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
January 24, 2020
I just received a call but wasn’t able to get to the phone, so the voicemail says that some legal enforcement was filed in regards with my SSN for criminal activities under section 18 and that before this matter goes to Federal Court House or before I get arrested I need to call immediately to the toll free number 18338442773. So I’d like to know if this is also considered one of those scam phone calls???!!
January 24, 2020
Just received one of these calls today! Crazy - the call id had the following #1-800-599-5112. Beware!
January 24, 2020
+1 (800) 814-9286 look out for this number!! it tells you that there is suspicious activity in your icloud account and it is very obvious that it is a scam. they called but i did not give them any information, all i said was that “i am actually speaking to an police officer right now would you like to talk to them?” and then click they hung up :) please look out for these for I don’t want any innocent people getting any information stolen
January 24, 2020
I just got one of these calls to my cell. The number showing on the ID was 800-563-1852. The same voice recording wanted me to press 1 to learn more about it. I didn't fall for it.
January 24, 2020
Scam number +1 (866) 709-7435 need information of social security.
January 24, 2020
I received a voice mail from (800)951-4651, stating your social security number has been suspended for fraud ended activities and you maybe arrested. Press 1 for more information. Sounds like a 100% FRAUD CALL. When I called back it said you have dialed a number not available from your calling area.
January 24, 2020
this #8002379731 call telling me my social was suspended and to call
January 24, 2020
I just received this voicemail scam
“ “Message is intended for you from Social Security administration we have received a legal complaint under your Social Security number and your driver license number we have received a legal complaint to block your Social Security number immediately so before we go ahead legally blocking your Social Security number so kindly call us back on our number that is 510-806-1014 I repeat is 510-806-1014 thank you and have a blessed day…”
January 24, 2020
Number called and said there was suspicious activity on my social security in Texas. On my caller ID it said call was from Canada. Then they asked me to verify my Social Security number.I said No and hung up.
January 24, 2020
+1 (800) 977-8835 This number Called me today and left a voicemail threatening to suspend my Social Security number if I did not call them back because there has been suspicious activity under my name And Social Security.Thankfully I did not Answer these scammers need to get a real job
January 25, 2020
This is what they just recently sent me. My phone translates voicemail to text, so I can see what I'm hearing: 12532181263 Depositing new message Crime and investigation Department. We need to talk to you as soon as possible. Again this call is from Social Security Administration number to reach department is 253-218-1263 I repeat, that's 253-218-1263. Thank you.. Click here: 13608424000 to listen to full voice message.
January 25, 2020
I keep getting called from Soc Sec Admin 301-722-5175. A computerized voice says charges are being filed against me fro fraudulent use of my social security number and I must press 1 to speak with an account representative now. I did press 1 one of the times and a man answered 'Social Security" so I angrily said 'What do you want? Stop calling us!' and he said 'Oh!' and hung up. I finally blocked the number!
January 27, 2020
I received a call from the number 1 800-646-8407 with that same man's voice from the recording saying my social security number was under investigation please hit number one and I hung up on them cuz I knew better
January 27, 2020
I got a call that my ss is being garnished for whatever reason so I googled the # and as I was right..scam it is!!!
January 27, 2020
got a call from 440-703-8851. saying social had been used in criminal activity and get me or my criminal lawyer to call....sounds scary but looked it up. Sad such scams are growing
January 27, 2020
Just received a call from 800-739-8742 claiming to be the SSA threatening me with arrest and a court appearance if I did not press 1.
January 27, 2020
The social security robotic voice scam calls are also coming from the number 202 580 7689.
January 27, 2020
A scam call was made to me today claiming my Social Security number is been suspected for fraudulent activities call made at 11:15AM from 610 664-6454.
Message left and copied below;
“Social Security number is been suspected for fraudulent activities so ___________ get ___________ us back as soon as possible on our number before _______________________ proceedings against you that is 210-664-5454 I repeat 210-664-5454 thank you…”
January 27, 2020
Received call on 1.27.2020 from 1-888-726-0268 stating my Soc Sec card had been defrauded and no longer valid.
January 27, 2020
Received a vm, read Potential Scam, by my phone.
Message to call 770-881-7795 because there's "fraudulent activity on my SSN" and "before I get arrested".....
How does the government let these people get away with this crap??
January 27, 2020
Got a call from 1-800-753-0599 claiming to be the Baltimore Social Security Office. The caller stated my SSN has been canceled due to suspicious activity!!! Sure!!!!
