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
klkDon't use y…
June 28, 2019
I have been receiving these calls for the last several weeks, mostly saying they are from Texas. I have never answered one and there is always a voicemail left with a recording stating that if you want to know more, press one. I keep blocking the numbers, but the calls keep coming in. I usually get about three or four a day. I would never have fallen for it as I've read about these scams, but it is just so frustrating and infuriating to be bothered all of the time. I suppose there is nothing to be done about it. We just have to up with it. I hate scammers!!
BK
June 28, 2019
For one today from the 646. I knew it was a scam from the poor English. "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."
518 #
June 28, 2019
I got a similar call from a 518 number. The voicemail said some of the same things mentioned. I put the number on block but still get the voicemails. I recommend not calling the number back. It seems they call more.
Robocallsmuststop
June 28, 2019
I receive 40 to 50 of these calls every week. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. A politician should run on this platform because this would get the votes.
Dan
June 28, 2019
Word to the wise, any call regarding your SSN or the IRS is a scam. These agencies will never call you, they only send messages via certified mail. I recieved the SSN scan call and when I heard the voicemail I knew it was fake. I actually called back regarding an IRS scam last year and played the guy, saying to send me certified mail and running him in circles, when he grew impatient I told him I knew it was a scam and just talked to him to waste his time so he couldnt hit more unsuspecting people. Stay vigilant and if you get a suspicious call dont call that # back, call the legitimate numbers as per this article to verify.
Spectre Wingate
June 29, 2019
6-28-2019 SSN scammer called my home # my SSN is comprised due to suspicious or fradulent activity, if they do not hear back asap 830-202-2125, an arrest warrant will be issued immediatley. office of press#1....scammer
seg
June 29, 2019
I have been getting a lot of these calls from this number and an unknown caller saying the same crap.
Sam V
June 29, 2019
I got a call from my own number. If you see your own number calling you then scammers are using your own number to cover their real identity.
KDon't use you…
June 29, 2019
SSN scammers called my cell a few days ago from 240-563-4014 (Capitol Hills, MD) and left a message that said" legal enforcement was filed on my SSN for fraudulent activities". I know to never answer my phone unless I have the person in my caller ID. If someone legit needs to talk to me, they can leave a message.
me
August 14, 2020

In reply to by KDon't use you…

I have had 2 calls within 12 hours using different number as a SS scam due to fraudulent activity! Why can't they do something about this? It's very unsettling!
TLoz
June 30, 2019
I receive atleast one call a week claiming to be from social security administration Informing they have suspended my social security number. May be different numbers but the last number is: ‭+1 (800) 647-2019‬
Arbies
July 01, 2019
Received scam call from 817-241-0273 with the usual message that other folks are getting about my social being suspended because of suspicious activity.
Stop calling 2019
July 01, 2019
I received another call about my social security being suspended due to suspicious activities. The number they this time is ‭+1 (646) 481-5936‬. These scammers are really trying hard to rob people from their savings.
Trusted 0701
July 01, 2019
A scammer, new to me, with name showing on phone of ….DITCO DTSW ...CALLED TODAY WITH A VERY OFTEN HEARD S.S. NUMBER SUSPENSION AND SEIZURE OF BANK ACCOUNTS. THEY IDENTIFIED THEMSELVES AS THE SSA WITH THE POWER TO SEIZE ASSETS. AS NORMAL, THEY LEFT NO NUMBER TO CALL.
Denver
July 01, 2019
972-736-4255 from Princeton, Texas left me a message saying my ss# is under investigation and to call back and press 1 to reactivate it. Be aware of this number.
Themick
July 01, 2019
Received the same call this morning (July 1, 2019) but from 972-652-3966. Did not recognize the number and let it go to voice mail. Reported the call to the OIG of social security. There is no fate terrible enough for these scammers.
Dinesh
July 01, 2019
I have been receiving calls since the last few days from the following numbers: 855-766-5623 855-699-9333 855-808-0804 855-689-6985 Saying that my Social Security Number has been suspended and trial is being ordered and that I should press 1 to proceed further. Since I had heard about these SSN Scams, I did not proceed further. But still a doubt comes to mind and I am confused whether this is a scam or the true SSN Officers calling me. Shall be glad for your advice.
billy 04
August 18, 2020

In reply to by Dinesh

scam 207-898-3827 maine Saying that my Social Security Number has been suspended and trial is being ordered and that I should press 1 to proceed further. i just hung up
Sophia Taylor
March 01, 2021

In reply to by Dinesh

you don't need to pick this call, because Social Security never calls to people. so never press 1.
kilo g
July 01, 2019
Just got this scam call from 866-303-644 (the number is 1 digit short on caller id and in caller information). I am reporting it to FTC b/c i am on the do not call list.
Trina
July 01, 2019
+1 (510) 112-7904 kept calling and it is a scam saying they're from Department of social security administration and suspend your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity". Glad I googled the number because it brought me to this page. It's definitely a scam
Liz
July 04, 2019

