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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.
  • 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.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Rhonda-St. Lou…
September 03, 2019
Just received this call from the phone number 888-291-5374
Boaon't use yo…
September 03, 2019
I got a call from this number ‭(877) 972-7411‬ I didn’t answered but they leave recorded message “ this the econd attempt to avoid initial appearance before a magistrate judge or a grand jury for a federal criminal offense this is the final attempt to reach you to resolve this issue immediately and to speak to a federal agent call back number 877-884-0540 I repeat 877-884-0540 thank you” I knew it was a scam and I tried calling the number in the voicemail but the call didn’t go through, and then I called the actual number from which they called, a gentleman with a very thick Arab accent answered claiming to be a SSA agent and immediately ask me for my ss# name and last name, obviously I didn’t complied and as soon as told him that SSA will never call or threaten anyone he hung up. Please be carful and never give your personal information to anyone over the phone.
Boo
September 03, 2019
Received an automated call from (833)888-8331 stating my social security number was used in a fraudulent manner. That b4 legal proceedings were filed against me to call them back @ said number. Seriously!! SS does not cold call! So if anyone gets a call from this number, report it and block it...
TexasGirl
September 03, 2019
Getting these daily now!
Moi
September 03, 2019
‭(866) 773-8703 Just received a similar call from this number.
Bee
September 03, 2019
410-872-2063 Received voicemail Thurs Aug 29th saying my license was “suspend” due to suspicious activity
Itsme
September 03, 2019
I just got this call, glad I hung up & found this! The words were different (no threats of jail) but was the same voice and beginning language.
KITTY2019
September 03, 2019
JUST REC'VD A CALL FROM 800-012-7454 AND AT FIRST HE WAS TELLING ABOUT MY SS NUMBER BEING FROZEN AND THEN WHEN I STARTED QUESTIONING ABOUT THIS .....HE STATED TALKING VERY NASTY AND INAPPROPRIATE!!!! SCAM CALLER!!! SOMEONE NEEDS TO STOP THEM
VTZO
September 03, 2019
Recently today (September 3, 2019) received a call from this number: 228-300-2822 (Ocean Springs, MS) saying: “It's from Social Security administration the nature of behind this call is to inform you about a suspension notice 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 this call is from Social Security administration number to reach department is 228-300-2822 repeat it's 228-300-2822 thank you…” I think that it is a scam. I will appreciate if somebody can alert me about it. Thanks
spiritmtnranch
September 03, 2019
Received two calls today from phone #800-772-2547 saying SSN is being suspended--beware of the scam
Sylvie
September 03, 2019
Just received a scam SS call from 800 491 2808 September 3, 2019
Dont do it
September 03, 2019
Big social security scam. Don't call it back just block the number.
Gray
September 03, 2019
I just received a call today it's the 3rd of September 2019 from number 833-570-7701 if they call you do not believe them because they are fake I asked them for their proof of identification and they hung up on me
lkench
September 03, 2019
If only this scam were true and my SSN was suspended. A suspended SSN means no taxes due, right? :D
Mat
September 03, 2019
Just got the phone call from this number on SSN being suspended for suspicious activity.
Calibucknut
September 03, 2019
Received two calls from "SSA" agents trying to get my info here are the numbers I received those calls from (510)296-6054 and (209)222-4444.
Readheather45
September 05, 2019
‭+1 (844) 303-0988‬ I got a call from this number
Crystal
September 03, 2019
Got a call/ voicemail from 1-888-206-2018 stating there from Social Security and they found suspicious activity with my SS# and too call em back ASAP!
NotSuspended
September 03, 2019
Received a call (first one since January) about my SSN being suspended. Latest scam number: 1-866-468-6304. When I asked to speak to an agent, he fairly quickly asked me for my SSN. I informed him that he was the one who called me and should know my SSN.
frankee_one
September 03, 2019
Received a suspicious call from 800-347-8640
concern caller
September 03, 2019
(578) 391-8730‬ This number called me asking that SSI was disbanded. I know you send out letters. So I hang up.
aberbs
September 03, 2019
Just got a call from 1-800-881-2552: Just 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.
jayit14
September 03, 2019
I have also received a call today from +14692831701 to my number not sure that us suspects call or original indicating there is arrest warrant has been issues on my SSN number
Anti-Scam
September 03, 2019
They’re still trying: 4690655144
NuNuNi
September 03, 2019
I just received a call from 800-846-1259 with a lady automate voice but the same message from this post.
