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
February 11, 2020
I received a phone call today, claiming my SSN will be suspended due to money laundering. The call didn't sound real. I blocked the number for sure.
February 11, 2020
I keep getting voice mails with this message
“Strange and the reason you have received his phone call from our department is to inform you that there is the vehicle enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for criminal activities so when you get this message in time to be referred to as soon as possible long our number that is 682-360-0886 I repeat 682-360-0886 before we begin with the legal proceedings thank you and have a nice day…”
February 11, 2020
They called me from 210 673 1567. They called me saying was investigate the fraud on my social security. That I have arrest pending for me. Asking if was in the border. Also saying had laundry money charges. Hung up on him because remember social security office do not call. Just send us letters.
February 11, 2020
The call was by a woman from this number (785) 823-5839 stating that unless you call back an arrest warrant will be issued. Do not fall for this. No one in government of the U.S.A. would call you with such an stupid message.
February 11, 2020
I received this call twice today on 02/11/2020. One number from washington and the other one from Texas. This is clear when you get same call from more than one number or states. No govt agency is going to call you using different numbers if they are legit.
Message i received
“Hello this call is an official final notice from Social Security administration the reason of this call is to inform you a department has decided to suspend your Social Security number and file a lawsuit against you as we have received and suspicious activity on your social to get more information please call on our department number 210-767-3219 I repeat 210-767-3219 Inc. you…”
February 11, 2020
I received 2 calls today from a woman, "Agent Brown" 254-355-4124, supposedly from the Social Security. The recorded message stated my SSN was being suspended due to suspecious activity. I hung up. I knew it was a scam
February 12, 2020
I just got a call from this number saying they received suspicious activity on my social. That there could be a lawsuit filed against me!!
February 12, 2020
Just received voicemail from 646-993-1099 stated - "By the Federal crime and investigation Department. We need to talk to you as soon as possible. Again this call is from social security administration and the number to reach department is 646-993-1099. I repeats it's 646-993-1099. Thank you "
February 12, 2020
I got a call from +1 (281) 823-9685 and they were threatening to suspend my number
February 12, 2020
I got this today, this is the third call I’ve received. I get one a month.
We need
To verify your social security number and it's been involved in a crime this is in reference to suspend your existing Social Security number on immediate basis so call us back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with legal proceedings that is 915-219-5720 I repeat 915-219-5720…”
February 12, 2020
I also received this call, saying there was a warrant for my arrest this is scary
February 12, 2020
+1 (833) 246-8269
February 12, 2020
I just received a call and voicemail message from 1-866-898-3731. I knew it was scam! Here's what the vm verbatim:
"By the drug enforcement agency and the police station, I want you or your attorney to give us a call back on 866-898-3731. I repeat the call back number to the headquarters of the Social Security Administration Department is 866-898-3731. Do not disregard this message and call back immediately as this is a VERY serious matter. Good bye." This message doesn't sound like a computer as the example on this website. It sounded like a man from India.
February 12, 2020
+1 (833) 246-8269
“And actions 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 the legal proceedings that is 833-246-8269 I repeat 833-246-8269 thank you and have a nice day…”
It’s scam we will never call you or any other federal ssa will always send a letter. Don’t call report it don’t not call list follow the instructions on the ssa website if you become a victim.
February 12, 2020
432-201-3089- Got a call from this number saying serious inquiries on my social security and that ignorance of this message will be considered deliberate contempt? This is crazy.....I am sure this is an illegitimate one and a SCAM!
February 12, 2020
I just had the same call. From 833-427-5326. Left a digital message.
February 12, 2020
Hi - scam still going on - calling from Clyde OH - 1-567-269-2159.
February 12, 2020
I get these daily. Just received one with a similar message from (210) 944-4022.
Blocked.
February 12, 2020
504-684-7858 SCAM NUMBER
THIS INDIA guy called claiming to be from SS said all kinds of scam stuff in my voice mail as well. The scary thing is I just applied for SSD. In im very private with my info. Don't trust anybody unless in person or you go directly to the SS office. PEACE be careful
February 12, 2020
Just received a recorded message with a human voice and heavy Middle-East accent from 443-779-1764 indicating that my social security number has been compromised and that I need to press one to speak with my case manager to resolve it. Hung up, of course. Call us out of Aberdeen, MD.
February 21, 2020
Keeping getting a call about a crime and investigation having to do with my SSN. Number is 814-487-8691.
February 12, 2020
I just got this call today, 2-12-2020. saying my SSN was going to be suspended.
February 12, 2020
I recieved a call from a number listed 951-291-5773 it left me a voice message saying fraudulent activity was used under my s.s.number and if I didnt call the number back as soon as possible action would be taking.I called the number back the guy asked me my name then hung up on me.I googled the number and I was told it was a social security benefits scam number.Crazy how ppl can just do things like this these days involving your personal information.BEWARE
February 12, 2020
My 15 year old daughter just received a robotic voicemail from (315) 566-0612 indicating "Call the SSA back at 315-566-0612 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 kindly call us back at 315-566-0612 thank you"
February 12, 2020
I received a call from 916-378-8298 about the fraudulent use of my social security number and my number will be suspended. Told me to call them.
