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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
Khloe K
October 29, 2019
Some folks just called me saying my ssn was trouble, I need to call them back 425-620-4871 scam
Rlu
October 29, 2019
Received call from 800-946-5180 and 800-526-1600 threatening lawsuit for intentional fraud and money laundering being investigated by Social Security and the FBI. Caller (voice sounds like the audio clip above) requests recipient to press "1" to be connected to Social Security officer.
Sharon
October 29, 2019
I just got a call and they used 214-690-9322. I hung up immediately!
Sandra
October 29, 2019
Got a call last week and today with same number saying that my social security number is under investigation and press 1 before the matter goes to federal court and I will be arrested. 226-489-8205
SPan-MO-BR
October 29, 2019
I received 3 calls this morning with from a robot claiming I had suspicious activity on my SSN. The numbers that called are 800.343.0280, 800.982.7998, 800.403.4189 Be careful make sure you don't respond to these calls.
Concerned Citizen
October 29, 2019
Hello, I received a few calls from Michigan; one from Saginaw (at 4:30 in the morning) and another from Royal Oak accusing me of fraud? The number given to me from Royal Oak wasn't an SSA number, it was 1-248-965-8612. Am I being scammed? What possibly could a threatening robotic voice want from me? I called back the number and heard cursing. This is absolutely insane. I feel that it is more abusive than anything.
jackflash1
October 29, 2019
Received this call twice today from (800) 872-0854
A.R
October 29, 2019
Just received a Voicemail from +1 518 730 7369, it says New York Albany. Same story new number.
Taz
October 29, 2019
Called my cell phone - second time this week
E
October 29, 2019
New number and female voice now. Please add 443-234-0877
nonya
October 29, 2019
Just recieved a call saying about the same thing, and to call 18002389587. Dont give anything, not even the last #. Can't believe this is the world we live in.
happily retired
October 29, 2019
10.29.19 So Sad! I'm not stupid, nor do I have an issue! with thoughts, family, RX's Jeez! Stop these people. If I did have some issue I would have pressed a wrong number on the keypad! I guess you shouldn't answer andy call unless you know the number
Tired of these…
October 29, 2019
I got another scary call, though it's not as bad as some of the others. This one said, "This message is from the Social Security Administration. The reason to reach you is to let you know that your social security number is going to be suspended by the law enforcement agencies immediately. So before anything goes wrong, give us a call back as soon as possible at our call back number, which is 830-213-2809. I repeat. It's 830-213-2809. Thank you.
vmw
October 29, 2019
Do not answer calls from 1 (800) 674-9405 or 1(800) 674-3651. SCAM!!!!
davidchaim
October 31, 2019
hello is 3 years jessicapector and willamssmith steal me more 30000$ i report maybe can you help me ???
chuck
October 30, 2019
Just got a call from 613-312-7752 telling me to cll them back as the FEDS are coming to arrest me. i have tried blocking them but somehow they manage to get through. Just fed up with these scam artists. It is a shame they make a living doing this. Hope the right authorities get through to these shameful group. would like that very much
Maery
October 30, 2019
I am getting calls multiple times a week saying my Social Security number has been frozen: 226.341.5082 and 437.555.7625
Beanie4u
October 30, 2019
I just got one of those calls I the area code was Oklahoma, I came here 1st thank goodness because I went into a panic and was about to call them right back!
Rage
October 30, 2019
1 530 298 9607, another Social Security scam
Fred
October 30, 2019
New message from this number is about some fake federal charges, don't fall for it, it's a scam.
xyz
October 30, 2019
I got a call like this from 1-800-046-7754
Scaj921012
October 30, 2019
I receive a call yesterday say my SS was involved with a crime, the number is 443-234-0810
FLkim
October 30, 2019
# 222.748.9632 same scam called 2 xs on 10.30.19
AAS
October 30, 2019
Just received a call from "1-800-086-6401" with the scam message. I didn't answer the phone. There was an automated message left
Ticked off
October 30, 2019
I have gotten 3 calls in the last 2 days from 214-582-0585 (Texas). When I answered the recording said it was the Social Security Office and their was suspicious activity and to press 1 to hear details. A foreign guy answered saying his name was Marcus Brown ID #362D277. He asked to verify my zip code then told me he had my file and said I had a lot of suspicious activity and that their was a warrant out for my arrest so in order to give me all the information he would need the last 4 of my social. I told him i was not comfortable giving it and he said well your not giving your whole number and I still told him I was not comfortable giving that and then he hung up. Shocker!!
Yvette
October 30, 2019
I am also getting the same type of call at my work phone number multiple times. The caller states he is from the Social Security Administration and that my social security number is being fraudulently used across the country and legal action is being taken against me and that my SS# will be permanently closed. Social Security Adm. does not do this. This is a scam, consumers beware.
liz
October 30, 2019
i received an automated call telling me that the department of treasury has been trying to contact me and that i need to get in contact with the or a federal agent will be out to look for me and to call back 855-662-4465. Also that this was the second attempt.
