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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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YS
March 20, 2020
I received a call from this Number 7162963786 they asked to call back if not my SS will be suspended.
Scams are Gett…
March 20, 2020
Got this one today (3/20/2020). Number was +1(831)778-4167 In fairness, it was labelled as "Scam Likely," but I have to work with a variety of business partners and can't afford to miss a call from them, so I picked it up anyway.
svc
March 20, 2020
Just got part of voicemail from 1 (833) 206-9213, marked as being from “United States”, Verizon marked as “Potential Spam.” Said to call Social Security at above phone number. Have had similar calls in past. Never answer calls from unknown numbers, let them go to voicemail.
Callygirl
March 20, 2020
Omg I just received two of these exact same voicemails left I can’t believe it the number was 1-800-272-0591
Helena
March 20, 2020
I have had three calls like this today 3/20/2020. They all left voice mails, but it sounded like a scam so I googled it and found this page. Glad to find it confirmed!
Ck1122
March 20, 2020
Just got a call from this #: ‭+1 (800) 279-4842‬ Who left the following VM: (SSN) has been filed under your name with three federal agencies the federal trade commission the Better 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 Saft 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 to get connected to the Social Security administration office or press one now…” Yeah, I'm NOT calling you back.
Scam report
March 20, 2020
They are calling from this number also 833-596-0964. THIS IS A SCAM!
Say
March 23, 2020
7814524025 Called and asked questions SS # then hung up
nifa
March 24, 2020
Just received a call from 833-540-0397. I did call it back and when an Indian-sounding male answered I immediately hung up and pressed the "Block" feature on my cell phone. Then promptly searched SS scams and found this. It's disheartening that in this day and age with all the technology we have, something can't be done to NEVER allow these calls to EVER go through!!!!
Gmh1980
March 24, 2020
‭+1 (833) 540-0397‬ Scam call from social security
AngWilson
March 25, 2020
Good morning! =] Just wanted to let you know that I was called by this number: 1-800-256-4649 My phone labeled it as spam... Not sure if it was related to the SSA, but I thought that you should know anyways! =]
Al in Utah
March 26, 2020
I received a similar call and it asked for a call back to the number: (469) 421-1954 - Just blocked the number.
Willy
March 28, 2020
After waiting 3 days to get through to the Dept of Unemployment Insurance. I was told to enter my SS #. Next a recorded voice said I should select Option 5 to speak with a representative. After a few seconds. A recorded voice said that I should call back on the next business day
SeniorScam
March 29, 2020
This phone number texted my deceased dad regarding free iPhone 11's and a link : (424) 450-6269.
cathied
March 31, 2020
Received a test from 877-579-2927. The text said several attempts had been made to contact me. I called the number from a generic phone-of course the guy wouldn't tell me why he was calling but wanted me to "listen" to him. I demanded to know who he was and he hung up.
Annoyed
March 31, 2020
I received a call from 1-918-525-0599. I called them back and played the recording from this site to them.
smantha
April 02, 2020
I got a call from +1 (800) 975-2409 saying my social security number is being misused somewhere in US. Press 1 to speak to officer. scammers calling
psouza
April 02, 2020
I got the same call, the number was 888-899-9889. What do I do? I’m scared...
unknown
April 03, 2020
Just received this message when I picked up the call. The number is 918-296-4052 from Oklahoma.
hakan
April 04, 2020
i got call from TX 281 475 3946 asking my full name for verification. guy has an accent. hanged up
Santhosh tenneti
April 06, 2020
Is it possible to obtain your social Security number in a place other than the place of creation of the ssn. My social Security number is created in 2008 in Maryland. But I have obtained it in Dallas, texas in 2015. Could you please help me understand.
FTC Staff
April 07, 2020

In reply to by Santhosh tenneti

Please go to www.ssa.gov for information about Social Security numbers.

