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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.

Search Terms
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Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
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.

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  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
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2019imnotafool
June 10, 2019
Happened today got a call for the past 3 days about my social number being investigated blocked 2 of the 3 different numbers they called from person was definitely from India and I told him he was a scam and why are you calling me he hung up so sad social security will never do that something needs to be done to stop these foreign crooks taking peoples hard earned money what a travesty
Fadi A.
June 10, 2019
This number is targeting people in California (915) 229- 4617 it shows El Paso, Tx I called it back and gave him a piece of my mind .. He’s answer was: if you know it’s a scam why did you call it back (bunch bad words after) Hope no one falls for this
kdub
June 10, 2019
I keep receiving calls regarding that my SSN has suspicious activity and that my SSN will be suspended if I don't call this number: 1-888-543-4772
RoboScam
June 10, 2019
Been receiving calls multiple times a day, at least 5 a day. Every time I block the number, they call from another number. (The last 2 digits are diff.) Leave the same VM, my SS# has been suspended... They call so often I recognize the number & let it go to VM. I know there are tons of these, but I wish that once we report the number there was a way for FTC or someone to have it disconnected. So frustrating. Number that is calling me is 828-865-5203, 08, 10, 17, 20, 30, etc.
WendyC
June 10, 2019
I just received a call with the same message, but they didn't spoof the Social Security Administration phone number. I was called from 917-725-4248. I didn't answer, since I never answer calls from numbers I don't know.
SanDiego
June 10, 2019
My phone is blowing up from this scam, calls every 30 minutes with voicemails the past 4 days now and the phone number is different every time. Anyone know how to make them stop?
Jthoman
June 10, 2019
Just a call from Boone, NC (828) 865-5311 They left a VM " This call is from the Department of Security administration the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that we _________ your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one thank you ..."
Kharma
June 20, 2019

In reply to by Jthoman

I pressed #1 like they told me to do, and the guy answered "Social Security Dept how can I help you?" I said "Fraud Dept don't call this number again! And hung up.
seex
June 10, 2019
I received a couple calls from (828) 865-5309, (828) 865-5312 and (828) 865-5318 on June 10, 2019 saying that my social security was suspended due to suspicious activity. I tried to called the Social Security Administration for answers but couldn't get a hold of anybody, instead the machine wants me to spelled out my social security number slowly 1 by 1 before I can speak to someone. I don't feel safe so I hung up with an unsuccessful call.
Mike
June 10, 2019
4846642874 called me with their scam! Dont fall for it!
enough is enough!
June 10, 2019
From Boone North Carolina: 828-865-5316, ...5216, ...5211, ...5202. And each time, I block the number. And a new call comes in from a new number within 20 minutes. I´m skeptical about EVERYTHING and I don have time for nonsense. I figure if something is serious enough, it´ll be put in a letter not a phone call.
Kmd94
June 10, 2019
I received the scant message the passage describes. There’s no way to call back or text them.
Not falling for it.
June 10, 2019
Caller said my S.S number has been used suspiciously near the Border and to call back at 866 789- 8108, just hung up the phone.
Tbrew1
June 10, 2019
I keep getting calls that SS is taking a warrent out on me if i dont call this number 954-237-1863 back well im not calling back an if this is not a fraud then thry can just issue the warrent an ill deal but i know this has got to be some kind of scam
Overit
June 10, 2019
Received 4 calls from Boone, NC (828)865-5310, (828)865-5320, (828)865-5325, and (818)865-5330. I don’t ever answer numbers I don’t know. All voicemails were the same saying my SSN would be suspended due to suspicious activity; the usual scam.
GEORGE
June 10, 2019
I have received two calls today from a very robotic sounding caller stating that there has been some fraudulent activity involving my SS # at the Texas border. Ridiculous.
Nonna 8
July 08, 2020

In reply to by Casie

I got the same call twice today stating the same thing one was 781-275-6365, the other was from 781-279-4166!
Jane
February 05, 2020

In reply to by GEORGE

I just had the same exact call. The weird part is that I was actually waiting for a call back from them! But they always replay my own name in my own voice as confirmation. So I hung up. Geez, this is just creepy and sad to do to older folks when it's tough enough to keep track of our Medicare, SSA, and insurance stuff online.
kathleen
February 11, 2020

In reply to by Jane

same call in southern CA today, from 618-498-4175 (Illinois), caller ID: Irma Lehr
disastermatt
February 18, 2020

In reply to by GEORGE

They are still at it. I got a call this morning from a 415 area code (San Francisco, where I live) with a robotic voice telling me my card number has been used in some illegal activity on the southeaster border of Texas. It wanted me to Press 1 to talk to an "office". I hung up!
OCALAFORNIA
December 03, 2020

In reply to by disastermatt

JUST HAD THE SAME EXACT CALL - TWICE WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF EACH OTHER - BOTH COMING FROM LOCAL (TO ME) NUMBERS, BUT DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER - 12/3/2020
Carol
April 26, 2021

