access help from the Social Security Administration and she hung up on me. I have blocked that number on my phone. I just wanted to let you know.
Sophie
June 20, 2019
I have gotten three of these calls now, each of the last three days, from different phone numbers: 800-269-0271 on 6/18 866-752-0973 on 6/19 888-347-9277 on 6/20 I never answer my phone unless I recognize the phone number, so they just leave their message on my voice mail. Digitized male voice. No name given, just a statement that "this is the social security administration" and "your account has been suspended due to suspicious activity", followed by "press 1 for more info on your case". I'm registered on the DO NOT CALL list and it's not stopping this fraud.
Dj
June 20, 2019
I just got a call from 833-532-2583 they was say my ss# was fraudulent they asked for my last four digits of my ss# what do it do
toowisecaughton
June 20, 2019
Number they used just now on me tel:800-205-5157
Miss-sceptic
June 20, 2019
I got the call too. Knew it was a scam. Gave them a fake name and played along for almost an hour, playing stupid. I did this only to waste their time I figured the longer I kept them on the line the less people they could call in that hour.
1954
June 20, 2019
I have received several calls from this number it almost looks like Soical security # 8007221213. Stating my number has been suspended. Just heads up
Rock27550
June 20, 2019
Got about 6 calls so far today from numbers 510-112-XXXX. They don't leave a message just more annoying than anything else. I don't answer I just blovk the numbers and they move on to a new one. It is a quest now! who will cave first. I am hoping they run out of numbers lol
Marley
June 20, 2019
I’ve gotten about 8 of these social security scam calls within 1hr today.
Evansin Texas
June 20, 2019
Here is another number to add to the scam list that threatens the suspension of social security number . 202-735-8655. Every day there seems to be a new one with threats if you don’t call back. They quickly fill up my delete file. I even added the app nomorobo which helps but many still get through.
npiper
June 20, 2019
Got this call today clearly a computer generated recording from 718-531-4451
DED
June 21, 2019
Received a phone call on 06/20/19 @ 5:20 P.M. which came up on caller ID as V63017205300239 I let it go to voicemail. Caller stated he was Officer Ryan Smith from SSA. My SS# is under legal enforcement action for criminal activity. He said I need to call (424)281-0251. The call sounded robotic. I did not call this number back. I Googled area code & it is in California. Today I filed a report with SSA Fraud Dept. I will follow up with a telephone call later this morning. Will ask them if I need to follow up with local Law Enforcement. This scam has happened to relatives & friends. I know they can't track all of these scammers down but notifying the public as this blog is doing hopefully will inform the public. These scammers are the cesspool of the world & shame on them!
LadyinGranbyct
June 21, 2019
I never answer phone calls if I don't recognize #, so this scam left 7 voice mails on 6-20-19 with the suspended because of suspicious activity scam message.
Vikas
June 21, 2019
Receiving scam calls almost everyday as my SSN is suspended. And press 1 to connect and talk to SSN specialist. number receiving calls: 8002053991
Sandra
June 21, 2019
I have received calls from 866-321-3490 advising that there is an order in place to suspend my social security number due to suspicious activity.
Karl
June 21, 2019
All with 1-(800) extensions 8054604 6895300 4313218 1331681 6697095 They're literally calling everyday multiple times from different numbers. Please take care of these scammers. I'd love to know which company sold all our phone numbers to them
Iman
June 21, 2019
I got a call today from 281 769 5358 they left a voice message " To inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for criminal activities so when you get the message kindly call back at earliest possible on our number which is 281-769-5358 call us before we begin with legal proceeding thank you and have a nice day."
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