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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
crazy cat lady
November 02, 2020
Just got a call from no. 602 468-4655 saying there was fraudulent use on my social security no. in Texas,on hold with S.S. office now.
sweetfern1
November 02, 2020
I got a call from one 317-838-5149said my Social Security was compromised and I needed to call backI asked for his name ID number and hit the address of the company he gave me 7609 Claremont Avenue Texas 75089 .it is a damn house for saleI don't understand how people can do things in this time that means a lot of people don't have no heart.he said his name was John Livingston Yeah right!!!
Brucieboy1
November 02, 2020
This happened to me today
someone
November 03, 2020
11-3-2020. Just received the call that my SSN has been suspeneded.The usual scam call. Glad I looked at this site to confirm what I thought, that its a scam
Ramirez5
November 03, 2020
I have been receiving phone calls for months now regarding my social security number will be suspended and then today, I received an automated call saying my social security number has been flagged for criminal activity call 817-596-0102 so I can avoid being arrested? I called this number and it does so thank you for calling the social security administration a lady got on the phone asking me to verify my last four digits of my SS#, I said I do not feel comfortable doing that and the lady said she has to verify because there is criminal activity in San Antonio, TX??? I live in Oregon?? I looked up the number while online and saw that the number I called 817-596-0102 was in Texas the lady hung up on me??
Katherine Ochoa
November 04, 2020
Just received a call from a proposed SSI Officer Lodan Taul badge # 971583 of which the caller ID # came up from Yakima WA 509-941-7980 with him stating his address was 87609 Ocean Ave, Florida. He stated same that my SSI number would be changed and he was contacting my local Sheriff and two officers would be coming to my house. When I googled his badge number he gave me, this is what I found and I told him I didn't want my SSI number changed and I didn't have to "prove" my innocence. That's when he hung up on me.
Tim of Washing…
November 04, 2020
I seem to be the latest victim in these scams. I wish I had come here before leaving the house, I kept second guessing everything but they reassured me things were just fine and this was part of the investigation process. Unbelievable. Now I'm out of rent, payments for other things. This is my last stop and I had to learn it the hard way but Social Security DOES NOT MAKE HOUSE CALLS unless recently dealing with them directly. Gift Cards ARE UNTRACEABLE and the best way for them to get a hold of your money scott free. Don't give away sensitive information to anyone unfamiliar.
LD
November 05, 2020
+1 (346) 293-7412 Received a threatening scam call from this number. Beware!! They will say they are from social security administration.
KBinGA
November 05, 2020
I've received multiple phone calls from a number very similar to my own phone number, stating that my SSN will be suspended due to fraudulent activity in Texas and that this is the final attempt to reach me before a bench warrant will be issued for my arrest. Is there anyone working/researching the phone numbers being used or how they were obtained to make these calls? I have blocked both numbers that the calls were from, but I'm sure that a new number will be used to try to call me again with this recording. Is there anything I can do to help make this stop?
FMarquez001
November 05, 2020
Someone just called me saying, they from SSA stating my ssn has been suspended. I didn't give any of my information, I figured it's a scam. The number they called from was 2106867931 . Thank you and have a great day.
Kristal R
November 05, 2020
I just received a call from the phone number 130391102840. I live in CO and the message stated that my SS number had been suspended because of criminal activity in TX. It is toward the end of the year and the holidays, this is when I see these calls more often.
Eengineer
November 05, 2020
Just got a call from +1 (760) 703-3769 definitely sounded like the robo guy
MS74
November 05, 2020
I just got this scam from a Delaware number. 302 425-9345. I didn’t answer it but they left me a message explaining just as the information stated.
Techguy1999
November 05, 2020
Folks there is no way to stop these calls. They are from oversea's computers that just "Spoof" the number you see on Caller ID. Spoof means the computer just randomly picks a number to identify as. If you answer your call goes to some Scammer in India or where ever who then tries to Scare or intimidate you into giving info. SSA will NEVER call you. Your SSN can't be "Suspended". Just don't answer any calls you don't know. If you answer their computer put your number in a Good Number list and you will just get more calls. If you insist on answering tell them you are with the FBI just for fun.
