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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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Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators
Pdiddy
February 03, 2020
Just got a call from (813)754-3672 asking for my last four. I knew right away what they were trying to do. I gave them a fake number and reported them.
Kyle
February 03, 2020
Just got a call today from 800 504 6105 saying their ssa. And were issuing an arrest warrant if I didn't pay. After trying to get my s.s # just a heads up
Codexgiga
February 03, 2020
I received the exact example call recording from 813-556-6189. It was very unsettling but I did my research and discovered that it is a scam.
you can!nt SCAM me
February 04, 2020
i never give out any info to any one i do not no i been threw this many times with SCAMMERS THEY TRY AND GET ALL OF YOUR MONEY any way they can and they are good at it even on the web were people tell you that you could make 500.00 a day is a SCAM there is no way that money will flow into your account 24/7 day after day hour after hour just think about that i have never fell for a scam and they have tryed many times
nl12302
February 04, 2020
+1 (844) 589-6858 This number called saying about going forward for legal purposes. Idk
NJ Guy
February 04, 2020
I got the same social security scam too. The Number they used was 844 265 7362
Vik
February 04, 2020

In reply to by NJ Guy

Just got a call, the number is: (833) 273-0605.. Have not seen this number posted anywhere...I did not answer just let my answering machine take the message...
screencalls
February 04, 2020
just received a call from 1-800-985-1284
don’t get scammed
February 04, 2020
I just received an automated voice telling me my social security number is being fraudulently used and I’ll be arrested and to hold to speak to an officer. I just hung up and blocked the #. Now I wish I could of messed with them and wasted their time. I hate these kind of people. Don’t be fooled
WLHOFTN
February 04, 2020
This morning three separate numbers called with same message as above including several numbers in the message. 9163788624, 9163788603 called from number 9163788624,9162485688 message return number
slynn
February 04, 2020
Just received a robotic voicemail from 833 585 9276 They claimed there is fraudulent activity on my SSN and to call back right away before legal action is taken. Just wanted to post my experience. This is my first phone call. I screen all of my calls these days because of this exact reason. I did not take any action what so ever and deleted the message.
Cb
February 04, 2020
Only about 5 minutes ago. St. Louis don't answer to 8009683786
twatson1717
February 04, 2020
Robo call from ‭+1 (800) 320-0830‬ saying legal action And arrest warrant
tito
February 04, 2020
received this call today Feb 4 2020 from woman sounding english(England) .the number was 1-800-463-7414.If you get this call please add to your blocked numbers or call your phone co.Do not answer these scam of the Earth.Thanks
Dallas TX Resident
February 04, 2020
Call from 6681846428. Robotic voice saying social security number was used for fraudulent activity near southern border of Texas. Press 1 to talk to agent. 668-184-6428 (668) 184-6428
Bee
February 04, 2020
I keep getting calls from this number 8002236911 claiming to be from social security. They say my SSN has been blocked and then direct me to speak to SSN officer.
Confused and c…
February 04, 2020
The scammers leave a number to return the call. Is the FTC or FBI unable or unwilling to return and trace these calls in real time? If the answer is able, but unwilling, how does merely taking complaints serve the public more than active investigation and enforcement? "Unable" strains credulity.
Anonymous
February 04, 2020
I just received that call on my cell phone from phone number 822-960-8040 with a robo call telling me it was the SSA and that my SSN was suspended immediately for suspicious activity detected on my account. Press 1 to make corrections, thank you, then it hung up the connection. I did not attempt to make any connections.
ntjaramillo16
February 04, 2020
I work for a law enforcement agency and ‭+1 (800) 182-0021‬ called me and asked if my agency had contacted me about my ssn. I told him my badge number and he called me a liar, then hung up and blocked my number.
DLH
February 04, 2020
I received a call today from 843-800-1874 stating there was legal enforcement charges against me under money laundering Control Act 1986 and my SSN has been compromised under fraudulent activity . I must call them today at 843-800-1874.
Bigman
February 04, 2020
I got a call from 1 800 931-0934 telling me my social security got suspended and I’ll be arrested if I don’t press 1 and give them my last 4 numbers of my social security number. I hung up.
ddoggeh
February 04, 2020
‭+1 (916) 378-8987‬ This number is also scams they called me earlier that my ssn is compromised i call back they ask about my information when i told that u already have my information why u asking me they he hung up
thill
February 04, 2020
I have received two calls today, one from (800) 772-1215 and another from (856) 791-3444, both of which told me that my social security number was being investigated for fraud and some other nonsense. Have these calls increased lately, or I am just getting lucky enough to get them?
User2466
February 04, 2020
Got a one just now with this number ‭+1 (800) 852-5618‬
ParkHost3
February 04, 2020
2-4-2020: received a call from 586-690-6312, Mount Clemens, MI. Said it was from ssa, my numbers in ‘trouble’ and drivers license also?! I use google voice to answer my phone calls. I no longer answer my phone unless it is a call I know or have recently called. I have given family & friends this info. I tell everyone to LEAVE A MESSAGE. To many robo calls. I’m sorry that I can’t even safely respond to political polling calls. Not even from charities that I used to donate to. So sad what technology has brought us to, makes me dream of the old land lines only!
