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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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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.
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  • 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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Jack
June 13, 2019
I got a call today from a ny number. I will be honest it scared me because I can’t be without a as card. I answered the questions sparingly. They said they would call me after things were given to the court to avoid arrest. This website put me at rest thank you
Nymark
June 13, 2019
I got one of those calls today
robbo
June 13, 2019
510-112-7167 is another one of these scam calls. Beware!
nan-San
June 13, 2019
I received a fake call from the SS Dept from this number : ‭+1 (917) 745-1507‬
NOTFALLINGFORIT
June 21, 2019

In reply to by nan-San

Myself, as well. Same day. Recroding said soc sec nulber been suspended due to fraud....AS IF!?K?
happystory2
June 14, 2019
I got total 5 calls yesterday and they all came from Washington, DC (202)760-6505 x2 (1:26pm) (202)760-9975 x1 (1:13pm) (202)735-4504 x2 (9:34am) One of phone call (202)760-9975 Saying “Hi this call is from social Security Administration office my name is officer menibarns and the purpose of the call we are trying to reach you to let you know that your social Security Number is been used fir some kind of fraudulent activity in the south border of Texas. So please in order go ahead get more information. To speak officer.. press 1, I repeat press 1. Thank you and have a great day.”
Esd9
June 24, 2019

In reply to by happystory2

I got that same message from‭1 (800) 569-1420‬ (same officer name and Texas storyline) just a few minutes ago
Will
October 25, 2019

In reply to by Esd9

I got the same call from 800 201 5264 with the same message and texas story
scamhater
December 02, 2019

In reply to by Will

I got that "Southern Texas border" call today too. Calling number was 510-301-1761
GlenY
June 14, 2019
Just received a call from this number yesterday which threatens an arrest warrant. Even left me a message. Called the number back for kicks. Someone with an accent (Indian?) answers the phone with the words Social Security Administration. 872-356-0071
FlanFam
June 14, 2019
Got 4 calls today from 2 separate San Francisco #s with a recording saying it's the SSA and that my SSN is being investigated. 415-795-2764, 415-813-3484 DO NOT ANSWER.
alinnyc
June 14, 2019
I am in NY and just got a call from 281-796-1534 with a voicemail indicating that there was suspicious activity and to press 1 to hear more (on the voicemail). When returning the call, I encountered the fast busy signal.
anabella
June 14, 2019

In reply to by alinnyc

they called me today too with a 866 # and and 888 #. called back said to leave a message. they are scammers. don't fall for it
Dawn
June 14, 2019
The scammers called me a few minutes ago with a pre-recorded message about my social security number being used for criminal activity in Texas. So I pressed one to “speak to an officer,” to see where this call was going and a women with an strong accent tried to get me to verify info. I asked her several questions that she couldn’t answer. They called me from ‭+1 (202) 740-3617‬
Ann
June 14, 2019
I just got a robocall voicemail from 510-112-7180 stating that they were the Social Security Administration and that my social security card was suspended for suspicious activity. It's a scam!
Katherine
July 02, 2019