DP
November 05, 2020
Hi I have been getting calls from various numbers (720-679-0962) saying that i need to call back as there is case on my name and if I fail to do so there will be arrest under my name/SSN number. Is this a scam? Thanks
Scruz
November 05, 2020
I received a call at work from 954-472-4572 on my caller ID asking me to give them my name and social security number
TM
November 05, 2020
Gotta call from California today with the same message. Only I was told the "federal crime and investigation department" Number was 650-876-5845
Matt
November 05, 2020
I get the same call everyday some days more than once I think they are welcome to suspend it I don't use it everyday. Whenever I had time I go see why that happen. HAHAHA
Paula Boye
November 05, 2020
I received a call today saying they were suspending my social security number and that I had criminal activity using my social security number that stemmed out of El Paso Texas the guy gave me his name which was James Elvin and his badge number 02840 915 he told me they were going to cease all my property vehicles and bank accounts because of this fraudulent activity that him and the state Marshals we're all investigating me the phone number he called from was 531-207-2570 when I told him I was homeless never owned a house or a vehicle he told me I needed to be honest with him so he could help me he sounds really convincing so be careful I actually thought he was some kind of government official
Aap2016
November 06, 2020
Got calls from +1 (518) 571-5550 and 519-571-1387 saying that my social security number had been compromised but they are calling the sheriff on ME and filing a lawsuit. I tried to call back and the 1387 number says it’s disconnected and the 5550 number just has a busy like signal. Scams so beware.
RGH
November 06, 2020
We received a phone call today saying there was activity.
Jay
November 06, 2020
1 (800) 808-4170 I got a call from this number telling me that there is suspicious activity on my bank account .
KSY
November 06, 2020
I received a call (well a voice message as I don't answer unknown numbers), the message was that my SSN was used in criminal activity in the state of Texas. The number calling was from 717-035-0289. This was my second warning. Luckily I am smart enough that if the SSN Office is looking for me I would get a letter not a call.
Derbygurl
November 06, 2020
I received a call from 1-800-879-6487. This is the recording, "Suspicious activities going on and there was an arrest warrant made. Press one to talk with the investigating officer. Press one now. Thank you."
Rebecca
November 06, 2020
Got this exact call from (303) 377-3005
fimogal1
November 06, 2020
Just got one of these SS scam calls. said press 1 for more info. I pressed 1 and the lady said her name and social security department how can I help you. I said you tell me, you called me! When did you get a call she said, You just called me I told her. She hung up on me. LOL I knew it was a scam. How would they even get your cell phone number anyway... Use your brains people.
scamsam
November 06, 2020
720-571-1054 no message just calls DO NOT ANSWER ANYONE FROM THIS NUMBER
viralpatel15
November 09, 2020
I received a call from phone #: 202 232 4092. Seemed like a scam, I hung up immediately. Thanks.
ConcernedVA
November 09, 2020
I have received this threatening robo call from a local number at least three times in the past two weeks claiming my SSN was used fraudulently in TX and that if I don't present in front of a magistrate there will be criminal charges. It asks you to press 1 to learn more, so I just ignore that and hang up.
ET
November 09, 2020
I just got this same call, hung up on them.
DrizzyDb
November 09, 2020
Thank you very much. I was very very worried when I got this call and literally type in the first few words the call started with and it took me here. Good post
James
November 09, 2020
The first time this happened to me it really freaked me out so luckily my mother was with me so I handed the phone the phone to her. She was questionable about it so she called the sheriff and they said this was common. So now I always have fun with the weird callers until they hang up.
EDOVA
November 09, 2020
Received severall insistent calls about SS Scam , Numbers 954-326-2961 , 954-339-4922 , 954-363-8263 , 954-313-5096 , 954-353-5615
AESTHETIC
November 09, 2020
(828)289-0734 SCAMMED
RT
November 09, 2020
509-699-4176 has called multiple times, it is almost exact same recording as above, threatening me with indictments if i don't call back, or press 1. In it they say my SS number has been hijacked in texas.
