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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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Social Security Impersonators
NotTodayyy
August 09, 2019
646 155 6500 Is the number that just called my 14yr old. Same automated scam claiming to be from the SSA saying the SS# will be discontinued due to fraudulent activity. They really do think we are stupid.
duckguy
August 09, 2019
Add 976-176-2565 to the list. Four calls today, first one had this number. The next three just showed up as "Restricted,", but had the exact same message.
LuigiKahnish3D…
August 09, 2019
I received a letter from Social Security Administration Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance requesting a good deal of money. Threatening to cancel my medicare.
TexasLady
August 09, 2019
I've been getting calls lately saying they are from the SSA. They usually hang up when I won't verify my telephone number. Then one finally talked to me. Without giving him any information, he gave me my account code (from them) and told me to call backl 315-756-6071. The actual call had been made from 323-370-4570 (a California number according to my caller ID). SCAM
Steve
August 09, 2019
Just received a call from 1-888-990-7225 showing as United States government with a message stating the same scam and to select #1 to talk to someone.
marilyng
August 09, 2019
Have been getting these calls from a 202 area code every two or three hours today: 202-737-8576, 202-765-8409, 202-766-9007, 202-740-2933
Ann44
August 09, 2019
Just got a call from 800 573 8596 saying stuff.
Chris
August 09, 2019
Here is the latest number they are using. Female voice and sounds very realistic. No grammatical errors - 469-598-4093
Stop the scammers
August 09, 2019
I just got a call from a +1(800)435-9488 saying that my ssn is suspended earlier today and just now.
H.Singh007
August 09, 2019
(844) 463-7849 I am getting fake call from this number. I think it's coming from India. I recognize his accent.
D1ce
August 09, 2019
Calls from 800-011-4213, 800-888-4810 and +95 69858026 With voicemail: So security number we have been forced to suspend your Social Security number with immediate affect due to this all your social benefits will be canceled until further clearance in case you feel this is due to an error you may connect with legal _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ Social Security administration in order to connect with the Social Security administration officer press one now in case we did not hear from you your social will be blocked permanently to connect with the officer now press one and you will be automatically be connected with a concern _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ we did not receive any input or citizen in order to speak with Social Security personal regarding your Social Security press one and this automated system will connect you with the officials press one As well as Purpose of the call we are trying to reach you to let you know that your Social Security number is been used for some kind of fraudulent activities in the south border of Texas so please in the order go ahead get more information to speak with _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ press one I repeat press one thank you and have a great day…”
Enough
August 09, 2019
Calls today: ‭+1 (844) 596-0372‬ ‭+1 (844) 738-0965‬ ‭+1 (844) 142-7625‬ ‭+1 (844) 388-4364‬ Calls yesterday: ‭+1 (956) 253-6484‬ ‭+1 (956) 431-8338‬ ‭+1 (956) 889-9553‬ ‭+1 (956) 695-4251‬ ‭+1 (844) 730-8807‬ ‭+1 (844) 803-0412‬ ‭+1 (844) 196-6184‬ Always the same message: “Please just suspend your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ 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…”
Yuisa
August 09, 2019
Just got a phone call from 1-866-346-2325 with the same kind of scam! This call was to my cell phone, which I have never given to SSA.
Dave
August 09, 2019
I just been called 5 times Robot voice saying my ss numbers been suspended. I was out side never got the call voice mail. Who going to do something about it?
Leon
August 09, 2019
Got a call from (888) 529-9708, Introduced himself as social security investigation officer, asked if I live alone, asked zip, name. Told that violations under my name, government will freeze my accounts and to save my money I need to put money on gift card at Target at 8480 Beverly Blv 1a Los Angeles CA 90048.
Scam.1234
August 09, 2019
My Lady and I both got that call today! We did not respond!
AnnetteOregonD…
August 09, 2019
Husband and I both received this message today August 9, 2019 from someone claiming to be the SSA. the number came from EZ Castle Integration in New York NY. 646 445 7378 and 617 217 3000. I hung up and the call went to voicemail. I'm hoping they haven't got into out SS accounts!!!!!!!