In reply to by Ann

I just got this same call on July 2, 2019 (510) 112-7560 from the Social Security Administration saying my SS was suspended for suspicious activity. It is a scam!
PT
June 14, 2019
I received a call from this number 347-471-2320 stating Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. Add the above number to existing list of numbers.
rao
June 14, 2019
Got the call just now on the same matter: I got the call from 716 496 3033 please take a action.
GPS
June 14, 2019
Phone #: 310-421-4300 The message was as follows: By the drug enforcement agency and the police station I want you or attorney to give us a call back 310-421-4300, I repeat back the #; at the Social Security administration department. Do not disregard this matter, this is a serious call. Good Bye. Wow... the scammers are getting bold.
Emily
June 14, 2019
I just started getting this call today; they're quite persistent - I've declined about 7 calls from 510-112-7204 in the last 4 hours.
blahby
June 14, 2019
Been getting these scam calls on a daily basis! When you press 1 to be connected with an rep, some Indian sounding guy answers. These scammers are so annoying!!
Meli
June 14, 2019
I just got a phone right now from #1 800 892 8348 saying my SS will be suspended if I don't get back with them so I called back and ask who was I talking to he said John Conner I'm like ok and laughed he said this is no laughing matter I need your name and SS # or last 4 numbers I said you called me you must have my info. He said I have to make sure this is you. I laughed again he said well I'll just send the police over and have you picked up. I said let me speak to someone I can understand he got mad and hung up. If I was someone older I would be scared and freak out what are they gonna do about this it's not right.
longmire
June 14, 2019
I got a call saying they where blocking my ss number and I was going to be arrested. I’ve been getting calls for past few days. This is the number they called from 8883022654
Mr. N. Wilson
June 14, 2019
I got this call 3x times today saying "Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity" FROM NUMBER 510.112.7220
VAD
June 14, 2019
If you know the number that they want you to call - 844 340 8141 - why aren't you doing anything to stop them?
dannyduc
June 14, 2019
you guy told us to call and the number been disconnect what the hell..is this some kinda scam too...
anabella
June 14, 2019
I just got the exact same message from two different "SSA" phone numbers saying there was legal action being taken on my Social Security for fraud and to call back the numbers before I'm arrested. It sounded very suspicious. Didn't even say my name
michaelcopley7…
June 15, 2019
I've been getting a phone call phone number saying that my social security number has been found involved in illegal activity and it wants me to repent and call the number back
DC
June 17, 2019
I received a call today from 202-684-6811. Beware all
AJLawChick
June 17, 2019
I received 4 calls this morning from this number: 585-438-6167. Each time, a computer generated voice told me that I was being called by the social security administration and I would have to give my information to ensure that I continue to have social security benefits. I was unable to reach a real person, and the call disconnected when I told the "computer" that I thought it was a scam. I called the number back but got a message that the number was "no longer in service." This was not something that victimized me (other than annoying me), but it could easily prey on less sophisticated / elderly people who may be more naive. The government should investigate and shut this down!
TomPat
June 17, 2019
Received call from 855-784-4016 with the message that (I paraphrase) my social security number is being used and there will be an arrest warrant issued in my name unless I press ONE. Obviously, I did not press anything and just hung-up.
ConcernedinAZ
June 17, 2019
I received this message: "I need you to return the call as soon as possible on my department number which is 1-410-705-6581 if I don't receive your call your Social Security number will be suspended to avoid all legal consequences, call me as soon as possible because this is your last chance for the resolve, there's a serious case again this message is for you and this is Officer Lisa Williams from Social Security Administration goodbye and have a blessed day." Looks official and almost made me call them back. It's scary.
TIREDOFSCAMMERS
June 17, 2019
Just received a call from 281-786-4123 a voicemail from robotic system stating message from Social Security Administration to reach let me know my social security number is going to be suspended by the law enforcement agencies immediately before anything goes wrong to get back with them soon as possible. I repeat its urgent to call 281-786-4123. I did not call back deleted voice mail and blocked the number.
BartSimpson
June 17, 2019
I got a call from El Paso, TX. I knew that it was a scam so decided to have some fun. I told him my name was Bart Simpson and it didn't phase him. I guess I will have to wait for the local police to show up at my cell phone.
lefty nel
June 17, 2019
I just received a recorded message, "...legal enforcement actions filed against your social security number, so when you get this message, kindly call us back @ 210-888-9621." Of course I am not calling them back. Just thought everyone should know.
MrsK
June 17, 2019
My call came from 1957184313
dumpscammersDo…
June 17, 2019
Got scam social security call from this number 718-395-2439 .. Beware !
Nazi
June 17, 2019
I just received a call and the person left the voice message that there is a legal enforcement action on my social security and call back on that number before the legal action taken. Really worried
cowgirl47
June 17, 2019
I just received a call while driving. I never answer calls while driving. Number was from "United States", 510-112-7260 claiming they were from the SSA dept to report that my SS# had been compromised and I needed to call them back. I know that the SS dept will not call you. They will send you a letter. If you really want to check it out, call the dept. direct. Don't answer these calls.
Old FLA Guy
June 17, 2019
305 503 6113 SS scammer. Worded a little different, but basically the same crap.
AS
June 17, 2019
Got a similar call female voice from 8002053046
Mare
June 17, 2019
My call June 14 was from FEDERAL CRIME AND INVESTIGATION (714) 409-3003 then spam ELIZABETH 409-3003. On June 17,2019 another call came from LAMAR ,MO. 417-279-9061 , same message. same man , same voice.
lizbeth
June 17, 2019
I have been getting numerous calls today (JUNE 17,2019) saying that my SSN has been suspended. Posting down the numbers below: +1 (510) 112-7262 +1 (510) 112-7268 +1 (510) 112-7271 I had to click 1 to find the exact reason for this activity, but I hung up before that. I am aware that it is a scam, but it's really annoying because I am getting these calls continuously. Please do NOT go further or give any personal information.
arth
June 19, 2019

In reply to by lizbeth

I've been getting these nonstop from the same area code for the last 3 days. It's getting real annoying. 6 different numbers so far. All with a (510) 112 starting. I'd probably have more calls but I keep blocking them
jenny
June 17, 2019
I started receiving these on Friday - five calls on Friday, none on the weekend, two more today already. Very obviously a scam from the nature of the call. All from 510-112-72?? numbers so far.
Susan
June 17, 2019
Received calls from 1 415 460 3652, San Rafael CA. He said he was officer Michael Murray and the line was being recorded. He asked me my name and last 4 numbers of my SS number. Being curious as to where this was leading, and a little bored. I gave him a fictional name and number. He then verified the info and proceeded to tell me it was SS working with DEA. A car was found that was rented to “me”. Ties to Mexico, Columbia, drugs, money. ....
Kputt
June 17, 2019
I just received a call with the Robo dialogue from 425-698-2142 located in Bellevue Washington. It was a woman with an island accent possibly Jamaican.
Annoyed with calls
June 17, 2019
510-112-7292 510-112-7283 510-112-7273(x2) 510-112-7269 All of the numbers that I have been called from today starting at 10:05am beware of these numbers!! I pressed 1 and got hung up on
Mrs. Street-Hicks
June 17, 2019
Not only did I get the calls, but a letter came in the mail as well saying the same thing, from the same people..
ScaredMe...
June 17, 2019
I just a new Home phone number because Spectrum changed my home line. And, I started getting calls from #: 844-340-8141 of my property being confiscated. The calls were both in English & Spanish which really threw me off.