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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
imposter
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Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators
CG
September 30, 2019
484-254-5986 - Yep SS Scam 09/30/2019 Officer Catherin Richardson. Call originated from Wayne, PA 12:27pm.
Ann
September 30, 2019
I got a call from 1 767 093 5595 saying suspicious activity on your amazon account a cell phone purchase was made for $799.00 ... press 2 is this wasn't you and after you press 2 it transfers you to a person that hangs up on you.
Not fooled
September 30, 2019
The phone scammer used this number 2253890253. He called himself Chris Morris and had an indian accent.
elizabeth
September 30, 2019
just got a call from 443-583-8482 pretending to be SSA agent. I ask his name and his batch employee number as i know this is a scam. when i asked him what types of illegal activities found in my SSA, he hung up. These people should realize that there scam tactics are old.
eddieh
September 30, 2019
just got this fraud SSN call from 800-784-3375
Julia B.
September 30, 2019
Got a phone call from 16132368881 saying to press 1 in order to speak with an officer for a criminal matter regarding my SIN number. I believe it was a definitely SCAM and I hung up. Be careful everyone!
Rob Shmoe
September 30, 2019
This is the Number that tried to get me to give them information. 800-303-0120. I talked with a Sophie....Told her to stop calling me...she hung up
AnnoyedinKS
September 30, 2019
Just received a call from 1-844-845-2428 saying my social security number has been compromised and will be cancelled. It was a recording so I hung up. I plan to screw with them if a live person should call. This is so annoying, especially when these calls come in during work on my cell!
TB1122
September 30, 2019
I have been receiving these daily from 800-637-6629 and 800-610-2030
tmottard
September 30, 2019
I got a message from 1-800-125-1797 voicemail as follows: “Immediate effect 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 Salas 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 _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ will be automatically be connected with a concern department we did not receive _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ 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…”
StealthySausage
September 30, 2019
Just got two calls today saying my SSN was being investigated by ICE and to give them a call back before it goes to federal court. It was from a Florida number.
Winnie's mom
September 30, 2019
Received same type call at 3:35pm today. my caller ID said Elkridge, MD and phone #443-296-2171. Same type msg, that my social security was suspended, etc. I hung up before it finished.
hsprinkel
September 30, 2019
Called just now from 8417489632
Shaka
September 30, 2019
Just got two calls from Austin, TX informing that my SS was suspended and they had arrest warrants for me..i hung up and blocked the numbers, definitely did not push 1
tigerKTcat
September 30, 2019
almost everyday, i received call from this number: 800-050-0031 telling me that my social security numbers are suspended because of illegal activities and i will be arrested. I think its a scam.
Kale
September 30, 2019
Some automated message said my SSN was being used to launder money and I was gonna get a lawsuit! :’)
kat7979979
September 30, 2019
I got call from 1-800-945-9943,same scam!
Barrereras
September 30, 2019
I receive a call today from1-800-484-4537 with the same massage.
Susandkd
September 30, 2019
I received this scam voicemail telling me to call 925-231-7289 when I called they wanted me to confirm information and I said I want to know who you work for, where you are at. She said The Social Security Office in Dallas, TX. When I asked for her supervisor, she hung up. This is a scam, why would they hang up when o ask for supervisor
Loseweightfast
September 30, 2019
I received a call from 718 922-9371 saying my SS# was being used in Texas. A person came on the line and eventually hanged up. When I redailed the phone was not in service
Driving me crazy
September 30, 2019
I've received at least 7 of these calls this week. Same sort of threats, etc. Caller ID for first few was showing from Garden City, NY. Then another number and last two said private. I'm a sick old woman and these calls are very upsetting, I know they are fake but just don't understand why the government can't do more to protect us from this stuff .
FromCA
September 30, 2019
Got the call today from 1-800-416-8031
stopscammers
September 30, 2019
I just got a call today. The number was 1.800.440.0233 I listened and felt panic, but was suspicious. Good thing I googled it because it led me to this page. Stay safe out there guys!
Go away scammers
September 30, 2019
Me too. The last couple days. The digital voice says "The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activity, so before this matter goes to the state courthouse, and before you get arrested. If you need any information or have any questions, kindly call us back at 405-310-0241, thank you."
Tiredofcalls
September 30, 2019
I got a call today from 833-736-3326 about my social security number being suspended. Call it right back and a foreign voice picked up. I played the frantic and upset "what can I do?" person and wouldn't let him speak just ranting on about being scared! He told me to call my social security office and hung up on me!
Sue in Arizona
September 30, 2019
I just received a call from 866-987-1730 stating I was going to jail for tax evasion.... posting this here because the number used in this example is active again and I want other consumers to know.
cool guy
September 30, 2019
I got a voicemail saying there are illegal activities using my social security and when I asked for info they wanted my name and last four digits they kept saying there is a case file on me but they couldn’t give me any sort of case number or someone else to contact. Is this a scam?
Rose
October 15, 2019