February 12, 2020
What are the various government agencies doing about this?
Why is this being allowed?
February 13, 2020
Got a call from +1 6469931189 with the message about suspicious activity. Decided to report
February 13, 2020
Got a call from +1 (470) 867-6549. Same message and caller is very aggressive. I just hung up but to the wrong person they may get scared.
February 13, 2020
Received a call from 562-278-3150 and I declined the call. They left a voice message saying my Social Security number was being legally suspended and to call them back.
February 13, 2020
I got a call from the following numbers: 800-012-4510 and 309-724-4153 claiming to be from Social Security Administration and informing about permanent disability of my social security benefits.
February 13, 2020
I received a voicemail today from (702) 470-2762 saying the transcript below, I think from a woman in India. I called the number back, and she asked for my case ID and name. I told her I did not have a case ID as she did not provide it. I told her I am in law enforcement and was recording the call and her voice would be entered into the national voice imprint database, so that law enforcement could scan for a match to determine her identity and address. Needless to say, she hung up.
Voicemail Transcript -
These 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. So when you get the message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number 702-470-2762. I repeat 702-470-2762 before we begin with the legal proceedings. Thank you. Have a nice day.
February 13, 2020
I received a call today very similar to the stories above from 254-382-2099 from McGregor, TX. I did not answer it but they left a VM. It said my SS# was used in fraudulent and illegal activities and my SS# was going to be suspended. I called the number back and an Indian (?) man answered and I hung up. I searched the number and came across multiple scam calls related to this number and similar stories.
February 13, 2020
916-586-8120 now calling leaving message stating:
"916-586-8120 the reason 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 fraudulent activity so before this matter goes to the state courthouse and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any question kindly call us back...."
Poor grammar as well.
February 13, 2020
I just received a call from 916-378-8764 , left a voice mail saying there is fraudulent activity on my social security # , to call them back so I don't get arrested. This is terrible. The second call I have gotten. I feel horrible for the elderly that get sucked into these calls.
February 13, 2020
Received a call from Fremont OH 567-255-6013. Thick accent could hardly understand but the message said my social security number was involved in a crime and I needed to call back immediately.
February 13, 2020
They are using (800) 352-9413 and they are trying to threaten and intimidate. Wonder why the government and phone companies not prosecute these criminals?
February 13, 2020
Social Security scam calls to my mobile phone, pre-recorded, two within 5 minutes from 2 different numbers
443-961-9969
806-329-3076
Ridiculous robotic and garbled.
February 13, 2020
Received a call from 800-942-9913 (I keep blocking, the number keeps changing) law inforcement (doesn't say where) has noticed my ssn ...and will suspend my ssn if I dont contact them. The robo call doesn't even use my name. Has been calling for a while. Not even a real voice, its electronic.
February 14, 2020
Received a phone call from (844)213-0329 didn't answer, they left the following voicemail message: We're calling to inform you that we have got in order to suspend your socials immediate within 24 hours because have have found fraudulent activity on your social to get more information about this case file please call immediately on our department number 844-213-0329, repeat 844-213-0329 thank you.
February 14, 2020
I just got this scam call today from this texas phone number 281-225-9627.
February 14, 2020
someone just called using a phone # 844 213 0329 talked about SSI and gave a call back # that did not start with 1800. When I researched, the caller # was from some restaurant in Las Vegas. When I called back nobody pick up.
February 14, 2020
I just got a call on my cell telling there will be action taken on my ss number from 855-239-3523 and to cl back or else I will be charged with fraud
February 14, 2020
+1 202-657-5791 scam saying my ssn was suspended
February 18, 2020
Received a call (800-814-6412) this morning with robotic female voice saying that my SSN had been suspended due to fraudulent activity.. What a terrible thing to try to scam people like this.. My elderly mother received a similar call about 6 months before she passed.. She was never the same..
February 18, 2020
I got this message: “Social Security administration legal department the reason of this message is to inform you that S essay department is filing lawsuit against you and arrest warrant has been released on your name due to legal enforcement action is filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activities to get more information about this case file for a _______ ________ _____ one and speak to our agent now…”
February 18, 2020
Recieved the following message from (301) 851-0648 on 2/17/2020, which is also a federal holiday. Nomorobo has reported it as suspicious. Blocked.
TRANSCRIPT
Purity administration office we are calling you regarding your social security number been put on hold due to suspicious trail of information been found under your name The moment you receive this message I need you to call us on our department division number 301-851-0648 I repeat it's 301-851-0648 verify the last 4 digits of your social when you call to better assist you.
February 18, 2020
I got a call today from someone saying they were from Social SecurityAnd my name was used in a fraudulent activity in Maryland.... I gave my whole Social Security number and birthday... Omg I’m so scared
February 18, 2020
I got a call telling me my social security number being suspended and press 1 for a operator. Connected to a middle eastern man that could barely speak English.
March 04, 2020
(503)-046-7206 scam
February 18, 2020
Caller ID was 866-232-9521 where call came thru our cell numbers with voice message related to suspending our SS accounts.