Tampa_Resident
October 30, 2019
I tot a call from 281 786 4123 twice today.
itsamanduur
October 30, 2019
Got a phone call like this today. The number is 1-800-927-1505
Username
October 30, 2019
From the number : 786-202-0389 I got a messsage saying this from that number: Before this matter goes to federal claims court house for you to get arrested. Kindly press one. I repeat press one to know about your legal case. This call is from the legal department of social security administration. Your social security number has been suspended and we have filed a case under your name. So before this matter goes to federal claims court house for you to get arrested. Kindly press one I repeat press one..
Username
October 30, 2019
Got a call from this number : 786-202-0389 and the message said this :: Before this matter goes to federal claims court house for you to get arrested. Kindly press one. I repeat press one to know about your legal case. This call is from the legal department of social security administration. Your social security number has been suspended and we have filed a case under your name. So before this matter goes to federal claims court house for you to get arrested. Kindly press one I repeat press one.. Click here: 14699825001 to listen to full voice message.
DenitaG
October 30, 2019
I just got this message and being suspicious by nature the first thing I did was research the possibility of it being SPAM. Glad I checked. They never said my name, SSN or any information that directly pertains to ME. Don't be so quick to listen and believe...listen and research. The more people who fall for this the more this will happen.
Kat
October 30, 2019
Got a phone call saying something about my social security disability I needed to call this number 1-561-291-0832. Beware scammers
Jayy macc
October 30, 2019
I have got this call more than once, and each time it was a actual person, not a automated voice machine. I’ve been hacked, weird things happening with my phone ect. How do I go about this ? I’m scared now
Cozy Coast
October 30, 2019
I DO NOT RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND I DO NOT HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT. I RECEIVED A ROBO CALL ADVISING MY BENEFITS WERE BEING SUSPENDED. I DID NOT RESPOND TO THE CALL AND HUNG UP MY PHONE.
Csisthe1
October 30, 2019
Just now received the call almost identical to that saying that my disability benefits are going to be terminated because there is suspicious activity on my social security number and to please press 1 to talk to an agent so I don't go to jail or get arrested or have any of my benefits lost
amdtrucking
October 31, 2019
It just happened to me. I received a call from 888-207-9018 with a threat that my SSN is going to be suspended, if I don't press "1". I pressed "1" and, while talking to some person with thick accent, I googled "Social Security Scam" and found you. Of course I suspected scam and told them "Everything I think about them":-) Thank you very much.
Don't use yDes…
October 31, 2019
I just received a call from 116136747560. Telling me they are going to put an arrest warrant out from the federal government
Big papa floppa
October 31, 2019
+1 844-872-9250 they keep calling from this number.
ryan stlou
October 31, 2019
I received a call from 512-610-2469 claiming that there was an issue with my SSN number and that it had been involved in unusual activity. When I call back I get an automated answering service.
Kailas
October 31, 2019
Today I received two calls from 1-800-208-5547. It was telling that due to suspicious activity your social security benefits are suspended, press 1 to talk to SSA officer. When I dialed 1, someone answered saying he is SSA officer. I asked how do I confirm you are the real one. He said I will call you back from official SSA number and you can google that number to be a valid SSA number.
bergie24b
October 31, 2019
I just was called from +1 (469) 625-2900. I was told that my as benefits were being told nvestigated for fraud and I had to call ASAP. When I called back the person identified himself as an agent or investigator. He then asked me my name to get his records that were filed under my name, then he asked for my Address and social security number for verification. Well I said nope and they put me on hold forever. I hung up and tried to call back and now they have my number blocked and it goes to some answering service.
Annoyed
November 01, 2019

In reply to by bergie24b

I was called by the same number and the voicemail said I could call the SSA for info or questions before the matter goes to the state courthouse or I get arrested. Not calling back.
tkmorr
October 31, 2019
Add (800) 942-1826 to the list
D
October 31, 2019
‭+1 (800) 530-1760‬ Had a call from this number along with other numbers stating my ssi number has been suspended a fraud has been committed under my ssi number and to give them a call back they call almost everyday leaving messages and not leaving I did once call back when I first received one because I was concerned why would they be calling me and when they answered they were foreign and I asked them Yo tell me their location he hang up so I figured it was a scam
Crystal
October 31, 2019
add 832-676-4467 and 281-359-1673 to the list. I told them that I know you are not the real SS Office and they hung up in my face.
2759cr
October 31, 2019
This morning I received 6 calls from different phone numbers with different recorded voices telling me my social security number had been cited for suspicious activity and they urgently need to speak with me. I blocked each number. It is harassing and upsetting to get so many calls from these criminals even though I clearly realized they were fraudulent allegations.
Scat
October 31, 2019
I just received a phone call from 800-255-6494, I did not answer and the voice mail received from that call from a woman with a distinct foreign accent, was telling me I would be arrested if I ignored this call and my Social Security number would be suspended. I have saved the message on my phone, however, did not respond. I've been to the SS office in my town about other calls from other numbers in the past similar to this and they tell me I would get a letter to come to their office if there was a problem. Additionally, Social Security does not have my cell phone number, only my house phone number, so it is a scam.
Called from Ca…
October 31, 2019
I had the same experience as the previous commenter. 4087139459 called from a California # to NY with an electronic message about SS Fraud suspected and to press #4 to speak with a SS Officer.
Snikki1995
October 31, 2019
Is this a real number? 2402490519
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