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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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Shopping and Donating
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Social Security Impersonators
Boog E Mann
July 29, 2020
Fake IRS. Robo voice Telling me my SS number is comprimised. They got mad when I told them I was the IRS.
Tina t
July 29, 2020
833 972 2314....it came from that number...they said someone was using my social security number and I had a lawsuit coming...it sound like someone with an Indian accent...I could hardly understand them
williams
August 05, 2020

In reply to by Tina t

I received a call from 1/833-965-2285. An East Indian woman told me that my ss# was used in some sort of fraudulent activity and to call back ASAP as legal action is pending.
Meg
July 29, 2020
I have been getting calls a lot lately, twice today from different numbers. 1 was 904-652-1995 and the other 904-652-9283. The last one was a female automated call that said they were going to suspend my Social security due to suspicious activity and to please hold while the connected me to an officer. I of course hung up, I don't have time to play their games. Sad part is there are some of our older generation & those that don't know any better, that will not know this is a scam and will get taken. It breaks my heart that there are such sick people out there!!!
Fidi
July 29, 2020
I've got a vm just a minute ago, was an automated female voice, that my ss was being used by someone else as fraudulent and to return the call back, I just erased it. I don't think I need to be worry, is a different tactic the gov. uses, I guess
Missbee
July 29, 2020
‭+1 (210) 942-2291‬ scam number to obtain SS#
steve
July 30, 2020
Just got this stuttered robo-voicemail: "We have received a 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 240-892-1513, I repeat 240-892-1513, before we begin with the legal proceedings. Thank you and have a nice day." Nerve wracking to be sure!
saloni
July 30, 2020
got a voicemail today from 239-326-6762. A woman said "SSN for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at earliest possible our number before we begin with the legal proceedings"
Ginny B
July 30, 2020
I got one of these Social Security Number scam calls today. I listened to a recording in a stern male voice saying my social security number was suspended immediately (yeah, right!). The call actually disconnected before connecting to anyone or asking for anything. I dialed the number back later in the day and got a recording saying they have "call filter" and for me to leave my name and reason for call (yeah, right!). I filed a complaint with the FTC as advised by this FTC site.
lisag
July 30, 2020
received a call today from 202-932-5491 that Social Security Admin needed to speak to me asap about "mac duties" (first part cut off so not clear on this) running in Washington DC
scamishappeningagain
July 30, 2020
Scam is still happening. the number now shows 800-750-4467. I just hang up, but I have received another like it with a different number. I just block the caller, otherwise the call keeps happening.
Jess
July 30, 2020
So I got a text message earlier saying documents will be delivered to my house from 2-4p and they left a phone number 1-877-658-1372 I looked it up an it’s saying y’all is this you or an other scam
S. M
July 30, 2020
Today 30.July 2020 I received scam call from 855 036 8172 stating that my SIN number been suspended due to criminal act involving and suspicious. They asked me to return back to them. Thanks GOD I did not answer the phone, only I received voice mail. And when i call back there was no access. I booked service with Canada service, and they were so kind and called me back same day and explain to me the scam and I was relaxed after tension. Please take care and do not release any information. The weird thing is: I am new here and just got my new phone number and applied for my SIN. How did those people did that scam? The government should be more action against them.
pknutson
July 30, 2020
I'm currently on the phone with these guys. 719-494-6928 I figure the longer they are on the phone with me, the less time they can scam someone else.
HippaBow
July 30, 2020
+13146297087 this number just called with the same automated message.
marjed
July 30, 2020
Just received a call from 1-800-474-0203 stating that SS Number had been comprised and they need to activate it. I told them it's after 5:00 p.m. and I will SS myself to verify. they hung up the phone.
Mstewar7468
July 31, 2020
scammers now using new phone # 866-359-6579. Same bs that I have fraudulent activity on my social and that I am going to be arrested. What scammers. Don't fall for it!
squid
September 24, 2020

