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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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Social Security Impersonators
Mamabear
June 13, 2020
I just got a call from officer Kelly from 1 325 216 7427 but dint ask for know one just left the number to call said it's from the SSA your social security card is being us for suspicious activity please call back before they take action and left a message second one. We got from 2 different numbers
Claude P
June 14, 2020
I got this scam call from 305-8034841, this guy calls himself Shane Marker , heavy foreign accent and almost do not let you talk, he gives you the # case, his name and his officer ID#, as soon as I realized something was odd, mentioned to him that I will check myself with SSA, he hung up. Be careful please
Dftaon't use y…
June 14, 2020
A Christy called and left the number 844 690 8191. This was a robot call and I reported the call to donotcall gov.
ivy nguyen
June 15, 2020
hi just got another scam phone call apparently to be from SSA about fraudulent use of SS, number is 281-800-8104
74797
June 15, 2020
Ever since I made an inquiry into my benefits I have been getting scam phone calls. How is this possible?
Was4fun
June 15, 2020
Keep getting calls that I let go to voicemail because I don't know the number 1-834-611-0222 they leave a message claiming to be SS and that if I don't call back they will issue a warrant for me. Never have called back. Hope I have done the right thing.
Erica
June 16, 2020
+1 313 395 0111 this phone number is sending fake sms messages and wants to get your credentials.
Buster
June 16, 2020
Hi I got a call on June 13, saying the same they say press 1 or you will be arrested and I'm from Canada here's the number they called me from 226 975 4826
Beck S
June 16, 2020
They have been calling me repeatedly every couple of days for the last two weeks.
skepofevery1
June 16, 2020
I just got a call like this from an 855-228-8795 researched and questioned this because: 1. Every person and bill collector has an icon on my phone 2. I do identity and credit checks often 3. ALL my bills are paid current. SS or the Gov. WILL NOT CALL YOU with no foolishness
MJ
June 16, 2020
I got a similar recorded call though an older female voice. The call came from this number 610-590-3341 FYI.
Blinky58
June 16, 2020
I just received a scam call saying my number was going to be cancelled please fixed these scammers.
Another scam victim
June 16, 2020
I got a recorded threatening call from 325-805-8166. It was cryptic so I called the number and a purported officer answered. He made no sense, but was requesting personal information or some vague fines, etc would take place. He mentioned that the communication was by phone and not in writing because of the urgency of the matter. I indicated that I did not feel comfortable and that I was going to report the call to my local authorities, to which he got flustered and more threatening. End of call.
dmcc9
June 16, 2020
Just received this call. Looks like they are at it again. It came from a local phone number. Be careful out there!
QualityCounts
June 16, 2020
I got 2 today. 419-715-5778 & 419-694-2688. Google says 419 area code is around Toledo Ohio.
AZ Hiker
June 16, 2020
Add this number into your SS call scam list. 951-228-0048 The guy asked for my full name. I'm like you called me??? You should know my name. Goodbye!
Mr Big
June 17, 2020
New Scam Number Please be where 1 402 265-6524 They call a few times and because i speak both language English and Español for my surprise they didn't have no no body that spoke Spanish. The so call S.S agent started to course at me. Frist with broken english then it language that was not english or spanish he sounded like he was going to have a hardtack but i was having the time of my life!
Tonyo711
June 17, 2020
I received a scam call today, 6/17/20. All the same hallmarks. Suspended, arrest warrant etc. 267-872-4512. Be aware and hang up.
Jeff
June 17, 2020
I received a phone call today from 469-619-9905. A pre-recorded automated message In a female voice was left on my phone saying SSA has filed a legal action on my social security number for criminal activities under section 18 of subsection 1028. They said to call back before the matter goes to the federal courthouse or before I get arrested.
Sheri
June 17, 2020
I have just received a second call from SSA (scared me to death) saying they have blocked my SS number due to suspicious activity on my number! If I don't reply to this call I will be arrested! Yesterday I spoke with them and I know I have never done anything wrong, but they told me. There is a string of bank accounts in my name along with other things. I called the local police telling them what happened and I was told it is a total scam! How do these people get the polices phone number attached to there number??? I was very scared because I knew I have not done anything wrong and haven't been to Texas in over 15 years. My husband finally got home and so he talked with them too. Then we called the police number they gave us. I then found out I was not under any investigation and I was told that it was a scam and not to give them any information
John
June 18, 2020

In reply to by Sheri

These people are the lowest criminals taking advantage of people who don't realize it is a scam, especially the elderly. Just block the number and don't call. The SS administration will never call; they will send letters via U.S. Mail. I like to call them and play with them. I block my number and give them false information and then say what I really think of them. Don't ever give your information to anyone that you have not initiated contact.