In Texas
August 10, 2019
206-221-7757 -Received call from Scam stating it was a call from Social Security Administration stating they were coming to arrest me. Can hear call center with network of people sounding Indian.
DDubYuh - Colorado
August 10, 2019
I just received a call from 1-646-936-1469. Caller ID said UNKNOWN NY. I sent it to voicemail as I get tons of spam callers daily. Here is a direct copy & paste from my visual voicemail: "Security number 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 listened to it after reading and the Visual VM was accurate "so" smh
Will R
August 10, 2019
Got an automed call from 1-(845)939-0067 It said they were the SS department and they were suspending my SS accound due to suspecious activity and to press 1. Same automted voice, Called ID just showed the call from United States.
worriedgirl
August 10, 2019
NEED ADVICE ASAP!! Can't even contact a human person with the FTC to speak to on weekends regarding my situation. Ridiculous. Unfortunately i fell for this scam today and am needing advice on proper steps to take. Scammer called saying someone had been using my SS# to open bank accounts all across the country, adding up to 1.3 million. Said that legal action would be taken and that there was a warrant out for my arrest if this was not resolved today. I gave him the last 4 of my social (said it was to verify that he was speaking to the right person), my address, and who i bank through. I DID NOT give him my full SS#, any of my bank account info (besides my balance, which was only $130), my legal name, or anything else besides those three things i listed. I did go through the steps they told me to go through to "resolve" the case, which was me going to walmart and purchasing 2 Steam Game Cards ($100), leaving me with 30$ in my account. I don't have hardly any credit, i don't have a credit card, only a debit card, and i don't make very much money to begin with. They hung up after receiving the activation code for the game cards from me and then 10 mins later, called back saying that they needed me to spend up to 500, which is when i realized that this was a scam. Unfortunately they got 100 bucks from me and 2 pieces of personal info, and i NEED advice on if i need to take any further action, who i should contact if i need to contact anyone, and what to do. Of course, it's the weekend and everyone i'd need to contact is closed (bank, FTC, police dept office). i just need to know if i gave them enough info to harm me in the future. I will be calling my bank on Monday to close my debit card and account and reopen a new one. Jokes on them, bc i'm broke most of the time haha but PLEASE SOMEONE HELP. i need peace of mind.
idiot
April 20, 2020

In reply to by worriedgirl

I just saw this. I'm sorry this happened to you. They got me for around $7K :(
Humberto Zamora
August 10, 2019
THE NEW TRICK that scammers are using now. 08/10/2019 Yesterday I received 2 calls with the same exact message, one was from number: (914)360-0129 and the other was from number (925)704-0441 and there was a recording saying that my Social Security Number was being used fraudulently somewhere in the border of Texas and México and to be able talk to somebody to press 1, when I pressed 1 I heard some voices in the background like if it was a call center and then I got disconnected. When I tried to call back both numbers the lines were constantly busy.
In Las Vegas
August 11, 2019
Just got the “your social security number is suspend” (yes, that’s how he said it) from (845) 364-0184. Thanks for posting this warning.
Hazel J
August 11, 2019
Received a call from 830-999-7185 stating that my social security number was suspended due suspicious activity and to Press 1 for more info about the case.
2 calls same day
August 12, 2019
I just received 2 calls within an hour from Elizabeth NJ 908-772-8731 .
Anon
August 12, 2019
Just received a call from 414-209-3672 for this scam with similar wording. That number displayed on Caller ID and was the number the robot recording said to call. Sad this is still going on.
Scam1111111
August 12, 2019
Here is the message I received: 12108889123 Depositing new message You have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for criminal activities. When you get the message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number which is 210889123. Repeat it's 210-888-9123. Before we begin with the legal proceedings. Thank you and have a nice day
Ra
August 12, 2019
‭+1 (888) 894-5248‬ Same call.
Ross
August 12, 2019
I just received a automated call from this number: 1-800-000-5086. They would direct you automatically to a rep. Please beware.