Omar
April 07, 2020
866 727 5233 got an email from Norton saying I made a payment of 299.99 and if I have any questions to call that number. Most likely it’s a scam
Anil
April 08, 2020
Received similar call from 972-539-7188
Todd
April 14, 2020
Just go this call today from 914-613-6224. NY area. Full transcript: Reason of this call is to inform you that law enforcement agencies has inform us to suspend your social security number on an immediate basis as we have received suspicious Trails of information in your name and social security number the moment you receive this message. I need you to get back to me on my department division number that is 914-613-6224. I repeat 914-613-6244. If I don't hear a call from you we will have to issue an arrest warrant under your name and get you arrested wage. So get back to me as soon as possible. Thank you point zero.
Starrmatt123$
April 15, 2020
They have recently tried to freeze my account.and I did nothing wrong.they even threatened me a couple of times.
KtypTo
April 15, 2020
I keep getting calls from area code 929--which i know it covers NYC metro area, but keep rejecting then blocking them. Each time they call they just change some digits and i keep blocking them. This seems endless. Today i picked up on one of them 929-323-4181 and got a live person greeting me "hello" and they see i applied for SSD recently. Not true, i am already on it and now i worry if they can get my info. Of course i cursed and hang up, blocked. Yesterday a different one left a message he is calling about benefits and he even gave me a case number. Not a legit call either. Please do something about these 929 scam calls.
Midnight
April 16, 2020
Hello, I am from Canada. In Canada we have a different name for Social Security Number. I too have been getting calls from Texas. Here's the newest one 1 (817) 765-5205. I have an app called Hiya that will forward all unknown or screened numbers to my voicemail. This is one number that went straight to my voicemail. This is a robocall too.
Robert John
April 17, 2020
i also get a call about same thing from this number, 210-390-6888 they took my credit card info and tried to charge my Card with name of "C3it" but my bank stopped payment. Thanks God. pls report that n spread it.
DLA 503
April 17, 2020
I've had people from this number 866-292-2293 calling everyone im associated with on the internet. They are trying to get my info. When i called they wanted me to verify by the last 4 of my S/S#. When i said no they hung up on me. Please just ignore this number.
Blocker
April 20, 2020
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 questions kindly call us back at 888-824-7385 thank you…”
Patricia Alane
April 20, 2020
Recieved a call from this number today. Prior to this I recieved two number restricted calls Finding out this number has been repeately reported I thing a block needs to be placed on it.
scmt
April 21, 2020
I received a call today from 682-237-8083 saying that it was the SSA and that i needed to call back immediately as my number was being used for fraudulent activities and would be suspended. I called the number back, and the operator answered, "Social Security Administration, how may I help you?" I could hear another operator saying the same thing. When I asked who they were and why they had called, the man said I called him, denied claiming to be from the SSA and called me a liar for saying so. I told him I would report him and hung up.
Alicia
April 23, 2020
Just received a call from 1-323-596-0038 saying they are the Social Security Office and my account and SS number theres a problem and i will be arrested if i do not call them right back...THIS SCAM! THIS NUMBER 1-323-596-0038 IS A SCAM!!
alaskan resident
April 24, 2020
I got a call from 259 742 5111 saying my ss number has been used in fraudulent activities and my ss num er could be disabled if I dont return their call
Cita
April 25, 2020
‭+1 (855) 995-9760‬ This is another number the are using
djtradewins2000
April 27, 2020
Just received a call in TN 817-845-1767 I am not even on Social Security....beware people. When you look up the number it says on the search.Not enough numbers...wow on google
Oliver
April 28, 2020
I just got a call just like this, the number was (833) 632-7048.
Thee Partee
April 29, 2020
New number for this scam is ‭+1 (800) 562-4216‬ . The gov Agencies need to contact the phone company to get the owner information on that number or the number shut down if it’s not spoofed
hpprintersupportpro
May 01, 2020
1-800-331-2849 these are scammer never trust them they are not hp.They looted me 500 dollers
NC resident
May 05, 2020
I received a call from (202) 864-2147 with the same message. That's also the number that was left to call back. If you get a call from this number, ignore it.
Vern
May 05, 2020
I received a call today.
Cheeky
May 05, 2020
Received a letter supposedly from Soc. Sec. It seems an online transaction was attempted and they need additional information from me. They also had a name (B Green) and number (855-369-5447 ext. 5041) to contact. The letter just does not look right. Block print form letter until the last line which is script. The number is toll free and is currently listed in 3 states.
Bettylou
May 05, 2020
Hi i got this #1 517 463 7174 he was impersonating as george thorogood and i know that george leads a private lfe ..that person needs to b reported
Dean
May 06, 2020
I received a call today and let it go to voicemail. Recording states the call is from Social Security office and time press 1 to speak to an agent. Call came from Perry, FL and number shows as 850-295-7184.
LC
May 06, 2020
These people are insane, they called me just now. This isn't right, how dare they threatened innocent people who work hard. This should not be tolerated. I will file a police report. These people are so sad, they need help.
Roarke P
May 06, 2020
Received a call and answered to hear recording, something very much like the example on this sight. Pressed 1 and the lady asked me whom she was speaking to and I said my name, she said, who and I repeated my name and they hung up. Sure hope I dont suffer any further issues!
fofi
May 07, 2020
I got that voice mail at the 8th, i just ignored it
Kbiwen
May 07, 2020
I received a call from this number saying that they were from the Social Security ministration and here’s what was left on my voicemail ‭+1 (240) 319-8191‬. “Shall security number _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ basis as we have received suspicious trails of information in your name and Social Security number the moment you receive this message I need you to get back to me on my department division number that is 240-319-8191 I repeat 240-319-8191 now if I don't hear a call from you we will have to miss you and arrest warrant under your name and get you arrested so get back to me as soon as possible _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_…”
Kounty
May 07, 2020
This is the exact mesaage i just received and after I was done laughing hysterically about this fabricated SSDI "support" I then copied and pasted the scammers foolish attempt here, directly from my text message inbox here it is: [ ""Hi - My name is Molly, your SSDI-Benefits support. Give me a call to see if you.qualify for SSDI-pay. 1-844-473-8002 Talk to you soon. Reply 'stop' to stop""] message might as well have been screaming (texting in capital letters) "I'M GOING TO TAKE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION USE IT AND RUIN YOUR LIFE AND YOU'RE GOING TO HELP ME DO IT!!" HAHAHAAAA NOPE NOT TODAY LOL!! Needless to say I did not take the bait, in fact, I threw the fish back in the water and left the hook in it's dirty mouth because clearly it was scam.
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