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
August 28, 2019
I just listened to a message from last Friday from SSA saying my social security number was going 2 be suspended and I was going to be arrested. Why do people do those kinds of things, smh.
August 28, 2019
8/26/19 I got a call from 941-913-9943, they left a msg saying my social was out on hold and that i had a warrant for my arrest and needed to call back and speak to an officer... LOL
August 28, 2019
Glad I found this information, just received an automated voice call from (805) 285-5261 about my social number being reported as fraudulent and that I needed to call that number back.
August 28, 2019
I got a call saying that there are new drug and dental benefits through SSA. He asked if I had gotten my new card for this. I said no. He said he would have a new one sent, but needed my card number. I laughed and hung up.
August 28, 2019
you guys should add this number1-888-281-5253
August 28, 2019
Wednesday, August 28, 2019 - Just got a call from 714-267-5288 very similar to the example above
August 28, 2019
I used to work with the US Postal Service, and every month I observe this elderly gentleman struggling to make sure that everything is done right before mailing a letter. This one month, he looked distraught and extremely worried, so I've decided to approach him to try to assist him. He told me that he's struggling this month's payment to his social security benefits and it just keeps going up, and don't feel too good sending their last scrap of money that they desperately needed with his wife.
This got my attention, because eventhough I don't know anything about social security benefits, I know that they should be the one paying right? This elderly gentleman should be the one receiving a check from them, rather than sending them hundreds of dollars every month on USPS money order.
I told the gentleman not to send any money until we get to talk to my Postmaster, and see if this is a fraud. But the elderly gentleman refused, out of fear that his situation will get worse if he breaks from the routine. I guess the scammers has psychologically manipulated him to the point that he fears them always watching and ready to punish.
I was finally able to convince the gentleman to give me the letter so that I could show it to my Postmaster. When I showed the letter to my Postmaster, I guess it was such a common occurrence that there's a protocol in reporting these things up the chain. My Postmaster came out and talked to the gentleman, and that when I left them to get back to my duty station.
I didn't know what happened afterwards, but I did still saw the elderly gentleman coming to the post office and mailing things, but I noticed that he was trying to avoid our attention so I just left him alone.
August 28, 2019
I just got the same sounding electronic voice with the same kind of message saying my Social Security number will be suspended. The number was from an IOWA area 1-515-605-1741, I live in Nevada.
August 28, 2019
They just called me from this number (312) 500-6695.
The same thing. No way I called them back!
August 28, 2019
This suspicious number keep call about SSN says:
+1 (800) 804-2648 (Scam)
“Connect with legal Sellers Social Security administration in order to connect with the Social Security administration officer press one now in case we did not hear from you your social will be blocked permanently to connect with the officer now press one and you will be automatically be connected with a concern department we did not receive any __________________ in order to speak with Social Security personal regarding your Social Security press one and this automated system will connect you with the officials press one now to connect…”
August 28, 2019
Got message from 1-800-674-8465 today. "Noticed we have received against your social security number by the federal crime and investigation department, we need to talk to you as soon as possible. Again the call is from social security administration. Number to reach the department is 800-674-8465."
August 28, 2019
Today I got a call from 1 800 592 6683 stating that my SSN has been conpromised and telling me to press 1 to connect me.
August 28, 2019
I got a call from a u.s number it was totally bogus. Don’t falll for this sick way to get money and information
August 28, 2019
I received a call from 800-933-7638 saying they were going to permanently disable my SSN if I don't press "1" and speak with a Social Security Officer.
August 28, 2019
A robocall from 1800 627 0172 to warn, my SSN is has been suspended because of suspicious activity and should press 1.
August 28, 2019
1 410 470 4595 add this number to the list. Got the call on my iPhone and it sounded like a robot talking so I hung up and did a # search with google and this site came up.
August 28, 2019
Received this voice message today....
The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for criminal activities. So when you get the message, kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number that is 312-500-6984. I repeat 312-500-6984 before we begin with the legal proceedings. Thank you and have a nice day.
August 29, 2019
first of all the guy asked my first 4 digit of my ssn and zipcode,....I recieved call and it was recorded on my voicemail ... August 26, 2019 at 11:20 am from +1 516 574 6780 regarding my SSN and it's suspended bec of illegal and proud transaction in state of Texas and my SSN was found in an abondoned car in border of Mexico that windows blood all over .... i got scared and i told him i have to call him back......
August 29, 2019
Just had a SSA scam showing 800-511-4537:
"Talk to you as soon as possible. This is the Socal Security Administration, number to reach department is 800 511 4537, again repeat the number is 800 511 4537"
August 29, 2019
I am continue receiving call form 8009517880, said that my SSN is blocked and ....
August 29, 2019
I got an automated call from 844-298-2432 about this. Thanks!
August 29, 2019
8/29/19 10:00 a.m. Springfield, MO.
I just received a call from 1-860-954-9812 stating the Social Security office was suspending my Social Security number. I had been on a site just 10 minutes early checking my Credit Score. So this kinda freaked me out a little. I immediately googled and found out the the Social Security will never suspend your Social Security number. I hate scammer!
August 29, 2019
Just got a call from 1-800-216-4299 saying my SS number will be suspended. If that is to be believed then there is ocean front property in the Mojave desert. Ha-Ha-Ha. I called that number and it is no longer in service. I have blocked that number, if they should call again. They really don't want me to talk to them, their ears and eyes will water and burn with the words I would use. They will end up blocking my calls. LOL!
