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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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Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators
Chrisok
October 18, 2019
‭+1 (239) 310-6801‬ This number is a social security fishing endeavor. They called me over 20 times one day when I answer I give them the last four digits of what they think is my Social Security number to verify a “loan application I just give them random numbers every time and they say OK you’re not verifying anything
Ginger
October 18, 2019
Got this message from two different numbers the past two days: Hi, this call is from Social Security Administration. The nature behind this call is to inform you about a suspension notice that 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 415-446-9253/213-451-6150 I repeat it 415-446-9253/213-451-6150 thank you…”
CJ AUSTIN
October 18, 2019
Received 6 calls coming from 832 416-1658 today saying they are from the fraud department of the SS. Glad i found this site.
bear hill
October 19, 2019
I recently got a call telling me that I have criminal activity on my social security card. And they asked me for my full name so I hung up. If they have my ssn then they would have had my name. Right??
YoYo!54
October 19, 2019
Add 346-347-7617 to the list of SS scams. Robot message about all the stuff listed in this article. If anyone is constantly getting these calls on your CELL PHONE I recommend getting RoboKiller. This app helps to block unwanted scam calls from your cell phone.
Engr Lola
October 20, 2019
I also get this type of call yesterday from this phone number. They are stupid. 334-292-3004 The government should coordinate with the phone companies to identify these prople put yo jail.
SHARON
October 21, 2019
received a call from 226-005-9935
br.quebec
October 21, 2019
I got a call from automated voice and said something about sin number and criminal activity, as it threatened me not to hang up and if i did.... then i hung up and checked google the number was 1-226-232-2326
Gb
October 21, 2019
Got three of these calls before 11:00 am. Numbers are 281 958 9826 281 729 2371 And another but didn't answer so not sure it was same. I work nights and must leave phone on. This stuff stinks and puts motorist lives at risk.
another potent…
October 21, 2019
received 5 scams calls in the last few days (10/17/19 - 10/21/19) from 817 776 6953 about SSN. be careful as these guys are persistent.
coles-mom
October 21, 2019
MULTIPLE calls over the last few days from 800-059-0655, 800-624-2735, 800-820-8403, 800-460-8033. Dang spammers....
Not Another Vi…
October 21, 2019
I got the same call from # 1-800-202-1312
Tatiana M.
October 21, 2019
Just got a call from 281-333-4018 number with a message about my social security number suspended and to press 1 to speak to an agent. When I pressed 1, the person introduced himself as Alex White and tried to scare me that this is very serious and I will be arrested if I don't resolve it now. This was 3 time I received such calls from a different numbers with Taxes area code.
Susan M
October 21, 2019
I received this call today from 866-659-3371 advising me to avoid arrest by calling 866-473-5149 with the last four digits of my SS#.
coles1285
October 21, 2019
i got a call from 1-315-231-6683 stating that i need to call the social security administration... its not a good number. sounds like a robo caller in the voicemail.
Big Daddy
October 21, 2019
I received a voice mail on my cell phone earlier today from (888) 630-8977. My cell converts these message to text and thought I'd share. "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 court house and bfore you get arrested if you need any information or have any questions, kindly call us back at (888) 630-8977. Thank you." I was going to call and jerk their chain (not giving any info of course) but the number states it is not set up to receive calls. Figures, just another scam on the American public to prey on those they can.
DeadManWalking
October 21, 2019
800-250-9373 Called me - gave them my dads info - same name, different SS. He is deceased. As soon as they figured that out they hung up on me lol. Called back - got "Medic Alert" company on a recorded line.
FAA3
October 21, 2019
I just received two calls (one Ist one I ignored, 2d I answered) from 1800 570-5945 and supposedly "I have fraudulent SSA and to stay on the line for further instruction on how to remedy it." Bunch of BS and when I looked for the number, none came. Technology is not always great and I wish I could work a FT job and make more $ than I do on disability. If this was a legit call, I would have received mail.
Smart Consumer
October 21, 2019
I got a call today on my cell from these scammers. The minute I questioned them they hung up. They appeared to have indian accents from New Delhi or Bangalore.
fsalinas1999
October 21, 2019
I have received at least 4 calls within 2 hours from the same 800-398-5680 with the same recording in regards to my social security. How can I make them stop calling my number?
Red Canada
October 21, 2019
Just received this call from 8488871126 United States stating exactly what’s noted with article. Funny thing is that I reside in Canada with No ties to the US. Be careful!
