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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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Local Resident
March 16, 2020
I just received a call from Chicago, IL 773-694-5341. They left a voice mail saying I had a warrant out for my arrest for Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking (UH WHAT?). I asked where he was calling from, he indicated San Antonio Texas and I asked but why the Chicago number. He had no clear answer. His accent was so thick I couldn't understand what he was saying so I said I need to speak with your supervisor or someone I can understand. He said he would call me back. I told him I knew this was a scam and that I would be reporting him for the call.
Squish64Dad
March 16, 2020
Received one today, 3/16/20 similar message with a call back of 561-250-7753. AT&T identified it as Spam Alert on my cell. Stay safe!
joe
March 16, 2020
March 2020 still using this scam 325-465-0092
claire
March 16, 2020
I just got a phone call that said my social security number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity in the state of Texas. When they asked me for my name I asked them to verify and she said she was officer Johnson. I then asked for a phone number to call back in and verify and she hung up on me.
ray@
March 18, 2020
Automated call from 800-830-4325 saying fraudulent activity detected in Texas on my SS# and wanted a call back. Not doing it.
LEMONSHOES
March 16, 2020
I have been receiving calls now for about a week and a half saying that my social was about to be suspended due to suspicious activity and to please hold for officer. I block every number that calls but they keep calling from a different number and they are all 347 numbers from New York. I have had probably over 150 calls from them since last week. They hang up and call right back. Super frustrating.
Smartnoodle
March 16, 2020
208-867-8747, this # just called saying they suspended my social security number for suspicious activity, hung up because I heard of these scams.
Tracy
March 16, 2020
fake number: 201-353-5361
Frustrated
March 16, 2020
I just received a call from them saying I was a victim of identity theft and that they were calling from the SS administration. This is the 3rd call like this that I've gotten in the last 6 months. Normally when you call back the vm is an advertisement. They are calling themselves MCorp? The phone # was 1-800-252-2526
Robledja
March 17, 2020
We just received same phone call from ‭+1 (800) 233-7018‬ and is a scam.
Probert24
March 17, 2020
905-753-7574 is a scam number...so tired of these calls. Rogers need to be held more responsible, they charge us enough to use their services, we should have peace of mind when using such services.
Sue B.
March 17, 2020
‭+1 (888) 786-7591‬ Scam! Threatened with Federal action if I don’t call. I blocked the number.
CarolineGeorgia
March 17, 2020
I received two messages back to back, different numbers, saying something about a DMC7010 89. I searched that and same across this message board. The phone numbers were different and came across as low risk for spam. I'm HOPING this is part of the spoof, though! I just deleted them.
Persistent Scammers
March 17, 2020
Received a call from (833) 540-0396 today with the similar pattern of scam listed here. Additionally, they texted me at (833) 221-2831 with a link that I did not open.
Mark
March 17, 2020
Was called by 800-237-6229 What a scam. “Your Social Security number I have with immediate effect do give us all your social benefits will be canceled until further clearance subsequently six number GMC 7000 10 89 has been filed under your name with three federal agencies the federal trade commission Nevada business bureau and the financial crime investigation network the investigation is underway and we have reasons to believe that this might be a case of identity staff in case you feel this is due to an error you may connect to the legal _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ administration in order to connect to a Social Security administration officer press one now I refuse to get connected to the Social Security administration officer _⁠_⁠_ now…”
Reporting scam call
March 18, 2020
I get this call from 817-406-9668, Caller said they were with the county tax office and wanted to serve papers and call 443-210-4519. seems like fake. Caller: Rebbecca with the county
grey
March 18, 2020
We just received a similar message supposedly from SSA, were an arrest warrant was issued under our name due to suspicious activity. We hung up but these calls can definitely sound intimidating. I know if backed up money is owed to the govt. they immediately freeze your account (levy) and don't even tell you or call you. However, they mail out letters prior to a levy. I also know if there is an arrest warrant issued in your name. Your local sheriff will go find you ASAP.
mssmith565
March 18, 2020
They called me from 1800-267-3700
Jay2020
March 18, 2020
Add 833-614-0240
Missy
March 18, 2020
They left a message to call when I did a man with a thick accent answered wanted my name and information. Said this was a on going criminal matter that someone was using my SS number. He gave a name and his employee id number. When I did not give him additional information he said he wanted to f me and then hung up.
Francccpantz
March 18, 2020
We got a call from 888 769 3060 stating that they are the social security administration and said that there has been fraudulent activity on my account .
Harley Dude
March 18, 2020
402 870 3069. Saying they are a friend of mine and a name I know was provided. That I have some $$$ coming. Texting sounds like Tarzan with words missing. Gotta be a scam.
jjay20020@
March 19, 2020
I got a call from this number 1-321-291-5335 He knows my name & wanted to know something about me! but i just disconnected after saying that i don't know, than after few days he text me and asked that if I am available or free now to talk?!
NV in Texas
March 18, 2020
I just received a call from (210) 484-4049. The scammers are using a female robo voice with the following message: "... legal department. The reason of this message is to inform you that SSA department is filing lawsuit against you. An arrest warrant has been released on your name due to legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. To get more information about this case file from federal database, press one and speak to our agent now."
tadaef56
March 18, 2020
‭(888) 978-0944‬ This number just called and said they were with the Social Security Administration office. And my social security number was being suspended for criminal activity associated with my social. Wanted me to call the exact same number. Definitely a scam
Victorville ca
March 18, 2020
Federal Crime investigation phone number 1800 -281- 4124 Claiming social security fraud with 3 different federal agencies.
Foreigner
March 18, 2020
I'm a foreigner so I ended up on this site before doing anything the scam call said. Scam phone call asking me to press one in regards to my SSN about to be suspended for fraudulent activity. SCAM phone number: 203 824 1059
Gray
March 19, 2020
1-800-204-6297 Same pre-recorded message but a female “robot” voice.
V Man
March 19, 2020
Add 631-670-5211 to the list! They tried to scam my 77 year old mother. She called me right away!!! Don't mess with Mama!!!!!
Sandra
March 19, 2020
Just got this message from 800-284-5315. SMH. These scammers trying to take advantage of people during this current pandemic is sickening.
tommy
March 19, 2020
‭+1 (844) 710-3571‬ This number just called with a SSN scam.
Pat
March 19, 2020