Kimmi
August 12, 2019
I just got a call from the number 8000466256 saying enforcement action was being take against my social insurance number and to press 1 to speak to an officer. I think it's a scam. From PEI Canada! Looking for information on the number with no success.
justanotherguy
August 12, 2019
Yep just got a scam call telling me my SS# is suspended and to call 801-734-9930
Amanda R
August 12, 2019
I just received a phone call from a phone number from Texarkana, Texas saying that my social was used in a crime and that I needed to confirm my last 4 of my social. They asked me if I had received a phone call from my local law enforcement yet. The number was 430-200-2001. Anyone had a similar call?
Kohler
August 12, 2019
Have been receiving this call for the past week - 800-718-7535; 800-605-2219; 800-534-7349; I let them know they needed to stop calling my number, that I had reported all of theirs... of course they hung up immediately -
wilsons
August 12, 2019
Just received a call from 844-384-0821 that my SS# was suspended for suspicious activity and press 1 to speak with someone at SSA. She immediately asked for my name so she could grab my file. When I said no this is scam she hung up.
Cindybee
August 12, 2019
I just received a automated call saying my and# was compromised, they left a number I called back and it figures it was a illegal immigrant who answered the phone when I questioned him, he hung up...
Basher
August 12, 2019
Call from 214-238-4808, same message to call back that number. The thing about this guy is he said "I am an officer with Social Security...". Now it seems that impersonating a federal office is a crime (18 U.S. code S 912 with a fine and up to three years in prison) at least it used to be. 35,000 at $1000 fine each is $35 million!! Go get him FTC!
Anonymous
August 12, 2019
1-833-367-9349 Scam Caller from 08-07-19
M8929
August 12, 2019
Hi I got a call from a scammer I didnt realize I was being scammed and I gave this my last 4 of my social and my name... what should I do now??
JT
August 12, 2019
Got a Scam call from 800-271-9913
Lift
March 11, 2020

In reply to by JT

I got a call from 855-626-0584 saying their was a warrant out for my stress frim social security
AntiLiers101
August 12, 2019
SCAM Scum Just got a Social Security Scam Message from this Number 1(800)586-2754. Please, beware! SCAM Scum
michele
August 12, 2019
800-075-6393 this one says there is a warrant out for your arrest,due to fraudulent activity on SS number.
MatJac
August 12, 2019
I got the same called today, phone number 888-109 9232. They were asking me for the last 4 digits of my SS number, I refused and said that I preferred to go to the SS Office on my location to verify and fix any issues, they said that the office doesn't have any information of the suspension of my Social Security Benefits. I pushed a little bit more and they hang out the call.
Msericalh
August 12, 2019
Someone called from a 6 digit number claiming to be ssa 800896 was the numbee
Gran2
August 12, 2019
Scam call from 588-381-0028. It was worded very similar to your recorded example.
Scam Victim
August 12, 2019
Just received a call from (650)204-7923 claiming to be the Social Security Admin. They left a voicemail that stated" Kindly call back at earliest possible on our number before we begin legal proceedings that is 650-204-7923 I repeat 650-240-7923". I called back and they already had my name, which I confirmed, and they immediately put me on hold without prompting me. Second time I called and confronted them, in which they replied "If you think this is a scam, then hang up". Called a third time and they asked why I kept calling and they immediately hung up. The accents sounded like someone from India. The voicemail was robotic.
DHL
August 12, 2019
Received a call from 800-983-2719. Similar message to the below comments. Told me to press 1 for further action. I hung up.
Lectronn
August 12, 2019
Got a call today from 677-273-3828 informing me that my Social Security number was suspended due to "suspicious activity." Was told to call back immediately or I would be arrested! I know this call is crap, I won't veer call them back, I use the caller ID function on my phone to screen all calls. I'm just annoyed and fed up with all these veil people and their scams!
Mom-3CB
August 12, 2019
Calls daily from local numbers telling me to call them back at 470-666-0571. Not to have any preconceived notions about the call and the call back is very urgent. Usually get many of these per day.
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