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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

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Illinois
May 09, 2019
I found it weird that 30mins later after I made a phone call to a pension company for my dad. I recieved a phone call from Georgia 470-412-3707. I didn't answer they left a robot message saying fraudulent criminal actions filed against me and my social security number has been suspected for fraudulent activities. So I need to call them back and a social security agent is waiting for my call. So I did I admit they asked my name I gave to them but that is all. But then I asked what is this about And I could not understand him because he had an accent he said ma'am it's ok and hung up. But it happened again the next day after I called the pension company (weird don't know why). Same number.This time I answered and told him to stop calling he was not a Social security agent and hung up and blocked them. Haven't received a call or message yet.
Dave
May 09, 2019
Received a call saying my social security number is suspended. Told to call 213-291-1793
Potential Victim
May 09, 2019
BEWARE PEOPLE!!! i Received a female recorded call from 817-727-4685 - Fort Worth, TX requesting to call them back before they file charges against me.
old lady
May 09, 2019
just received a scam call claiming to be SS office. they called from 800-752-7203
SylvesterO
May 09, 2019
Just got the call. Number: 1-812-813-4363
Jazzy6
May 09, 2019
Just got a call from a phone number (518) 457-6811. Sounded like a guy with a heavy Indian accent, told me I was under criminal investigation and thinks my SS was compromised. Transferred me to another "agent" from Albany. Read me a bunch of rights then told me I was linked to a stolen Camry found in Texas, with 200lbs of cocaine and that I'm under criminal investigation. He referenced an old address I used to live it, which made me nervous at first. But then he went ahead and said my SSN would be locked and then a Special Agent will come to my house the next morning to issue me a new SSN. Then I started asking questions about how they know where I live now, and that I was not comfortable with a stranger coming to my home. He then got very aggressive saying I don't understand how urgent this matter is and kept pushing me to take action. I refused to give in, asked more questions and then he hung up. Tried to call me again and I ignored it...Never heard back. These people are NUTS!
Utah
May 11, 2019

