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
September 08, 2020
got a phone call from 4134645918, heard recorded message that my social security number was used in fraudulent activity to know more i pressed 1. when i asked why they were calling me they hung up.
September 08, 2020
I got 2. Social security scam calls. Both fall under the (301)- 921/ - - - - .
The reason i had to put the 4 dash at the end was because the las 4 number was different. The first scam call ended with a 2496 while the second one ended with a 3657. Im not 21. And just barely passed the age of 18. Yes I am still in school and this is disgusting to me. My phone doesn’t pick up the number as a scam call so I beg. If you get a call looking like a (301)- 921/ - - - - , also talks about social Security number don’t fall for it.
September 08, 2020
Just got a call saying my social security number was suspended and I would be need to call them to avoid a Grand Jury in Texas. They used a number similar to my own phone number, it had the same first 6 digits as my cell phone. They asked me to press 1 and I hung up.
September 08, 2020
517-820-6789 - Received a call stating many individuals were trying to use my SS number. Definitely a Scam, beware!
September 08, 2020
The SSA will not call you. They only correspond by mail.
September 08, 2020
Yes, just received one 2 minutes ago.
September 08, 2020
Just got a call from this fake social security number 1-023-882-6679
They’re using an automated machine trying to make it seem more real??? Beware!!!
September 08, 2020
I keep getting phone calls on my cell phone regarding suspicious activity with my social security number.
September 08, 2020
(240) 332-3159
Received a call from this number. Sounds like an Asian call center. Definitely a scam.
Initial voicemail that was left was a robotic message about legal proceedings.
September 08, 2020
I just got another recorded call saying the same thing about suspending my SS number for fraudulent uses 469 number or 888 it starts with this has been going on for a month now I don't like this this has to stop
September 09, 2020
Just received one of these calls. Said that my ssn was going to be suspended due to activity in Washington DC. The caller blocked everything registered as unknown on my phone. The number they said to call back was 202-773-1478.
September 09, 2020
Got a call from (661)370-4095 claiming to be WALMART (caller ID). I answered and a machine started talking and said "my social security number has been linked with fraudulent activity and a lawsuit and arrest warrant has been filed against me." I was instructed to press 1 after listening to the message. After waiting for a minute or two a guy with an accent answered and asked for my name and age. I got suspicious and ended the call.
September 09, 2020
Got a call today for scam about my social #
Here the message: There is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call back as soon as possible before we begin with the legal proceeding, you can reach us on our direct number, which is 469-257-4015. I repeat 669-257-4015. Thank you and have a nice day.
September 09, 2020
I got one today from number 1-678-763-5276. Here’s the transcript “ “This message is intended to contact you regarding the legal enforcement action executed under your Social Security number for suspensions and fraudulent activities committed in the state of Texas and we just suspended your Social Security number ignoring this will be an intentional second attempt to avoid initial appearance before a magistrate judge or a grand jury for a federal criminal offense this is the final attempt to reach you so if you want to know about this case just press one…”
I tried to call back and the number had been disconnected.
September 09, 2020
The phone number that call me 1-630-534-3198 When you call the number back it tells you it's with Google .But they ask for my social security last four digits.
September 09, 2020
I just received a call very similar to this. It’s practically the same voice though it is a slightly different message than the one that you see here
September 09, 2020
My sister recieved a call from "United States Management Services" who claim they can get her $800 more a month from Social Security because she has an excellent credit score. They only take the first month's difference as their fee. They already knew her ss number and specific things that would be on her credit report. Anyone heard of this? I'm sure she's been scammed. I told her to call them back and ask for their claims in writing.
September 09, 2020
Just got a call from 8006225627 - The scammers favorite "Social Insurance Number" scam.....
I just hung up and blocked yet another of their too many phone numbers. Don't their mothers keep an eye on their children anymore ???
September 09, 2020
Beware of this number: 425-274-3861
Claiming to be calling from social security and wants to meet with me at my local sherriff station or prosecute my case and suspend my benefits if I don't show up
September 09, 2020
I received a call just like this today from the "social security department" the same recording. I decided to google this as there a lot of scams and what do you know... a scam.
September 09, 2020
Received call to suspend my #SSN.from763-228-5317.
September 10, 2020
Just received a call from a scam pending to be SS at 315 610 7722
September 10, 2020
I've been getting robocalls all morning about "many suspicious activities on [my] social number" for which I need to call them back lest they "suspend it." The number is 206-614-0028 (Seattle).
September 10, 2020
Received a fraudulent call from a recording claiming my SSN was suspended and I connected with a person it was a foreign man and he kept asking my name and I would not answer his question except saying “well you called me - how about you tell ME who I am” he continued asking I need your name mam he got aggravated and hung up when I would not cater to his bull crap
September 10, 2020
I received a call from 260 833 7147. Was first told was Federal Crime and Investigation. Said ss # had been involved with a crime. Then said they were from SSA and I had to call right away. Sounded like prerecorded message
September 10, 2020
Got a call from this number (425) 903-6626 today.
Automatic voice told about a suspicious with my SSN and asked to push 1 to contact with their agent to help me.