August 29, 2019
Got another scam call from 1-800-400-8248 or 18004008284. Can’t these scammers be stopped already?!
August 29, 2019
Received call that my ssn is used for fraud from ph. 210 888 0780
August 29, 2019
Received a call today from 808-043-1392 stating my SSN has been used. I have LifeLock and trackers on my SSN through Experian so I know this was a scam, not to mention the computerized tone still used dialogue which led me to believe this is a scam. Please don't ever fall for this people. NEVER send anyone money...EVER. Always a scam. Blocked the number and moving on with my life.
August 29, 2019
GOT A CALL TODAY FROM 220-201-7207
SAME RECORDING.
August 29, 2019
Received the call today said she was chief investigateor and not to interrupt her? Said my SSN had been used seven times in Missouri in fraud. She asked for my zip code, I answered and she hung up! Now what?
August 29, 2019
I just received a similar call from number 220-201-7201.
August 29, 2019
18669647584 this # and other phone#'s continue to call me very day. They charge the # because I block them. I've ask for their Federal ID # which they did not understand. Wish they would stop. Ready to change my #
August 29, 2019
Just got a voice message from 800-536-2668. The message is transcribed more or less as follows:
“Due to this all your social benefits will be canceled until further clearance in case you feel this is due to an error you may connect with legal _______________________ administration in order to connect with ___ Social Security of ministration officer press one now in case we did not hear from you your social will be like to permanently to connect with the officer now press one ______ will be automatically be connected with a concern department he did not receive any ____________ _______ in order to speak with ______ ________ personal regarding your Social Security press one and this automated system will connect you with the officials press one now to connect…”
August 29, 2019
I don't usually answer 800 numbers, so twice in 2 days I got a call from 2 different numbers with the same automated voice system saying my SS was going to be suspended and to press 1. The numbers were 800-146-6319 and 800-490-7949
August 29, 2019
Somebody call from 18001096196 to let me know my SS will be block, it is a scam
August 29, 2019
I just received one of those calls from a person with a heavy indian accent from 1 800 225 0548
August 29, 2019
just got a call from 18001054329 left an automated voicemail saying my social security number has been blocked, press 1 to speak to social security officer. claimed to be the ssa. glad i found this forum, i was actually a little concerned. it came up on my iphone as “scam risk” when i’m used to the “scam likely” calls.
August 29, 2019
I just received a recorded message claiming to be SSA telling me that my SSI was being suspended due to suspicious activity involving my SS #. Press 1 to talk to a SSA representative. Don't think so. Here is the #
1 800 640 7611
August 29, 2019
I just received a call from 1(800)038-0739... This is getting ridiculous!
August 29, 2019
Received 2 calls today, recording gives the SS# message, but if you press 1 they respond, and want you to give info, if they suspect you know, they hang up. Telephone numbers were 1-800 370 8746 and 1-800 222 5293
August 29, 2019
Got a call from 866-426-0532 about SS card being suspended. I faked being scared and said I had just been at the office earlier in the week(this was true). The Indian told me not to be upset but what was my name and number. That was when I told him he was a scam and hung up!
August 29, 2019
Four calls today...supposedly from Alvin, Texas.
August 29, 2019
I've gotten several of those calls. The first one I talked to the "representative" After a very convincing line a little squiggle of doubt came to my mind. I told him I lived very near the local Social Security office so I was going to go by there and talk to them directly. HUNG UP ON ME. That told me it was a scam. I recommend the same tactic to others. Just tell them you are going to the source and watch their reaction.
August 29, 2019
Got the same spam call from 559-201-4164
August 29, 2019
On 08/29/2019 I received a scam call from 1-877-772-3468. The recorded voice is had a British accent.
August 29, 2019
I received a call from (840) 657-4450 today stating: This call is from the Department of Social Security Administration. The reason you have received this call from our department is to inform you that we just suspended your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity, so if you want to know more about this case just press one. Thank you.
August 29, 2019
I got a call today twice the first time I didn’t answer the 2nd time I did it was some guy with an accent named Alex he didn’t say his last name saying that my SSN had been suspended and that there was someone in Texas using my SSN for money laundering and trafficking said there were 2 addresses when I asked for them he didn’t seem to want to give me them specially when I asked him to repeat the addresses then he asked me what bank I had and said names of other banks told me to close my bank account and hung up. Got me really scared but idk it sounds like a scam from what I’ve read
August 29, 2019
Received call from (333)345-8635 stating I have issue with SS# and to press 1 to talk to a person.
August 29, 2019
I've had 3 scammers just today.
2056390942
8186517876
2055305976
Easiest reply is say "you called me. You should already know who I am" they immediately hang up.... wasteful individuals. Two of people who answered all have Indian accents the other sounded like they were from the south east.
August 29, 2019
I received 2calls this week telling me my SS is suspended because of suspicious activity. Same voice, same words. How can they get away with that? Why can't they get arrested? Their number is 1 866 457 9654 and it shows 800 Service on my caller ID
August 29, 2019
Received call from 800-681-7178. Female generated voice, but the message you listed.
August 29, 2019
just got one from 863-209-8818. called back several times and they kept answering . Asked for DOB and SSN which I wouldn'r give, threatened to arrest me.