Banker123
June 17, 2020
The number they are using today is 888-318-6665 it's an auto attendant and when you call it rings to a person. The lady today goes by "Veronica Jackson" she knew my number as I am guessing they have Caller ID - she knew my telephone numbers and said my full name (shocking) I went back & forth with her but never confirmed any information - when I told her that I knew it was fraud and that she's probably in a CALL CENTER in INDIA she said Oooooo.
Dalene
June 17, 2020
Today I received a call from the following number: 1 (1) 251-241-0912 from Brewton, AL. They saying is from Social Security and my number is used for ilegal transaction. Call and don’t delete or ignore the message. Of course I searched on Google and found the number is a possible scam. Just sharing my experience.
Docmanslaughter
June 17, 2020
Got a call today from (209) 554-8127. An electronic voice informed me that my. SSN and drivers license were both being suspended due to complaints of suspicious activity. Told me to dial #1 to speak to an officer. I did not dial immediately so it remined me again to dial #1. At this point I hung up. It sounded like a scam of course, and the electronic voice was only mostly in proper english.
GelysR
June 18, 2020
I just got a call like this from this number 5045847204
From Montreal,…
June 18, 2020
Just received a call from the number 613-656-6017 with the same recorded message.
Baffled in Boc…
June 18, 2020
I received a robocall today stating that my SSN has been compromised and associated with criminal activity in Texas. I selected the option to speak to a representative, while starting to look online for information. The woman who picked up the phone didn’t seem to know why I was calling and when I initial asked for her name and where she was calling from, she seemed confused. It was only after I said I had received the call stating it was from the SSA that she identified herself as an officer of the SSA. She then asked me for my name, I expressed that the message sounded fictitious and like ones that I was seeing online as a know scam. Further, I said that the call was coming from a Boca Raton cell phone number (based on the prefix) and it seemed suspicious. She was very quick to say that the call was being directed through a service because she was working remotely due to COVID. I wonder where, given there was a large amount of noises in the background like she was in a warehouse call Center. She again asked for my name and my SSN, and I told her I do not give this information to people who call me. I left it with that I would contact the SSA myself. And disconnected the call. I called back the number I was called at, and it was a doctor’s office and they were shocked that the call had come from their number. I don’t believe they have anything to do with this scam.
Dedra1979
June 18, 2020
This is the voicemail I received along with telephone number they called from and wanted me to call back. This call is from the Department of Social Security administration the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal case filed on your Social Security number is for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back on our number before we begin this is a legal proceedings that is 915-613-2739 I repeat 915-613-2739 thank you…
Zen
June 18, 2020
I just received this call from 561-459-9642 Exact same social security message "Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity" I told them I was recording the call and they immediately hung up. They would not pick up when I called back.
Wrongpersontot…
June 18, 2020
Got the call from ‭+1 (817) 674-7867‬. Missed the call but the voicemail said my ss# was used for fraudulent activity and I needed to call their department back or they will take legal action against me. Reported it to the FCC. I won’t call back because I know it’s a scam.
freeyourself777
June 18, 2020
I just got a call from ‭+1 (833) 745-8996‬... It was the exact message that is recorded above, stating that my Social Security number has been suspended and that I needed to contact them immediately. So I went ahead and went along with it. I followed the prompt and a person with a foreign accent answered on the other end and started immediately asking me what my name was and trying to get address information. So I challenged this person to prove that this wasn’t a scam and she sort of laughed. I continued to press her to provide proof, she then began to threaten me and stated that she was going to send federal officers to my door with federal arrest warrants and that they would be here today. The funny thing about that is she had just got through asking me what my address was and (of course I did not give it to her) so I finish the call by trying to get her to admit that it was a scam and she continue to get upset and threaten me then finally hung up on me. Be aware people, scammers will go to any length! Also you have the right to challenge anybody that calls under the pretense of “official business” to prove their legitimacy.
raliegh01
June 18, 2020
201-809-3628 and 970-394-3716 both called claiming to be SSA on my shared corporate phone. I'm getting more phishing calls than real work related stuff.
Paul
June 19, 2020
I just got a call from 312-575-6902. Ms Hope. I called back but no one answered. I'm thinking SCAM
Jet Pilot
June 19, 2020
833-789-0593 is the number they called me from today and said arrest warrant will be issued for me if i do not respond today. and they wanted the last 4 digits of my SSN.