Say934805
November 09, 2020
I received a call from 805-835-4692 today and it was an automated message that stated it was the last attempt to reach me regarding fraudulent activity associated with my social security number in the state of Texas and that my san. number is now suspended.
Bryan NC
November 09, 2020
I got one of these SSA scam calls today, November 9, 2020 from 1-706-752-5835. A mail voice left a message (no names for me or the caller!) that he was calling from SSA to advise me that my Social Security number was used fraudulently in Georgia. I should call back immediately with the last 4 digits of my SS number to clear the problem. Needless to say, I did not return the call.
RI NJ
November 09, 2020
Received a call from 732–419–6200 (Franklin Park NJ) claiming to be from Social Security. The message said that there was fraudulent use of our Social Security number in South Texas. The message was followed by a request to press one to speak to an agent.
Twinkle
November 10, 2020
3463542358 Add that number too
Down with SCAM…
November 10, 2020
This is the call and message I got today: "name and social security number the moment you receive this message. We need you to get back to us on our department division number that is 346-854-2358. I repeat 346-354-2358 now if we don't hear a call from you. We will have to issue an arrest warrant under your name and get you arrested. So get back to us as soon as possible. "
AnonymouSFl
November 10, 2020
I just got a voice mail that said this “ “_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_ inform you about _⁠_⁠_ legal enforcement action which has been filed against your name and social number for criminal activities so before we post it for the _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ kindly give us a call” I had search this up to see if it was a scam Here is the number +1 (863) 913-8940
Billybob
November 10, 2020
just got a recorded call saying my SSN has been stolen and accused of a crime and police will be coming to arrest me.
numbnutz
November 10, 2020

In reply to by Billybob

I just received a call this AM from 509-570-9976 on my cell. I missed the call but went into the phone to see who it was but then my phone dialed them back ! This woman answered and I said I'd just received a call from them, that's when she ID'd herself as being from Social Security Admin. She had an accent for sure and in her background I could hear many other voices with the same accent. She asked me for my name and I paused, she then asked me for my name again, my response was, after me pausing again, that she would have to call me back because it was a *bad connection*. She then hung up without saying anything else.
C. P., Philade…
November 10, 2020
Just got this call from 610-220-6674. I've also RECEIVED angry calls from other people saying that my number was used to make a call to them (I did not - my number was spoofed). This is 2020 - there's literally NO WAY that we can shut this down?!?!?! The message proclaimed to be from the "Social Security Administration", telling me that my SSN was used in connection with criminal fraudulent activity in Texas, and that my SSN was suspended. Press 1 if you'd like to hear about this case. I did nothing, and it went dead. I AM SO ANGRY FOR THE ELDERLY WHO MAY FALL FOR THIS. I imagine my 88-year old MIL would easily be frightened. BUT HEY, IF MY SSN IS SUSPENDED, I guess I don't need to pay taxes anymore, eh? And I'm already on the Do Not Call list - does that even matter anymore?
Crazybaby
November 10, 2020
Got a call from a 929 area code. They called 2 times in 2 hours.
Bill77
November 10, 2020
Got a phone call from 239-284-1313 stating that suspicious activity had been associated with my social security account and my number was being suspended.
Penguin
November 10, 2020
Yup. They’re at it again. Got a scam call about suspension of my SSN due to suspicious activity. I knew it was a scam so hung up. The number used was 562-597-8085 in this instance. Beware!
mj953
November 10, 2020
Scammer 732-412-3939 They wont answer if you answer your call using your last 4 digits of your phone number . Just say something like " " 1234 How may I direct your call? " Works every time!!!!!!!
Jaina
November 10, 2020
Got a call just a minute ago from this number 916-917-6199
Sunina
November 10, 2020
Received a call from 1-775-800-5171 on my unlisted landline phone. Caller id shows up as Wells Fargo Bank. It was a scammer call about expiring warranties. Report as another scam.
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