In reply to by GEORGE

Me too same thing SS# a warrant for my arrest in my name Texas Border I hung up did not push any buttons or anything just hung up.
J8888
June 10, 2019
My father got a call just a few minutes ago of a pre-recordered message saying that his benefits check is in danger of being suspended. I do not recognize the phone number, but it is 18288655331. I am not sure if this is how they would tell you about a warning? We normally get letters in the mail telling us information, never a phone call.
Miche
June 10, 2019
Just received the recorded call saying from SSN that my soc sec# has fraudulent activity and to press 1. The number is 917-725-9848 and came from New York today 06/10/2019 at 6:03pm CST time.
Rosa59
June 10, 2019
I received a call today From this number telling me that my social security number has been suspended but when I called the number back and it was a recording telling me to please check the number
Szimm8675309
June 10, 2019
‭+1 (800) 389-1458‬ ‭+1 (800) 389-5725‬ ‭+1 (877) 954-7632‬ All called me today left VM.
brucef 102
June 11, 2019
Got a call today from 409-822-3247 saying my social was involved in illegal activity and there was arrest warrant issued for me. when I tried to talk to their agent as soon as I said I did not appreciate being scammed they hung up. I would lie to swear out a warrant against these people if I could and put them behind bars.
Jerms6127
June 11, 2019
I received a call similar to this saying my number was compromised. It sounded official but I never got any written correspondence.
AZmanatHeart
June 11, 2019
Received 6 phone messages in 1 day from this number with the "urgency" element to reply, although the message is a bit unclear, its an obvious scam. Interesting thing is the display shows a number before the (360)-787-4888 which reads 'V611021600002'. I have no idea what that is, but of course, dont reply!
Puglove
June 11, 2019
Just got one of these robo calls today from 210-504-6341. Came up as Spam San Antonio on my caller ID. Robot said her name was Kim and my SS # was suspended, to call back.
Jfclpn
June 11, 2019
I received a call and they told me my social security card had been compromised. I told them I had no idea about it being lost or stolen. More than likely I would have noticed it was missing and would have gone to the ss ofice to have it replaced or what ever they wanted . Anyway this person asked for my ss number and when I said I was not giving that out over the phone he quickly hung up. Now I an getting email almost daily .it is simply crazy.
Don't ujeff126…
June 11, 2019
Now getting calls saying giving a loan when ive been online applying for a loan every site says it's secure they are not secure im getting calls from banks ive never heard of phone number 8884216815 be aware of this phone number It's a scam
ugagal
June 11, 2019
Today I received an automated call from a woman who identified herself as a social security agent and gave a badge # and informed me that SSA was going to arrest and charge me for fraudlent information I had provided to them. This is the 3rd robo call I have received in the past 2 months regarding SSA. The number is 724-707-5943
F. F.
June 11, 2019
Got this call from 1-800-132-6213 and 800-002-6213
Topsidevenus
June 11, 2019
8723560071 This number just called me yesterday and said my ss# was suspended due to being involved in a crime. They proceeded to ask me if i had any debit or credit cards. I hung up......nah. Not today.
saugust
June 11, 2019
I just got this call from a Chicago, IL number (872) 356-0071. It was a real person's voice, though, not some weird robot-sounding voice, but it was a recording. They asked me to call them back at a different number. I didn't even bother writing it down; I was pretty certain it was a scam. Googled the number and, sure enough, it brought me here.
Alicia33
June 11, 2019
Just received a call from this number 18001856213. Do not give any info, it's a scam. Alicia from Dallas, Texas
I like calling…
June 11, 2019
"At the earliest possible call our number before we begin with the legal proceedings that is our number +1 410-600-1133"
Annie
June 11, 2019
I just received a call from 180022935 (not even enough digits to be a real number). Thankfully it was flagged by ATT as SPAM so I sent it straight to voicemail.
D Brick
June 11, 2019
I received a call from the "ssa" Indicating I need to call them. I know the social security administration does not make phone calls. The number they told me to call was 570-995-0283. I know this is a scam number.
Annie
June 11, 2019
Social Security SCAM calls 6/10/19 from 828-865-5341 6/11/19 from 828-865-6110 Left messages (I don't answer unknown numbers) said my SS number cancelled.
KC
June 11, 2019
I just received a call (actually 3 calls today robo-voice) saying there was fraudulent activity with my social security number. the number was 903-224-6918 (Quinlan Texas)
Brian
June 11, 2019
I've been getting calls saying my Social Security number is being blocked and they're going to send the local sheriff after me. The most recent call was from 1-800-198-6213. I pushed 1 to speak with a "Social Security Administration representative" who didn't know why I was on the phone with him. He said his name was Logan Paul (infamous American internet personality) and his call back number was 877-876-3171. I tried to ask him some more questions and he said some swear words and hung up on me.
Tellus
June 11, 2019
Me too from ‭+1 (718) 705-4887‬
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