In reply to by tommy

Yeah I just received a similar call from (814) 779-5288 from Penn. Using this SSN scam.
SG
March 19, 2020
Just received call from 800-212-7634 recording saying "a DMC 701089 filed w/ Federal agencies, trade, BBB and Financial criminal. This could be case of ID theft. Push 1 to be connected to SS administration"
LLP
March 19, 2020
I am getting the scam calls multiple times a week. 800-270-6500, 202-991-7893
bfuss@
March 20, 2020
I've been getting a call from 833-309-0911 for the last 2-3 weeks saying that there are fraudulent activities related to my ssn and that an action will be filed. Also a demand to return the phone call.
Mark
March 19, 2020
833-496-0596. Same thing SSA scam.
jairo
March 19, 2020
I receive this message 18338671993 Depositing new message Security administration blocking your social security number on an immediate basis due to fraud and money laundering case. So before we activate your arrest warrant. Please call back on same number to resolve this case file. I repeat call back on same number to talk to Social Security office to resolve this issue right now. Thank you.. Click here: 14699825001 to listen to full voice message.
ASR
March 19, 2020
I got a similar call from 888-882-3280
Bakra
March 19, 2020
17-Mar-2020 Tue 2:41pm EST - I got a call from 6474961124 saying "we are enforced to suspend your SSN. All your benefits will be cancelled. press 1 to speak to legal dept.. blah blah." .
Dezra Frye
March 19, 2020
I just got this message of my voicemail in female voice...
Florida chick
March 19, 2020
Received a call from (833) 641-0276 stating that my SS# had been compromised in Texas. Like one commenter stated, the background was very noisy/busy like a call center. But the person that called me had an Indian accent. I informed him that the SS Administration would not phone me in this manner. And if that is the case, to prove me wrong, please send me out a letter of notification and then I will respond back. The person hung up.
Vballvicki
March 20, 2020
Received another phishing call last evening from 289-204-3969. Immediately hung up and blocked number. Thanks for your efforts
Don't use your…
March 20, 2020
Scam calls from 509 260 4445 claimimg to be Social Secirity Administration. This are call bounced from outside the U.S to avoid detection using a U.S number. Scamers are all over ..
jerm
March 20, 2020
got a call from an 844 356 6260 number , an automated call saying that i was in trouble of being prosecuted for fraud , i called it back , man that answered could barely speak english , lots of noise in back ground , sounded like a scam , i hung up and immediatly look ed up number and found the info on this sight ,
Realtruth
March 20, 2020
Lady with heavy middle eastern accent called ‭ From (443) 396-2809‬ about my social security number issue. Wanted my name and social to verify! OF COURSE I DIDNT DO IT... then she said if I pay ONLY $100 processing the government would issue me a new number because my current one has been stolen and I’ll get my new number today. Hurry today! Trying to steal my social security number, credit card number, and coming me out of $100. But she needed to verify my current number before I’m issued a new number so I can have the best credit to “buy new house have no more bills because new number have no debt on it” LOL!!!! I said sure here’s my number it’s 987654321 then I blasted son's air horn in her ear then hung up
Amy
March 20, 2020
I got a call from 833-596-0964 ID #3014072564 about them blocking my SSN by order of complaint on my driver's license
sb234jert567234
March 20, 2020
Just got a call from +1 301 407 2271 with a message from a scammer who advised my SSN had been used for fraudulent activity and to call 844 366 2037 to fix it. SCAMMERS!!
Boomer
March 20, 2020
I have an appointment with Social Security next Friday. I got a call from Ms. Reyes at 7:35 am this morning to conduct that as a phone appointment due to Coronavirus . Is this legitimate?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Boomer

I can't tell you about the call you got. Please read this information from the Social Security Administration:

  • If you already have a scheduled appointment with the Social Security Administration, we will attempt to contact you by phone and/or reschedule for a telephone appointment. Our call may come from a PRIVATE number and not from a U.S. Government phone. We know that some bad actors are trying to take advantage of this situation.Please read the information in this Social Security factsheet to know it is SSA calling. Please remember that Social Security employees will never threaten you or ask for any form of immediate payment.
oldladynotfall…
March 20, 2020
I just got a call very similar to this from 1-800-214-0306 asking me to press one to speak with a fraud division person. I hung up.
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