Concerned citizen
September 03, 2019
Ive received two calls about this from 1 800 117 5741 And 800 841 1151
Scam
September 03, 2019
This the call that I received today from phone # ‭+1 (430) 755-2413‬ Lone Oak,TX “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 kindly call us back as soon as possible on the same number or press one to speak to our investigating officer thank you…”
Kgma
September 03, 2019
I too just got a call, but I wasn't near phone. It was marked as unknown! He said he was from the SS Administration office and that my SS# has been suspended for known suspicious activity! I Needed to dial 1 now! Of course I didn't because they usually send written notice! There are jobs out there! No need for stealing someone else's money!
Mark
September 04, 2019
Received scam calls from 408-844-5833 877-884-0540
JDSmith
September 04, 2019
Just received a call from 972-752-7700. Female voice (robotic) claiming to be from Social Security and that I needed to call number back as my number was linked to suspicious activity and an illegal action against me.
Chris
September 05, 2019

In reply to by JDSmith

Exact same number, 972-752-7700, just tried to call me when the same story. Very frustrating.
Palm-Springs RN
September 04, 2019
They're at it again. I just got a call from a 781-219-0329 supposedly from Social Security Administration.
Mark
September 04, 2019
Is the government with all its resources tracking down on these people. I would hope so. I get 5-10 calls a day!!
Curt
September 04, 2019
Just happened to me twice over the last 2 days
Joe in CO
September 04, 2019
They are Robo Calling from 888-384-4097 "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. "
youngengineer
September 04, 2019
I got a call on August 27th, 2019 from 1 (972) 853-7080. I usually don't answer if I don't know the number, so I let it go to voicemail. It ended up being an automated voice message that started off mid-sentence... "against you, due to legal enforcement action file on your social security number for fraudulent activities. To get more information about this case file from federal database call us back 9728537080. I repeat 9728537080. Thank you, have a good day."
Shira
September 04, 2019
Received one call then another a few minutes later. 8036694183 and 3125006818. This happens frequently so I block all calls except family and friends. Quite scary calls.
Located in Sai…
September 04, 2019
Scam SSN call received today from 888-070-8097
Idon'thaveausername
September 04, 2019
I just rec'd a similar voicemail message from: 860-623-5993 Windsor Locks, CT Date: 09/04/2019 Please be aware...
RWil3
September 04, 2019
I continue to receive these calls. The latest number is 888.674.6686.
KatAri
September 04, 2019
Called me from 800 024-1026. I got connected to an Indian man. Such a shame. Go get a real job.
Anonymous
September 04, 2019
Received a call from 1(877)427-3643, saying something about criminal activity, and must call back that number.
SOCsecurity SCAM
September 04, 2019
312-500-6984 scammer posing as Social Security threatening suspension.
nascar8
September 04, 2019
I just got a message left from the same guy on your voice sample. He said my SSN will be suspended because of suspicious activity. The number was 888-884-3682
Kmda
September 04, 2019
‭+1 (469) 649-0881‬ Called me and said my social security number was being suspended and there was a warrant for my arrest. I hung up and looked the number up( I always do) And the first thing that popped up was this page and reverse look up number sites. It wasn’t a real Person either. I keep blocking numbers. I used to train for a bank. NO ONE WILL EVER CALL YOU AND ASK PERSONAL INFORMATION EVER!!! These calls are seriously a threat and prey upon people. What can be done!
Nice Try
September 04, 2019
New number: 888-909-4220.
khaki
September 04, 2019
I just got a call from: 1-510-323-2188 Man's voice, no accent, said my s/s was under investigation and they needed to talk to me ASAP
Guy from AZ
September 04, 2019
Hi everyone, I just received a call and didn't answer. It was from Stockholm. +46 8 043 63 47. The women's voice stated that she was with the Social Security dept. And that there was some malicious activity with my Social Security # and that it is being removed from me. And they will be issuing a warrant for my arrest if I do not talk to them. BEWARE!!!
Buster Bludvessle
September 04, 2019
got the same robocall from 1-800-760-8219