In reply to by Mstewar7468

I received a phishing call from 469-378-9235. A person with an Indian accent stating that his name was Jeff Logen and he was a Social Security officer.
mm
July 31, 2020
I have a similar call from 1-800-526-3161
BAS
July 31, 2020
just got a call...left message sounding a scammer pretending to be SS admn. I blocked the #
Pedro Garcia
July 31, 2020
I have Today 31/July/2020 From 1-425-324-6373 with the same information, when I Call back and tell the person that a Know the phone number he hangup....
Vallieg54
July 31, 2020
Received a call from ‭+1 (469) 676-5505‬ saying a warrant will be issued for my arrest if I don’t call them back with my SSN info
Indiana
July 31, 2020
703-740-8409 812-453-8127
Johnson Chacko
July 31, 2020
I have received a call from 817-813-5395 acting like a federal agent, Jeff Logan, and want to cancel my SSN! I have called them back from another phone and the girl picks up the phone and acted like she is a SS officer.
user
July 31, 2020
add 1 (833) 965-2388 to the list
LittleMama
July 31, 2020
I've gotten calls about my ss# being compromised but never fell for it. Then I started getting calls saying that my student loan could be consolidated/refinanced for $870 + dollars. Now I'm getting calls from a "employment councilor" with some department of something (sorry I dont remember what department they claimed to be with), they were asking for my social, my birth date, home address, past employment. I thought it was weird because it's been a long time since I have been without a job and or filled out employment applications. Found out after telling them I was not interested, it was a scam. The caller got mad that I wouldn't give him my information or pay his "fee" for services and started cussing and screaming at me. I hung up and he proceeded to call back numerous times in a row for several days.
MT
July 31, 2020
Is 833-673-0701 an actual Social Security department #?
marmotita
July 31, 2020
got an automated call today saying someone was using my SS# around the U.S. - Mexican border area.
car2go
August 02, 2020
Text me on WhatsApp ‪+1 (325) 739‑8099‬ is real or fraud.
Whit89
August 03, 2020
Just got a call from a local cell phone number 304-688-2758 with a similar recording. I hung up & searched the number it was listed as an AT&T track phone.
Don't use your…
August 03, 2020
I received one just now from ‭(281) 389-3673‬ / Houston, TX
mswardare
August 03, 2020
Just received a call from 434-346-8169. The caller gave me a badge ID of 712609310. He said that my ssn has been involved in some illegal matters and it's about to be suspended. He then wanted to ask some personal questions to verify my identity and get the last 4 of my ssn. I gave him no information.
Davip004
August 04, 2020
I have had a couple of calls now with automated message saying it’s from HMRC, it’s not .. apparently if I don’t call back with details there will be a warrant out for my arrest due to fraud... this is a scam!
jodlc
August 04, 2020
Today 08/04/2020 I just receive the same message but from 813-892-3853 and at the end of the voice message saying press #1. I hang up.
Don'tOBG use y…
August 04, 2020
Just got same scam call from# 210-640-7991 in San Antonio TX
Paul
August 04, 2020
I got this phone call today 4-Aug-2020 from 573-242-6088 at 1:18pm
Ma
August 04, 2020
I just received this call. 206-480-1473
Kim Jim
August 04, 2020
18504300663 called me about my SS number and wanted me to press 1 when I did not they said they were sending the FBI to arrest me.
Annoyed
August 04, 2020
Just got a call from 202-908-5260 and msg left said I needed to either call that number and if I don't show up at my local sheriff office this case will be prosecuted without me and I will lose all my SS benefits.
qwaza
August 04, 2020
So I called the number back and tactfully got the SS department .The caller used 724 213 7690 . They are tapping into there number And calling folks in Sacramento CA saying the message. You notice how they State in there message that they will send out law enforcement and get you arrested. wow Talking about not able to speak right, So scammers if you are reading this. We know who you are and where you are, You are the ones that will be in handcuffs Sooner or later .
Block this number
August 04, 2020
817 813 5395 Azle, Tx I hope these people are arrested soon. Robotic/Automated call saying SSN has been compromised and an arrest warrant would be issued. "Call us back at 817 813 5440. If you do not we will have to get an arrest warrant under your name and GET YOU ARRESTED." People should really find an honest way to make a living.
Meso317
August 04, 2020
I received a call from 317-981-7604 saying I had possible fraud on my social security number. They didn’t say anything when I asked agent name and why your not calling from social security office number they hung up. Be aware
I must be bored
August 04, 2020
I just talked with the guy. He was able to look up my name using my phone number. He said my SSN was connected to 2 properties in Texas, which were then connected to drugs and money laundering. (I did not give my SSN to him). He gave me the two addresses. Googling them brings up articles about the scam. He laughed, and said I caught him. I started asking questions about the scam, but he wouldn't share much. Did not tell me what country he was in, how many coworkers he had, or how the scam worked. Then he hung up. Really gets me mad at how easy it is to do this scam. When will the FTC crack down on phone number scamming?
Gabby
August 04, 2020
I just got a call from someone claiming to be an investigator for the SSA. It was a New Jersey area code, he said his name was Mark Cooper and his badge number was SSA4217. He had a real strong foreign accent, I never new they used Mark as a first name.
Franny
August 04, 2020
got a call from 209-576 -3826, they say my SS# was used by someone. But caller ID say's Doctors Medical Center/ It's a SCAM!! I hung up
Kepola55
August 05, 2020
Just received a voice mail message from 443-329-9141 advising me to call SSA immediately. I called 3 times and the same man answered on the first ring. What government agency can do that? NONE!!! The area code is in Baltimore, MD. THIS IS ANOTHER SSA SCAM. DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER AND GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF.
Jam0024
August 05, 2020
Got a similar call, I normally don't answere unknown numbers but I did this time, I pressed 1 and got some guy with an Indian accent with chatter in the background, I Accidentally gave him my full first and last name as well as my middle initial. Am I ok? The number for it was 1 915 832 6000
MGGG
August 05, 2020
Scam number received today to SS, phone number is obviously a scam. Be careful. 662 247 8134
Missmd
August 05, 2020
I just got told my ssn was used fraudulent. Thieves. No. Was 517 234 7153 he said his name was Michael Watson. He had an Indian accent
Pamela P.
August 05, 2020
I received male computerized voice recording saying it was the SS administration. From 317-501-2917 which is a local number here in Indianapolis (likely a faked caller ID). It said something to the effect of there was bad activity found with my SSN and that I need to contact them or my SSN will be frozen/inactivated, so "press 1". I did nothing and a 2-3 seconds later it hung up on me.
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