B2020
June 19, 2020
I have received these type of calls several times, but enough is enough. Today I received 2 from numbers 425 292 1037 and 210 794 9470 . Very upsetting to know that this is still happening and it has for such a long time, and nothing seems to stop these criminals.
nanloza.va@gmail.com
June 19, 2020
Someone its Calling my mom, and sen it text messages .Claiming that there is a Legal enforcement action for criminal activities under her name and SS number. Number is: 832-952-0655
shailesh
June 19, 2020
i have received 5 calls from 866 507 4302 and 408 239-4207 Today. They left me voice mail to call back so that they can stop suspending my social security number.
Fst
June 19, 2020
Just received a call from 561-577-2983 which is my areas norm (561-577) saying ( automated) , " you have committed fraud/ a crime in Texas" I'm aware of these scams but nonetheless I found it interesting coming from that particular phone number also with a woman's name which I am not going to list just in case they are using it and she is innocent. So I pressed one as directed to speak to someone A man answered and said Social Security office how may I help you as though I called him. I asked him what his reason was for this particular phone call he didn't say anything for 10 seconds and hung up!
INoturSucker
June 19, 2020
I received a call today from 617-447-6751, Requesting a call back from SSA and suspicion activity with my SSN and told too call back. If not further proceeding will continue.
Jormal
June 19, 2020
I never answer numbers I don’t know and I never reply to texts or phone messages from unknown numbers without first checking on line if they are legit. Also, if you’re aware of your own finances and keep track of your credit, these threats are instantly recognizable as fake and are nothing to worry about. Be vigilant of your finances; I’m paranoid about that type of thing so I spend probably far too much time checking my accounts for activity I don’t recognize and making sure no one has used my info for nefarious purposes. It’s unfair that life has gotten like this and one can never really relax, but it’s necessary in order to maintain your sanity and ensure you aren’t victimized.
Don't use ysup…
June 19, 2020
2023137459 I received a call from this number say that it was a agent named officer larry and that there was illegal activity with my social security number
Not Born Yesterday
June 19, 2020
I just got a call today. Number was 833-848-7775. They claimed it was the social security administration and they wanted my social security number and address. I told them if they were the social security administration, they already have these things and I don't give them out over the phone. Then they tried scare tactics, you will be fined, you must do this now. I asked them to send me the problem in writing to my home address which they have. Then they changed tactics that my identity was stolen. I told them I have monitoring agencies for that and no reports as of yet. After that he got frustrated and said he was calling the police. I laughed and told him good, they can talk to my lawyer and accountant. Thats when he hung up lol.
Don’t use your…
June 19, 2020
Just received one of these calls from ‭+1 (469) 917-1296‬
aleeeeee
June 19, 2020
i got a call and i’m 16 and i told them that and they ended the call so quick , i’m very upset because i thought i was in trouble
Robin
June 19, 2020
2024431102 was the nuber that called me and it was an recorded voice saying my s.s. was going to be taken away i called the number and a indian girl answered as soon as i mentioned i was going to call my s.s. office she said it muct be some kind of mistake
Cantscamme
June 19, 2020
OK these guys have reached a new low now they’re hitting Canadians sorry but we don’t have Social Security numbers today’s phone number was 430-775-5144 yesterday‘s number was 8196747876 How can you report the scammers and How come the phone number has not been shut down
Tech Guy 88
June 19, 2020
I received a scam call today from 469-917-1296. Since I did not recognize the calling number, I let it go to voice mail. (My practice is usually to NOT pick up/answer a caller if I do not recognize a name or number.) The message they left sounded as though the first word or words did not get recorded. The voice was a female sounding robo-voice. I have transcribed the message left me. "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 4699171296. I repeat 4699171296. Thank you." I did not call back to them. I did put a 'Block this caller' setting for that number on my mobile phone. Dear FTC, I hope you all can stop these scammers. They are a real scourge and prey upon the uncertainty and fear of regular folks. I know personally several people who have been scammed out of hundreds of dollars on these types of scam calls.
Jltlcowboy11
June 19, 2020
Had four call say from SSA My other half called back and told him that his SS# has been used in a crime. A car was bought and aptment rented in his name. There was blood in car, 23# of drugs and left on side of road in Texas. They found over 50#s of drugs in aptment. They told him DEA were looking for him. He was scared because he just returned home from doing 8 years in prison.. So he did give his SS# to them..
Ladyboo
June 19, 2020
Just got a scam call from 573-922-6382 Demanding I call them or a arrest warrant will be issued under my name
Hien
June 20, 2020
Just got a call from this scammer - Add this number to the scam list 202-443-1220
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