In reply to by Jazzy6

I've heard them use the same line about the rental car, Cocaine, near the Texas border, etc in calls with scambaiters. They seem to want the Google Play cards.
Joyfulpyt
May 09, 2019
Just got a bot call from 936-073-7334 stating they were from social security administration and my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity and to PRESS 1 for more information. Of course, I hung up but just wanted to keep people aware.
summerinla
May 09, 2019
I'm in the Los Angeles area and just received the scam Robocall this morning (5/9/19, 9:30 am Pacific) asking me to Press 1 due to suspicious activity with my SSN. I did press 1 and was hung up on. The SCAM caller's number is (888) 815-0760.
Lisa
May 09, 2019
Received call from 936-073-2342 telling me my Social Security Number is suspended due to suspicion of criminal activity. I knew it to be a scam because I know that Social Security doesn't suspend a person SSN. I told the caller who had an accent, that I am not stupid today, hung up the phone, and blocked the number.
Allan
May 09, 2019
Just got this Scam call in Riverside California. Watch yourselves.
eramire56
May 09, 2019
I got a call but did not answer. They left me a voicemail saying that my social security has been suspended and if I didn’t press one I could kindly be arrested. I tried calling back four times but it was busy. i thought maybe I’m in trouble. I went on this page and wow. I listened to one of the voicemails here and my voicemail sounded identical. Not the same numbers but same voice.
zirbmambriz
May 09, 2019
Received two calls within a few hours of each other. Same recordings different numbers (888)815-0760 & (888)815-0813. I didn’t recognize the number so I sent it to voicemail. Robotic/automated male recording who claimed to be working for the department of social security.
zirbmambriz
May 09, 2019
Received two calls within a few hours of each other. Same recordings different numbers (888)815-0760 & (888)815-0813. I didn’t recognize the number so I sent it to voicemail. Robotic/automated male recording who claimed to be working for the department of social security.
jane doe
May 09, 2019
I have received 2 calls in 3 days about social security benefits being suspended because of suspicious activity came from different numbers but the same voice. 800-001-1521 and 800-068-1111. have filed complaint with ftc. Don't know how many numbers these fools have can't report everyone. HELP
Fred Flintstone
May 09, 2019
5 of these in the last few hours, all from different numbers starting 888-815-xxxx, all with the same message read by a computer "Phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspend your social security number because we found some suspicious activity. So if you want to know about this case, just press one. Thank you. 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 we just suspend your social security number because we found some suspicious activity. So if you want to know about this case, just press one. Thank you."
traysea
May 09, 2019
I pushed one when prompted. The guy identified himself as Logan Cole. I gave him a random number for the last 4 of my social and a fake name. He did say that my social is being used for drug trafficking and listed two addresses in Texas, asking if I knew the addresses. I told him no. He asked me if I was sure that it was not me involved in the illegal activity and then asked me if I knew of anyone that would steal my identity. I told him yes. I do know of one person, his name is Logan Cole. he asked me to spell it so I did. I spelled it the same as he did when he identified myslef. He then asked do I know where Logan Cole lives. I told him, "you should know better than me since that is who you told me you are, Logan Cole." H elaughed and said I was breaking his heart, I told him "better your heart than my bank account." He did say my real name at the end of the conversation even though I never told him what it is.
sick of it
May 09, 2019
In last 3 days have received 2 scam social security calls suspending benefits do to suspicious activity. Not the entire message but the same guy on robo call to voicemail. numbers are 1-800-001-1521 and 1-800-068-1111. So sick and tired of these low lifes.
Antonio
May 09, 2019
Now they are using a different number here it is: 888-815-0821
P. Gage
May 09, 2019
This must be in violation of all sorts of privacy laws. Isn't there something that can be done to these people? They call me 4-5 times a day ...
Dodge 61
May 09, 2019
I just recived 3 call in one day 1 800-666-2514 claming to be from social security saying my social security was going to be suspended if i didn't call back
Voice Mail Recording
May 09, 2019
This week, twice just today, I've received a 1-800 call that I didn't answer. I checked the voicemail and hear a robot sounding recorded message that announces they are from the united states office of S.S., I've received this call because my S.S.# has just been suspended due to suspicious activity, if I would like to know more about this case press 1. I believe each call has had a different number. If I don't have fake S.S. calling, every day there's at least 1 type of B~S scammer/Hacker claiming to be somebody that will bring me tons of money or take tons of my money if I dont do what is asked from me. They come in texts as well. Anyway I'm going to leave a complaint using the link given on this page.
Calls may2019
May 09, 2019
I received 3 calls the past several days with similar scams. Using NY, PA and Florida numbers leaving 25 second messages. I keep blocking the callers.
WeTooReceived
May 09, 2019
I too received the calls during the last few days, not at home, but at work in a federal facility! I had just gotten that phone and no name had yet been assigned to that phone. Went and checked my previous phone. That too had received the same call.
Anonymous
May 10, 2019
I can back to home after school ended today and found this voice message as shown at the bottom, transcribed by Transcription Beta system on iOS, from +1 (800) 689-2336. At first I was confused so I did some research on the number but could not find any information on the number, except one website that reported that it was potentially dangerous. When I listened to the voice mail, it sounded like male robotic voice. At the end of the day I concluded that it was a scam but it was at first quite frightening because it said it is from Social Security Department and I am just a high school student who had zero criminal record for sure. Could someone clarify that number for me? Transcript of voice mail: “_⁠_⁠_ department is to inform you that there are legal enforcement actions filed against you and your Social Security number has been suspected for fraudulent activities so once you get this message call us back as soon as possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings against you that is 800-689-2336 repeat _⁠_006892336 Social Security _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ is waiting for your call back…”
kim
May 15, 2019