In reply to by cool guy

I bet it is! Don't give your information over the phone!
Not Falling for It
September 30, 2019
I have been getting these calls asking me to call back at 252-362-3027 and 336-754-9064
AxeXent
September 30, 2019
+1 (561) 983-6985 is a number I got a call from saying they have terminated my social security for the criminal activity I have been investigated for. This is a total scam number. The government cannot terminate your social security number.
Screening Calls
September 30, 2019
Just got one from ‭+800 1072745‬ with a recording of a female voice saying basically the same thing. The location came up as XT (reverse Texas?)
I’mScared
September 30, 2019
I got 2 calls from 1-(800)-827-4333 and I blocked them and never answered. Is it nice that I block them and now I’m scared :(
Cindy
October 01, 2019

In reply to by I’mScared

Hello, please do not be scared. If you have concerns about your social security number being used, call them directly. You did right by not answering and blocking the number. Sadly, we will keep getting these calls.
Scammers suck!
October 01, 2019
‭(800) 662-6669‬ This number just called me and said the same thing.
konerusudhir
October 01, 2019
I received a call from 512-361-7187 saying the call is from Social Security Office and there is a fraudulent transaction on my account and asked me to call back to the number above.
JenW
October 01, 2019
I received the same call today, but a female voice. The number calling was 800-550-9563
jontoofake
October 01, 2019
I just received a call from an unknown number with an automated message stating that my SSN was being used in Texas. I pressed 1 to speak to the agent and when a person answered they said they were an officer and asked for my first name, last name and date of birth.
Jay
October 01, 2019
Got a fraud call from 1-800-276-6999
Cindy
October 01, 2019
Recieved recorded call from 1-800-541-4741 that stated my ss# has been suspended due to suspicion activity, request that I press 1 to find out more about this activity. Of course I did not continue the call, googled info and discovered this is a scam.
swhai
October 01, 2019
Received a call today from 1-800-489-0477 saying suspicious activity was detected in my SIN number and legal action will be taken if not called back.
Pam
October 01, 2019
800-822-5385- Telling me about suspicious activity.... loss of SSI benefits... 2 times so far today.
Gunderwoman
October 01, 2019
425 948 9632 Washington Just got a call today 10/1/2019 from who they claimed to be the SSA claiming a warrant has been issued for me! it sounded like total BS yet for some believable...don't let your guard down!
Round Shoes
October 01, 2019
I haven't lost anything. But then again I wasn't born last night. New Texas Number 409 204 4925 called today asking for info. You woud think by now SSAN would have my social securuty number. At least the "cops" aren't coming to my house on a federal warrant.
Scam Victim
October 01, 2019
Same thing. I’ve gotten two calls saying that my SS# was linked to criminal activity. The phone number was from Texas +1 (833) 237 - 9658
Cindy
October 01, 2019
I get SSA scam calls repeatedly, three in the span of 40 min and it goes on all day. It is a new number every time so blocking a phone number does nothing.
Not Sure
October 01, 2019
Got a call from 559-540-2117 says CA, I don't know the number so I did not answer. They left a voicemail saying to call them back and their name is Rochelle.
Dady
October 01, 2019
443 457 8481 973 645 2404 1800 728 1827 This is I have get call
Dolly Green eyes
October 01, 2019
I have been getting so called calls from SSA for the last 3 months, on my cell number and my home number, all different numbers from all different states. Saying basically fraud, that my payments will be stop. First question I have is did SSA systems get hacked. In my work life, I worked for SSA and VA agencies. I know enough not to hand any information over the phone. What is being done about theses scammer s.
NJ SSA scam
October 01, 2019
Just received a call saying “your social security benefits has been suspended” Phone number from 1800 550 4402
Oregon
October 01, 2019
1-877-425-6279 called twice today saying that they worked with the IRS/SS. They even gave me a fake name and badge number...
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