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
October 10, 2019
received call from 800-300-6953. Their message was" ...social security administration in order to connect with the social security administration officer press one now in case we do not hear from you, your social will be blocked permanently to connect with officer now press one and you will be automatically be connect with a concerned department. We did not recieve any in_____ citizen in order to speak with Social Security personal regarding your social security press one and this automated system will connect you with the officials..." Grammar is bad, computer generated message. I can see how it would scare someone, especially seniors. Why aren't these robo calls stopped?
October 10, 2019
Just got call from 410-769-9527. Didn’t answer as usual and when checked message it was a little different from the one about suspending my social security number. They said the SSA is filing lawsuit against me and arrest warrant is being issued. When call number back it says it’s disconnected. I know it’s a scam but they still freak me out!
October 10, 2019
I just received an automated call with a female voice advising there has been suspicious activity with my social security card and to call back at the same number (407-674-2625) rather than hold for someone or press a # to speak to someone. My new SS card was stolen December 2018 from my mailbox so I was curious.
I called 407-674-2625 (Orlando FL #) and the guy who answered said 'Social security office' and asked what I was calling about. He clearly had a foreign accent and there was 1 other guy in the background very loudly on the phone saying it must be my co-worker that was calling you. I said the automated voice said there was suspicious activity with my SS card. He then asked my name, then quickly said who is "X" saying my maiden name. I said it's very loud where you work and he disconnected the call.
Obviously if someone from SS was to call, they wouldn't sound like they are sitting in a call room with 1 other person. Be aware of these people!
October 10, 2019
2 numbers I received calls from are 1-800-560-2889 and 1-800-347-2475, stating they are the law enforcement and my SS account has been suspended, press 1 to talk to whoever.....
October 10, 2019
(800) 917-0078 is another scam number
October 10, 2019
another scam 1800 510 5807 saying your SSA number is suspended do to some activities and will be permanently deactivated if you will not press 1 to speak to operator.
October 10, 2019
216-208-6431 is a scam number!
October 10, 2019
I got this call today but it was from a Toll Free Number. Has anyone else experienced this? I hung up.
October 10, 2019
Two calls today from 1-833-532-4795
Both Messages: “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 833-532-4795 I repeat 833-532-4795 thank you…”
October 10, 2019
I was scammed by a ssi man claiming to be investigated
October 10, 2019
I am getting a call saying my social security number has been composed! The number is 18449715044! Sounds like they are foreigners!
October 10, 2019
Here’s another number to add to the scam list
Dolan Springs,AZ
928-249-1692
Same story as rest, voicemail stating attempt to reach you to resolve this issue etc... I called back and middle eastern man I asked to identify himself said his name (I forgot what it was, most likely fake anyway, and from social security) and asked me for name and email but it felt off to me so I hung up and googled the phone number and no connection with social security came up, actually nothing came up on the number so I wanted to make sure to leave it for others to find
October 10, 2019
I got a call from 18668033091. Claiming to be a social security agent. He asked for information. Then he asks how much money do I have.
I told him that I cannot talk to him then I hung up.
October 10, 2019
Got a call yesterday 10, 09, 2019 from phone number
1-240-221-6438
Trying to pull that scam
October 11, 2019
+1 (609) 643-5862 I’ve been getting calls from random numbers this is the latest one. I tell them I just came from the social security office so I’m pretty sure they’d would have told me if my social was being used fraudulently. They hung up really quick.
October 11, 2019
Got a very similar call just now from 1-817-928-3130, out of Fort Worth, TX.
October 11, 2019
I just received a call from 844-413-5323 stating they were suspending my SS Benefits due to suspicious activity and to press 1 to speak to someone. When I did, it forwarded me to what sounded like a room full of people, but they ended the call. Thank you for these posts.
October 11, 2019
Got calls from 226 819 5869 same scam about SIN and prompting to press 1 to speak to a agent. Call display shows it originated from Wellesley Ontario. Don't pick up these calls and block the number
October 11, 2019
I keep getting these calls daily about my SSN being suspended.
1-800-014-7029
1-800-244-3437
1-800-453-2609
1-800-469-5742
1-800-794-4486
1-800-244-3437
October 11, 2019
1-740-365-0147 robo call stating that there is suspicious activity on SSN and will be suspended and if I don't call in the next 48 hrs I will be arrested
October 11, 2019
just had a call (10/11/2019) from 219 9853371 .. foreign speaking man stated he was the Social Sec Adm
October 11, 2019
Got a call from 912-785-2755. Officer DeMorris. Gave me a case number and his badge number and everything!
October 11, 2019
I received a female voice when i answered the phone, stating my SSN has been breeched and the account will be suspended. It seemed to be a recording. The call back number was 631-481-2393. I didn't call back. I immediately looked it up on the computer, and came to this site. I've received a multitude of these type of scans. The first one almost fooled me about IRS tax evasion. I've never evaded taxes but they were pretty convincing until the case agent got irate and used foul language because i asked too many questions and wasted his time. I figured it out mid call by looking up the caller ID phone number on the computer realizing it was a scam, then just messed with him till he gave up and hung up completely frustrated.
October 11, 2019
Getting this call multiple times a week now.
October 11, 2019
I received a scam call from this number this morning about suspicious activity on my SSS acct and instructing me to call their number. The transcribed message is below: 14692505682 Depositing new message 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 there's a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings that is 469-250-5682. I repeat 469-250-5682. Thank you.. Click here: 14699825001 to listen to full voice message.