Tired of Scammers
February 04, 2020
Another SS scam number to be careful: 984 206 4014
PrincessKairi
February 04, 2020
I got a call similar, saying that my ssn was used in the act of money laundering in texas. The instant they asked to "confirm" the last 4 digits of my ssn i was suspicious. I told them as such and refused to give them my ssn numbers. They gave me a bunch of info you can get off of any basic application such as address. After i told them i didn't have a bank account, I got forwarded to their "supervisor" who told me i needed to pay 200 to them to be issued a new ssn and that i would get it back from a couple officers tomorrow. I said i didn't have that and i didn't have family or friends i could borrow from and he hung up on me lol. The number was 1 800 322 0282. From what i know, the ss administration does not call you, so it's pretty obvious it's a scam. They were calling nonstop and i got sick of it so i answered just to get them to stop. Hopefully today will be the last call i get from them
travelaround
February 04, 2020
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 916-378-8641 I received this same call 3 times Plus a text from amazon saying my order is ready to click on it and confirm info I don’t shop from Amazon
ValleyGirl
February 04, 2020
I have had many calls from Egypt! But when I did a reverse lookup it was actually Washington DC. I keep blocking and they keep calling. It’s never ending! It’s ridiculous. I never answer!
SteffieJ
February 05, 2020
I got a call from 1-844-441-3896 and I don't answer numbers that I don't know so I called the number back and he's talking really fast I hear a bunch of clatter in the background he says that this is officer number blah blah blah and his name can I help you today and I said why do I do I have a missed call from this number and he said well it's about your social security number there's fraudulent things going on with it something about he just needs to verify some things can you give me your name and I told him my name and I said that's all I'm giving you I'm not giving you my social security number because if you're the social security department you should know my my number and he proceeded to tell me that I would be arrested and 30 to 45 minutes please cooperate with the police and then hung up on me.
mhurlburt
February 05, 2020
I just received a phone call from 913-317-7775 saying my Social Security number has been suspended due to some reasons and they requested I call them back at 915-317-7775.
Maverick
February 05, 2020
I received a phone call that is extremely time sensitive. The number for you to call the SSA back is 916-378-8641. 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 916-378-8641
Bobbydad424$
February 05, 2020
A friend received a call came from 888-284-3410 requesting that she verify her Medicare ID number. They are trying to charge orthopedic items to her insurance. After not giving them her info..they got angry and hung up on her
Tarzan12373
February 05, 2020
Got a call pretty much exact to the example of the scam message. The number was... 1(800)405-1251
#Godisgood7
February 05, 2020
I received a call today from +191370367421 indicating that I had some type of fraudulent activity with my SSN in Texas. The call asked me to press #1 to speak to an officer. When I pressed 1 the phone disconnect. I should of known this was a scammer. These calls catch you off guard. I will be more aware and more vigilant from now on.
Dee
February 05, 2020
Received a call from a number in Maine - 207-408-0718. BEWARE. Saying my social is will be suspended.
Shannon
February 05, 2020
Received Multiple voicemails like this from a few different numbers. The beginning of the most recent message was cutting in and out at the beginning, so I didn’t hear who they supposedly were calling from, but it sounded like a robot. They said, “ You have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly revert on our number as soon as possible that is 814-667-0717. I repeat our number is 814-667-0717 before we began with the legal proceedings. Thank you and have a great day.”
Sc
February 05, 2020
Just received a call left voicemail “43440860 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 816-434-0860 thank you…” Scam?
SS-CALLER -SCAM
February 05, 2020
Already reported.. ss has been suspended, due to suspicious activity.
brb- st.paul
February 05, 2020
got the call from 214-785-1380 on 2/5/20 at 8:07 and 11:52 AM did not pick up either call.
Steve M
February 05, 2020
Received a call from 1-800-647-2135. Just hung up.
Fed Up
February 05, 2020
Received a call today from this number (202)593-9245. Stating my social security number would be deactivated related to fraudulent activity. I was urged to call back or face big trouble
aabb
February 05, 2020
I received a call from +1(713)247-4409 informing me about activities and money laundering being investigated by their department and the FBI... Press 1 to talk to the Social Security Office... Oh boy !!! Good luck. I was born yesterday...
PortlandOR
February 05, 2020
"No Caller ID" rang my mobile number, left voice message, female robocaller says my social security number has been in fraudulent activity toward federal properties, my SSN is being suspended and I risk losing benefits if I don't call back immediately. Number is 956-363-9896. Location shows as Weslaco, TX
Sally
February 05, 2020
Received 2 recorded calls in one day from 800 604 716 and 800 948 8272 threatening to stop all my my social security benefits. I didn't answer and just hang up.
elizgiff13
February 05, 2020
Got a call from ‭+1 (936) 657-0421‬ claiming I’d be arrested if I don’t call back.
Alan G.
February 05, 2020
I just received a similar robocall from 213-457-7332 threatening legal action, etc. SCAM.
Tracy
February 05, 2020
They just called and said they was the SSA and that if I didn't give them my social then they would send the law after me. Lol! The number was 1-800-252-0059! I reported them! It is a scam!
Donrocky888't …
February 05, 2020
790 304 4367 has been calling an saying they have a warrant for my arrest they say its social security an to press 1 to solve this problem.its a scam so if anyone else gets this phone call hang up I hung up an tried to call number back . It said the number was no longer in service .so folks dont give them ur info
Wozy
February 05, 2020
The same automated voice , but know it is a verizon phone scam
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