September 10, 2020
Received calls twice today that were SSN scams as described above. The phone numbers used were:
972-210-2223
973-285-5137
September 10, 2020
received the recorded call from 313-710-1160
September 10, 2020
Hi there. I am getting at least five calls a day from supposedly the SS department. Here are the #208 565-5517, 208 565-3207, 208 565-6345, 208 556-7606, 208 565-5013, 208 565-5564,208 565-8804, 208 565-4707. These are from just the last 2 days. I just keep blocking them.
September 10, 2020
I just got a call from +1 (781) 382-0129 claiming i owe something
September 11, 2020
I received the same voicemail. When I called, they said my SS# was used for money laundering and drug trafficking and they were going to suspend my SS#. When I told them this felt like a scam they got very defensive and hung up. I paid to find out who the number which they called from, (806) 639-5871, was listed under. It is Queen Spa Nail. I called the number again and they answered, "Social Security Administration". I said, "I thought this was Queen Spa Nail?" She said, "Oh you looking for spa!" and hung up. I immediately received another phone call with the same recording from a different number, 870-450-7365.
September 11, 2020
SS Scam: 09/11/2020. Just received a call from this number +1 (443) 384-1921 stating there was legal action being taken against me/my Social Security number and that I should call back to speak to them.
September 11, 2020
Getting this scam from : 1 856 756 8650
September 11, 2020
More needs to be done to stop these callers. Majority of them have foreign accents. My Dad’s phone number is unlisted and they still call. These scammers will also call from local numbers that they were able to get and clone. I try to record my Dad talking to them. I have one good recording. Also these letters of you will win money if you mail back with money. What a waste of paper!
September 11, 2020
I just got a call from number 281-683-5546 indicating that they were the Social Security Administration an my Social Security number had been suspended due to suspicious activity used with my social security number. I knew right then, it was bogus. I reported an blocked the number from calling my phone.
September 11, 2020
1 (802) 500-6644 Just received a call from here saying they are social security this is a spam they wanted me to provide my social.
September 11, 2020
I just received a call like this today (9/11/2020). Said my ss# was involved in money laundering and suspicious activity. The recording requested I call them at the number that showed up on the caller ID, which was 877-245-5902. I called and at first a recording answered saying my call would be answered in the order it was received. Then a man came on the line introducing himself as a social security rep. He kept asking for my name and when I wouldn't give it to him he hung up on me! SCAMMERS!
September 11, 2020
I received acall from 801-644-1682 and when I called it back a diff woman answered with no accent and I told her that I had received a call from her number and. I asked If she called claimiNg to be SSA. She said no. So informed her that she has been hacked into via her cell acct or email and someone is calling people and pretending to be a federal agency and that they have an active warrant for their arrest.
September 12, 2020
9/12/2020 received a call today. i just let it ring.....
September 13, 2020
Please do not leave them several messages with very choice words that would make even a hardened criminal cringe. This may be someone Number.
September 14, 2020
Voice mail message fragment from 844-741-0370 - received on Sept. 14, 2020 @12:04 PM EDT:
"...intentional crime an arrest warrant will be issued under your name for a crime investigation so before we stop your banking and government services kindly call back to connect your call to Social Security officer to resolve the case file yourself before it goes to court house call back urgent..."
-- Low quality female synthesized voice. Played as string of words, with no pauses, inflection, or intonation beyond what one would get from an old digital voice chip circa early to mid 1990's. Definitely not from a prerecorded human voice.
September 14, 2020
Just received call from our area code (417) re: social security card used in criminal case in Texas. Didn’t respond as requested, let message play out. First robo call in months. Checking with social security.
September 14, 2020
I have received the same call from ph no 231-323-2566. I had ignored the call
September 14, 2020
Today I received a call with a similar message, please be aware. The message recorded said that a legal action will be activated against me and also to press a pound key on my phone to talk with a representative.
September 14, 2020
Howdy got calls with the exact automated voicemail except a female voice. All from Alhambra, CA. As soon as I mentioned the word scam they hung up immediately. Blocked them on my phone but just thought I leave their numbers below for others to avoid this scam. Thank you.
6269799467
6269797227
6269791977
September 14, 2020
Social Security Scammer just called using this ph#
216-783-8887
September 14, 2020
Number used in Jacksonville FL area (904) 962-9143. When they call it’s a call center over seas Indian accent. When you call number it has a voice mail of someone in Amelia Island FL? I called it several times and kicks to VM.
September 14, 2020
Caller from 443-391-8488 Answered, Social security administration
He wanted name, Date of Birth, Social number, Be careful This was not from Social Security Admin.. It is a way to Scam you out of money Caller ID from Baltimore Maryland SCAM, SCAM
September 15, 2020
Received a call msg Today stating my social security number was being fradulent me used in Texas and if I did not return their call I would stand before a judge. I live in California I call the number back using my landline which is restricted. The his panic mail claimed he did not call me I said well you were concerned about my social security number and he hung up clue number 1. Called again I said we must have gotten disconnected. He hung up. A 3rd time he would not answer however I told him I reported him to the FBI and the FCC. I despise these scammers and more must be done to prevent it. My 85 year old neighbor came to see me hysterically crying that the IRS was demanding $5000 by the end of the day it's took a 1/2 hour to calm this poor woman down she just lost her husband of 65 years say you can imagine how vulnerable she felt. This is why I despise them so please do something to end this nonsense Prosecute And hold them accountable
September 15, 2020
September 15, 2020 They are still using that number for the same scam