January 27, 2020
Alert for this number: 800-200-0125 They called my home
January 27, 2020
I just got a call from 213-984-4589, I was unable to answer since I was on a conference call at work. They left a message, robotic, saying they were from the Social Security Administration and I needed to immediately call them back. Phone number 213-984-4589. I have had these scammers call me a million times before. I have never provided my information. They try to scare you by saying they are sending the FBI and police to arrest me and throw me in jail for not providing my information and not cooperating with them. I've said that I'll wait patiently outside with them. Then they hung up.
January 27, 2020
Just got call from 800-239-5598. Same as above.
January 27, 2020
1-27-2020 robot voice same song and dance u called the texas z# 1512 991 3538. Answered Soc. Sec. Agency I Was Even Polite And Apologetic. They ruthlessjy assaulted my iintegrity.
January 27, 2020
I've been getting calls from Double Springs, AL about my social security number being suspended. They've been calling for a couple months now and I've been ignoring the calls. Today they've been very persistent.
January 27, 2020
I keep getting this number say SSI is going to stop if you dont call back 18187486027
January 27, 2020
+1 (877) 887-8301
unknown
Received a voicemail from a robotic glitchy lady
January 27, 2020
Received a call today from 1-800-238-4343. It match's many of the previously listed complaints. Recorded voice stating my SSN had been suspended. I hung up and did not press 1 to hear more.
January 27, 2020
Automated machine saying that CRA will take action against my SIN#. When will people stop??
January 27, 2020
i got one from 888 593 4741
January 27, 2020
My 76 year old father got a call from 1-800-049-4352 , I told him it was a scam and to block the number.
January 27, 2020
I just received a call like this. Something wasnt rite from the start. When the person stated that as of october i no longer qualified to receive my benefits but also stated that the system was down. So i told them well if the system down how would you know this thats like my tv dont work but im watching jerry springer
January 27, 2020
The number that tried to scam me was this number 651-628-4001
January 27, 2020
just adding number 1-800-409-0782
January 27, 2020
There trying to scare me by saying that they will visit my house tomorrow
January 27, 2020
512-772-4425 Is a scam, just called same exact message as above.
January 27, 2020
Just got a phone call.the number is 800-782-4349
January 27, 2020
Do not answer calls from (469) 870-7344! It is a scam.
Today, 01-27-2020, I have received 3 calls from (469) 870-7344 in which a recorded voice attempts "to warn" me that my Social Security number and benefits are in danger if I do not call back!
January 27, 2020
Just now received a call from 254 505 5948, saying that Social Secuirty is blocked.. I have ended the call after listening to the complete message..
January 27, 2020
Got a robot call from this number today +18004987730.
Went to voicemail, but from what I got it stated "... and the FBI is investigating more about this case file. We are trying to reach you for the last time to verify of such activities. Just in case we will not hear back from you it would be considered as an intentional fraud and the lawsuit will be filed under you name. In order to get more information and talk to the social security officer, kindly press 1. I repeat, press 1 to connect your call to social security officer. Thank you."
January 27, 2020
Got. A done call. I need to call back when I do. Thay say sochal severity. Amesration im sorry I now. Better. Hers the #. 201-328-9125 thay called twice
January 27, 2020
1-877-201-9792 is another number I was contacted with. They threatened legal and physically todo harm if I did not comply with their request. I reported their threats and claim to be SSA. It was a male and then a female involved in call . They claimed a fraud case was being issued and needed all my personal information to sort out fraud and investigation was gonna have to be paid for by me. I refused then the threats started. Terrible people.
January 27, 2020
I got this call around noon today, from: 956-347-8361.
It is the 'female' computer voice, threatens cessation of benefits and the "trail of suspicious" activity, but it did not threaten arrest.
January 27, 2020
Here is another one 1 800 699 3007
January 27, 2020
Requested that I returned their call, and said, “ I repeat it's 956-448-6948 and when you call us please be ready with your case file number DMC75628 I repeat your case file number is DMC75628…”
January 27, 2020
I just received three calls from 800-778 9556 ,800 709 0889 , 800 734 2619
January 28, 2020
2020, FridayJan 24 and Monday Jan 27 I've been getting multiple, impressively persistent calls from a Minnesota number for consecutive business days (they took the weekend off!), with the same recorded female robotic voice message. Amusingly, while the content of the message is very serious and businesslike, at the end I'm pretty sure the script says to "have a blessed day." I'm just impressed that they're maintaining a consistency in the callback number over a period of days!
FWIW the originating, and stated callback number is (320) 287-5296.
January 28, 2020
1/28/2020 10am ET Just got a call like this from 844 510 3664. Didn't call it back they tried twice leaving the same voicemail. Be careful folks.
January 28, 2020
800 597 7142
I receive call from this number now