October 11, 2019
940-260-0893 is scamming people and trying to get SS numbers beware
October 11, 2019
Thank you, thank you. These callers are relentless, blocking is impossible so consumers don't play, every single one is a scam
no matter what they threaten or scare you. They are the bad ones
The criminals.
October 11, 2019
Just got a call like this!! Get a job!!
October 11, 2019
i been reciving this call yesterday and they told me that someone been useing my idenity last month in the Houston state of Texas. And it was for drunk traffic case and money lundering. they gave me an address where the police went to and when they went to the address no one was there. they wanted me to go to the DEA Officer to file a report in Houston Texas. so the address they went to is 6200 North Ave in Houston Texas.I dont live there i live in Califorina been in California since 93 and still in California. so i still have this in my head and for it to be a scam this is so crazy.... they trying to say that i will be finding my self guilty and do some time in prision and to clear my name and i will be having a diffrent ss # to use..
October 11, 2019
A recorded message with perfect English voice told me that my Social Security Benefits were suspended and I need to press "1" to talk to representative. I did, though I knew it was a scam. A man with heavy ascent answered. After I spent some of his time asking about the details and he understood that I was fooling around he hung up. I enjoyed the conversation a lot. However I am concerned that my elderly mother could answer the call...
October 11, 2019
Got a robot call today from 800 867-1297 saying that my social security benefits have been suspended due to fraudulent activities and to press 1. BEWARE!!
October 11, 2019
A new one is coming from +1 (660) 004
October 11, 2019
Got the exact message from this number (800) 003-3641
October 11, 2019
866 313- 2533 and 888 860-8280 IRS and S.S. scam asking for last 4 numbers of SS and amount of money on bank accounts. other than that nice chat with "Veronica Moris"....
October 11, 2019
Just received calls this week. Exact same message as above from 732-759-9707.
October 11, 2019
Just got a recorded voice mail claiming to be from the SSA saying I was going to be arrested for fraud and to call 210-618-0253. Since the only dealings with the SSA has been getting my benefits statements and that I just applied for and received my Medicare (I just turned 65) and made payment for same I cannot imagine what "Fraud" I might commit. This number left on my voicemail does not match the one the SSA site says is theirs.
October 12, 2019
2267647385 call me many times just a machine talk about social sercurity they said I call back to officer before go to court
October 12, 2019
Received a similar call yesterday, October 11, 2019 from (915)440-4076 listed as being from Clint, Texas. “that there is legal action filed on your social security number...”. The robo-call ended with Thank you and have a nice day- seemed a suspicious way to end such a call. I wonder where they picked up my cell number— when making purchases or orders one often is required to give a cell phone or sign up for text messaging notifications. Who is protecting consumers In this regard.
October 12, 2019
I get these calls almost every day and on Saturday and Sunday. The phone number that comes up is 1-800-911-2978. They do leave a message and the phone number that comes up on the message is 1-805-637-7243. I blocked both and also had telemarketers blocked, but they still come up and find a way to get through. As a result I never answer my phone unless I know the caller and I turn the ringer off during the day and work hours.
October 13, 2019
I knew it was a scam right away but I call them and make them mad. It's my new entertainment. #1-210-741-7320.
October 13, 2019
WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE CALLS??????????
October 14, 2019
Ive received a call from the US and I put the number into the phone number tracker and it was from canada. Its really scary, the robot talks (mine was a women), telling you youre going to be arrested, not very pleasing
October 14, 2019
Thanks FTC! I've received over 10 of these Social Security Administration scam phone calls. The calls are always a computerized voice. Some calls allow you to connect to an "agent" whereas others ask you to call back. Once I managed to talk to one of the scammers and they could hardly speak English. I asked them not to call again, but they continue anyway. Today they called again and on a national holiday when no SSA offices would be open. While most people will realized these calls are scams, they still cause concern and may trick some people. So it's great that the FTC publishes information about these scams so we can confirm and avoid. Stay safe everyone.
October 14, 2019
just recieved a phone call from800-980-4495 saying my SS # is going to be suspended due to unidentified activity and if I want to know about the case i should press 1 so i hung up ofcourse. It was a recording.
October 14, 2019
IRS SCAM Call from #844-632-3012.
October 14, 2019
I was almost convinced i recieved a call the other day that my ss n was being suspended for fraud as well and that i needed press 1 to speak to someone before further action and just as i was gonna press one call was disconnected and it was a recorded line just like the sample om this site this is horrible i was scared .. Thought i did some thing wrong until my husband sent me this link now i am full aware and will not fall for no b.s.
October 14, 2019
I got one today. 281 718 9929, Texas
October 14, 2019
Also just got a phone message regarding my SIN number and that I needed to call a enforcement agent back. Just wanted to add this for people to be aware . Number of call: 1 800 452 1556
October 14, 2019
I received a call today from 844-838-7206. The automated message said my SS number had been suspended and to press 1 to speak to a rep. When the rep came on the line, she hung up on me as soon as I started to ask questions. Totally bogus!
October 14, 2019
Call came from a 978 number in TX. Left a recording. I called it back just because I knew it was an Ahole. He had my disabled sons name and his grandmother's name. I questioned him out the butt. He told me that my son's ss# had been used in illegal activity at the border. I told him he had to talk to me and that if he was really with the SSA he would know my name. He could never come up with it. I told him I was reporting the number to the FCC and let them investigate the number. He hung on to his scam. I'm far from being an idiot. EVERYONE SHOULD TURN THESE PEOPLE IN. My son and my mother are both disabled. I can catch them with my son buy my mother may think it's legitimate since they actually had his name and hers. I will report this everywhere. The number was 978-848-7248. His first question was did you get a message to call us back.