Consumer Alert
This is what a Social Security scam sounds like
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.
Topics
November 15, 2019
Caller stated I am rcvg this call because my SSN has been implicated with a court case.
November 15, 2019
I just got a voice mail from an 888 number saying my social insurance # has been suspended . I NEVER answer the phone unless I know the person who is calling. I screen the calls afterwards and block any I don’t recognize. I believe that if the call is important they will either leave a message or contact me another way. Mute your phone and relax!
November 15, 2019
I receive the call supposedly from Social Security saying about money laundering and fraud that an investigation is under order this is the number that called (1800)985-9611
November 16, 2019
They are now calling from +1 (410) 734-2113 trying to get your name and SSN I would call the police or feds; but they are inept and don’t care.
November 16, 2019
844 699 7787 - exact same scam call. AVOID ANSWERING
November 16, 2019
Call from a Robo Molly that left a message and said to contact number 410-874-4823, threatening Legal Action due to Social Security Number Fraud! Obviously a Scam!!!
November 18, 2019
Just another scam, mine came from 3144633040.
November 18, 2019
Just got a pre-recorded call from area code 314-463-3040 saying I should call them back immediately because there is some fraudulent activity with my Social Security. They said it was very important to call this phone number back immediately. Just FYI.
November 18, 2019
Got a scam call from 833-494-8378 on Nov. 18, 2019 about social security number asking to call back.
November 18, 2019
+15260055665
add this number. they called me about 5 min ago.
November 18, 2019
I got the same call from (800)-616-7869. Glad, I hung up after listening to their crap.
November 18, 2019
1-800-134-7658. Left VM with robotic voice but message was half cut off, something about fraud and with the help of FBI, if no response, then the lawsuit will be filed under your name.
November 18, 2019
I just got another threatening phone call... I am so sick of these people taking advantage of others. I'm not falling for it !!!
November 18, 2019
They called me today from 833-833-8463
November 18, 2019
I got a call like this, they tole me that my id has been used in texas whit a crime of some sort i really didint understand then he started asken me if i had any bank acounts i told em no then call was done. im kinda not sure what to do?
November 18, 2019
Received a call today from (202) 539-8997, echoing what's already been stated in the comments. Looks like they're using multiple numbers. A "robot-sounding female voice" stating that my SSN was about to be suspended due to involvement in suspicious criminal activity in Texas (note, I don't live in Texas). Will be blocking that number. Hope this helps anybody else who's received the same call. Thanks!
November 18, 2019
New SSA Phone Fraud Scam
(716) 229-5338
716-229-5338
Call was received in New York State (Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, Long Island) from the above number
November 18, 2019
getting lot of automated calls from ssn office, regarding ssn suspension and arrest. number (833) 865 8030.
November 18, 2019
Got several calls today from (833) numbers automated saying SSN has been frozen and all benefits will be stopped press 1 to got to a representative. I never press 1 as i only spoke to SSA on friday, so sure this is a Scam
November 18, 2019
I just got a call from 800-715-8782. Call was identical to the one above but it was a female voice. The script was the same. People needs to get a job instead trying to scam people.
November 19, 2019
Today i received scam call twice on social security about to suspend.
Beaware of 2484332201 & 5126418812
November 18, 2019
Got 2 calls in 48 hours.
SS scam left voicemail. Don’t answer calls from 800.695.5474.
November 18, 2019
Got 2 calls in 48 hours.
SS scam left voicemail. Don’t answer calls from 800.695.5474.
November 18, 2019
I just received this one today but it is the second message. It cam from 512 361-7193 Buda, TX. There is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with legal proceedings.
November 18, 2019
I'm getting calls from 956-203-0047. Saying the FBI will do something if I don't call.
November 18, 2019
I have gotten 4 calls a day for a week, and the voicemail is claiming the above.
Calls are from 1-800-257-0686 &
1-800-403-4635
1-800-754-1741
1-800-833-3834
1-800-981-2657
also getting calls that show up as Spam Risk.
I block the numbers as they come in, but they are using different numbers as you can see and all the voicemails are the same.
November 18, 2019
I got the call from (786) 706-9588 from North Miami Beach, FL saying that my social security has some criminal activity and call this number before they take the legal action.
First of all, I am in NY and never been to FL.
November 18, 2019
They keep calling me from this number (800) 520-4532.