In reply to by Trina

This same number has been calling me all day , left me two voicemails I even had to block them because they won’t stop calling me
Jeff
July 01, 2019
Got the same scam call from (804) 207-4971.
Cher
July 01, 2019
I have now been called 5 times, from 5 different numbers and each time the same voicemail has been left. Same "male" robotic voice telling me that my SSN has been "suspend" and to push 1 to talk to someone. Three of the numbers were Canadian prefixes, the last one came across as anonymous, who in their right mind is going to answer a call that says anonymous caller? So tired of the scam call garbage, where's the gauntlet? I want snap my fingers!
Jane001
July 01, 2019
I have been receiving multiple calls from "Texas" about my social security number being suspended. Each time they call, they will leave the same voicemail. I have ignored them all. Today I am receiving calls from "Peru" with the SAME voicemail! They have been calling every hour for the past few days. I'm pretty bothered by this! I know it is a scam call, all the numbers keep changing, they are really pushing to get number out of me!
Jan
July 01, 2019
I just got a robocall from 1-866-467-8796 on my mobile phone telling me that my SSN is going to be suspended for suspicious activity. Of course, I hung up and my landline immediately rang with that same number and message. These scammers are ridiculous and predatory.
Berto
July 01, 2019
Just got a call from Dallas, TX number (512) 906-4529. It was a computerized woman's voice. Just like this site said, it said my SSN was "compromised," and that I needed to talk to a representative. Kind of spooky the first time you hear it - as it catches you off guard.
Kcinsd
July 01, 2019
I've received a dozen calls like this in two days, all from different numbers, many from Texas, all the same voice. Crazymaking.
econtour
July 01, 2019
Received two calls from +15122847232 saying my social security number had been used in suspicious activity at the border.
Hrmonie
July 01, 2019
Add these phone numbers—> 971-812-1005 800-928-2115 Same loop as posted here and I was called by 2 different numbers in a row today—July 1, 2019.
Wandadelaney
July 01, 2019
This scam calls mean almost every week and I'm getting tired of it and if some of that and body don't do something about it
STOP THESE ROB…
July 01, 2019
Just wanted to add some thoughts after also receiving calls like this (see my comment 06/28/19). Have you noticed they never say WHO THE CALL IS FOR by NAME? Seems they assume only one person must reside in the residence for the number they have called. What if there are 4 -8 people that use the same phone number--then who is the call SUPPOSED to be for???? To me THAT'S THE FIRST CLUE IT's A SCAM call!!! Also, I was under the impression that it's illegal for RoboCallers to leave messages--wondering if that's the case????
SSN SCAM
July 02, 2019
I just received a call from 254 2713112, it was a robot recording saying that my SSN was compromised in fraudulent activities and I needed to call back ASAP. Once I called back they asked me for my SSN which I never provided.
MyNewId
July 02, 2019
Got the same call from 809-205-4490 - I suspected it is spam so disconnected before any person comes on line. Good that I found this site and information to confirm I was right
Rebecca
July 02, 2019
I just received a voicemail from a number in Pinehurst, TX: 281-766-7270, claiming to be from the SSA and informing me "there there is a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for criminal activities." I called the number back, and the person who answered said, "Social Security Administration. How can I help you?" These scams are really awful and can easily take someone in.
Tphiln't use y…
July 02, 2019
I just got a message from a MD number saying my social security number has been compromised. Thank you for making proof of the scam available for confirmation.
Jbosuman
July 02, 2019
I just received the same call and the number that I was called from is (510) 112-7904.
DEE
July 02, 2019
They just called me... did answer, went to voicemail. 18000269213
Destino
July 02, 2019
Just got one of those calls
MK
July 02, 2019
I have been receiving robo calls for the past week or two about once a day from numbers that keep changing but always start (800)205- and claim to be from social security saying my account has been frozen. I’ve just stopped answering when I see calls starting with that combination of numbers but it’s been continuing.
ChicagoDaddy
July 02, 2019
This is not the only recording they use. My call came from 888-609-7732.
DC
July 02, 2019
I have received two calls saying they are SSA. The one today said if I did not talk to them my ssa card would be suspended in 24 hours. The number is 518-800-4007
A Haven
July 02, 2019
I got 3 calls today so far with a similar, computer generated voice from numbers 817-462-1150 and 817-252-4062. Thing that scares me is a just requested a reissue of my card a few weeks ago and was wondering if one of their employees has done something with my info.
Susie Q
July 02, 2019
I just received one of these calls today, with the same scam message, but my called ID was 646-808-3005, so they must be using random caller IDs too. Don't fall for it!
Rockyle862
July 02, 2019
I received a call from +14128975210 saying they were with the Social Security Administration and that there was an active case against. I didn't provide any important information and they hung up when I said I suspect that they're not bei g truthful about who they really are. They said their name was Alex Robert, badge # 772015 and the case # as DMC334.
Joyce
July 02, 2019
New number to add. (646)-808-1102 from New York, NY. Calling about suspicious activity on my social security info. Asked me to press one only to be met with silence. Hung up and recalled back but was met with an automated voice message system saying the number dialed is "incorrect" and "unavailable".
ash
July 02, 2019
I got a call from 215-987-6902 saying “your social security number has been compromised” ??? I know it’s a scam but don’t give your information out to these people!!! The call says it came from Philadelphia, PA.
JoJoyDon't use…
July 02, 2019
Well at least we know where they are calling from. It came across as Hereford, TX. 806 344 8897 on my phone.
SusyDon't use …
July 02, 2019
I just received this call saying that it has been suspended. I knew better, and googled it. Don’t fall for anything like this.
Deanna
July 02, 2019
This phone number from a 203 area code called me and said they were the SSA. I called them back but didnt hear things I normally hear when I call the SSA office.
Return to top