In reply to by Anonymous

I got the same call and same message number is 8006892336
Amit
May 10, 2019
A new number to be added into the list : (800) 328-6599
Dan
May 10, 2019
I received a recorded message stating that my social security number has been compromised and is on hold and I should press one to discuss it. The number it came from was from Bradenton FL 941-727-3710 at 7:37pm.
Lindan
May 10, 2019
Received a call yesterday from 812-813-4363 (Indiana phone number). I didn't answer....it went to voicemail. Male robotic voice stating that my social security was being suspended due to suspicious activity and I needed to call a specific number right away. I did not and have blocked this phone number.
doug
May 10, 2019
They are very persistent, I receive anywhere from 1 to 2 calls a day from them telling me they are from the SS office.. You know same stuff, press 1 Bla Bla Bla
dragondave
May 10, 2019
I received a call from 800-772-1256 asking me to call back a number with a 214 area code. I could tell that the voice leaving the message has an accent so I am not calling it back. The callback number is 214-556-6518. Again I am not calling it back.
Kellie
May 10, 2019
Just received a call from 877-203-6318 saying my social security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity and to press one for more information. Obviously didn’t press one and googled to see this is a scam.
MS
May 10, 2019
I just received one from 888 815-0853
Tigger
May 10, 2019
I just received a call from (888)815-0853. The message was left by what sounds like a robot. Said my social security number is being suspended due to fraudulent activity. I never pick up my phone while I am at work, so I did not press 1 to get more information. Neither the IRS nor Social Security would call and leave messages. You will hear from them via a letter through snail mail. Please, do not fall for these scammers.
Mayy
May 10, 2019
I justa got a call from this number (888)815-0851 saying that my social security number has been suspended because some suspicious activities and then they said press 1 to talk to someone in he office and I pressed one and they hung up is this a scam??!!
LACNY14228
May 10, 2019
Just got this call from 855-408-6473
acullen
May 10, 2019
Another scam using 603-450-8787 saying my social was used in Texas and not everything including bank accounts are being threatened
shellvi
May 10, 2019
I got a call from social security office mentioning that my SSN are at risk. The caller is a lady voice from the recording. They asked me to press 1 to speak with the social security officer. The number is from 1-204-195-1440.
David
May 10, 2019
Just received the call 30 seconds ago and it was pretty much as you said. The number was 888-815-0858. I blocked future calls.
lspalmharborFL
May 10, 2019
844-301-0517 and 844-427-7504 I received two calls today from the above numbers with a recording saying my social security number has been suspended due to unusual activity. They then say press 1 if you want to discuss. Of course you are transferred to scammers.
Tabycat
May 10, 2019
I just received a scam call saying that my social security number is "associated with illegal activity" from the phone number (888)-397-4124.
44STEVE
May 10, 2019
new number 817-779-7299, texas
RR
May 10, 2019
285-598-7858 Is the # that called and left that message on my cell phone.
Rob
May 10, 2019
I got 3 calls today on my mobile phone, 3 separate numbers: 1-888-815-0867 1-888-815-0864 1-888-815-0836 digitized male voice saying suspicious activity has been found on my social security number and it has been suspended and to press 1 to talk to an agent.. Needless to say I hung up... be aware..
Juan
May 17, 2019

In reply to by Rob

I received the same message multiple times about my SS account being suspended. The number used were 1-888-815-1522 1-888-815-1560 1-888-815-1572 1.888-815-1546
ROMO
May 10, 2019
They've called me several times today Friday payday .... Not today 888-815-0867 888-815-0866 888-815-0853
Aks
May 10, 2019
Have been getting scam calls regarding SSN from. 888-815-0870 888-815-0862 888-815-0835
Utah
May 11, 2019
Received one of these calls from this number yesterday (209) 237-6741.
Chase
May 11, 2019
I’ve been getting blown up with calls since yesterday. I got a call again this morning. I thought it was weird since it is Saturday. I called the number back and got hung up on. I called again, some lady with a weird accent answered. I gave her my name and that was it. After that, it sounded so sketchy. There was a lot of noise in the background. People be aware. The msgs being left on my voicemail is the same one that’s on this website. I’m hoping giving my name out won’t effect me. Fraud #’s 855-209-5129 latest call 800-674-9564
Bailey
May 11, 2019
Just received a call they said my ss# was suspended due to a rented car under my name in TX that was found stolen, abandoned with blood & drugs in it...they had my address & date of birth they said that the police will be coming to my house in 45 mins to take me into custody...he also made me write down an ID # for his badge or something...he was foreign & I could hear other people talking loud like a call center in the background 734-821-0604 is the # crazy!! It actually kind of scared me that someone might come to my house & hurt me or something
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