They’re using the same excuse, that they’re forced to suspend my social security number.
November 19, 2019
I keep getting calls saying I'm going to jail for fraudulent activity, I haven't done nothing wrong, the number they have called me from is 800-676-8594
November 18, 2019
Got a call from 1-844-716-1110 telling me my social security number was suspended and all my benefits would be canceled until they can get to the bottom of my case.
November 18, 2019
Here's a new twist. If you are a registered LLC or business entity, They try to make you think your $85.00 filling fee is due. They ask you to send 185.00 to there organization. Got to look out for these little devils
November 18, 2019
I have tried repeatedly on November 18, 2019 to fill out your complaint form at ftc.gov/complaint. The form does not respond to the "date" slot.
I have been called four times today, the latest at 5:50 PM by Someone claiming that my Social Security information has been compromised in South Texas and that I should press #1 to talk to an Officer whose name I cannot remember.
My name on the "Do Not Call" registry must have been eliminated years ago! I am assuming that this must be a scam. The recurrent calls, the latest of four today at 5:50 PM EST, are deeply upsetting.
November 18, 2019
Received a robot call 800-738 2514 from SS this noon time, "Your social security number has been compromised."
November 18, 2019
I've been receiving automated phone calls from 936-587-9621, stating that there's been criminal activity with my social security number & that I should call back right away. I've never heard of SSA calling leaving messages. I answered & that's what I got, I truly believe it's a scam!
November 19, 2019
These call are continuous. Now using a female voice. And phone number will now vary depending on where you live.
November 19, 2019
Today I rec'd a call from 347-706-1994 and they were trying to say I would be arrested if I did not cooperate and they were from the SSA about fraudulent use of my social. Then they said they needed me to give them my social to be sure of who they were speaking to. What a scam. I am only reporting to help others. I told the guy he was a Fraud and and he should be the one worried about being arrested.
November 19, 2019
Just received a call/voicemail from 469-729-4923 saying my social security number is involved in criminal activity and that they are about to file legal charges on me if I don’t call them back...Nice try but I don’t do illegal activities DUMMY
November 19, 2019
new call about suspicion activity from number 280-920-0531.
How to check if the social security number is OK?
November 19, 2019
I just had this exact experience. I was asked for my SS number and I immediately said no, I am not just giving anyone my number. They tried to reassure me but I hung up and immediately came here... Thank you for this information. I knew my gut was right.
November 19, 2019
I've received several calls on my cell phone (which is not my official SS contact number) The latest one saying there have been "actions filed against your social security number for fraudulent activities....call back on this number before we begin with legal proceedings..." HERE IS THE NUMBER THEY GAVE: (540) 225-1341 (in Stanley, VA)
November 19, 2019
what can happen if you give them your name and last 4 of your ssn? i was falling for it.
November 21, 2019
I got a call from 1 -315 -500-0124, stating that legal action was being taken against me about my social security fraud activity,,I told the person in New York City I was calling the FBI and having this number turned into them.
November 19, 2019
Just got this call! I was cussed at and hung up on when I said uh uh and laughed?
November 19, 2019
11/19/19
Just received this call from phone #1-800-355-2700.
November 19, 2019
I have received a phone call daily - sometimes two times a day they will call my number, they have even told me my social security number and where I live - They are also telling you about a grant from the federal government for $11,600. these people are ruthless and do no give up... thank YOU for posting this information
November 19, 2019
i’ve gotten 2 calls in one day from the number
+1 (844) 870-8500. they said my social security number was used in fragile that activity and to press 1 to talk to someone about it.
sound familiar to anyone?
November 19, 2019
Today a recording from 1-831-320-6605 has been leaving a message every half hour. The recordings began at 6:33 am. This is going too far!! I feel harassed. What can I do??
November 19, 2019
I just got a call from 800-684-1018 stating my SSN will be suspended due to suspicious activity and to please press 1 to clarify which I did to see where I was being redirected to and a guy answered an sounded like a South Asia (India) answered and hung up. SCAMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!
November 19, 2019
I received a voicemail yesterday after declining “Fraud Risk” number. The voicemail included the following. “ the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity so before this matter goes to the state court house and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any question kindly call us back at 719-426-3430 thank you…”
November 20, 2019
I just got one from 361 203 0072