Jarken
October 21, 2019
Now they are calling on Canadian's
USDOD
October 21, 2019
Do not call them back! Because the phone numbers begin with three digits that resemble American area codes. This Social Security scam is just evil. No, SSA employees would never threaten to have you arrested. Phone Number 916-246-2075 calling me Friday, October 18, 2019 9:37AM
Mouri
October 21, 2019
received 2 calls today saying it is the legal department of social security.....I just hung up
Daddyeaux
October 21, 2019
I activated a new prepaid line with AT&T on an older phone a month ago. I received a call and exact same message on 10/13/2019 from 833-854-4253, again on 10/18/2019 from 833-854-4264, and again on 10/21/2019 from 833-854-4258. Wonder how they got my new number. Is AT&T selling users' info? Good question.
DMK
October 21, 2019
JUST RECIEVED CALL FROM 1-800-706-7069 FOR THIS
sdgoirish
October 21, 2019
Just got this same call from "800-892-8365"
J dog
October 21, 2019
Just got scammed they said I was involved in money laundering and drug trafficking the number is 1800 369 6264
fatcat88
October 21, 2019
I received a phone call from 1-888-228-7000 with the similar recording. I pressed 1 to talk to a live operator. As soon as I asked her what is the issue with my SSN, she started singing and hung up. Then I tried to call this number back, again I pressed 1 and it was a medical alert company (they claimed), the operator also did not even bother to listen and insisted on transferring me to some other representatives. This company unless you reply that you are over 60, they auto hung up all callers under 60. I guess it's much easier to take advantage of older people.
RedWrangler
October 21, 2019
Here is another couple of scammer numbers. They called twice in one day. 331-215-7254 & 800-479-0443
Jo
October 21, 2019
I just got a call from Maryland at this number saying that they were going to issue a warrant for my arrest and go before a magistrate I don’t even have a clue what they talking 240-523-2413
Lucy
October 21, 2019
Got a call this morning from Hackensack, NJ regarding SS# and fradulent activity so I should call hotline number 013360205 before they begin legal proceedings. I think NOT!!!!!
Ms Done With T…
October 22, 2019
I have received this call many times from every phone number listed here and some not listed. 1. I never answer any number unless listed in my contacts. 2. I google everything to see if it is a scam. 1 day these phone calls started every 30 mins from 8am-6pm. So I decided I would call back and push 1 even though google and listed this scam.. I wait for The Scammer to answer, when the answered I listed, then politely said. This is Detective _____ from Las Vegas Police Department, badge number ?????. The Scammer immediately hung up and not rung my number since. I like to suggest that everyone tries this. They may get a lil cleaver to our scam. But they are not trying to get caught up with going to jail. Hope this Helps everyone.
Anonymous
October 22, 2019
Received several calls since yesterday; different numbers from North Macedonia, Montserrat, and today from Congo-Brazzaville (242 04 175 8154). I didn't answer but blocked all the numbers. But it doesn't seem to stop it since they call using different numbers.
wt
October 22, 2019
I received a call from 802-308-0426 and hung up. When I called back they answered Soc Sec Admin but it was a foreigner and it sounded like a call center. I did hang up.
SJD
October 22, 2019

In reply to by wt

I received three of these calls in two days. Finally picked up and knew it had to be a scam. Called from +18009168224. +18009124682
DKLBailey
October 22, 2019
They called my husband's cell phone yesterday and mine today. They need to get a real job and stop harassing people who ARE at work.
Reeny
October 22, 2019
Just received 3 calls this morning. I called number back and a live person picked up saying "Social Security Admin" .. Really.. We are not that stupid people.. Give up!
Mickeymd
October 22, 2019
I received a call listed on my caller I’d as 800 service 1-888-700-2272 claiming to be from social security and basically threading the same way as all previous comments. I was in internet security and recognized it. I just think it is a shame that we cannot prosecute these individuals. I also feel sorry for the really elderly that would not understand the scam.
Fairyprincessa
October 22, 2019
These numbers called me saying my social security # account has been suspended because of suspicious activity. # 800-912-4682 # 800-916-8224
Rob_G
October 22, 2019
received a call from number 888-333-5709 about an issue with my ssa. pressed 1 and a guy came on the line. I asked what he needed, and he said it was about your ss# I said you called me and how may I assist then he hung up . a scam I am sure but did not go anywhere.
DalTex
October 22, 2019
Received female robot voice caller via person voicemail. 10/22/2019 I have taken no action after receiving callers message aside of from posting caller message contents here. Caller I.D. 800-826-0409 Caller message: basis(?) because your social has been found suspicious for some illegal activity. It is very time sensitive and urgent to hear back from you before we proceed further with suspension on your social and assets. Please press one to speak to officer. I repeat press one to speak to officer right away. Thank you.
Will post all …
October 22, 2019
802 308 0400...ssa scam call
barbara c
October 22, 2019
I received a call today from 931 202 8587 indicating my SS HAS BEEN SUSPENDED due to fraud Which is absurd I am sure you are aware of this scam this stuff which is troubling to SS members as I am
Jan
October 22, 2019
I received several calls today. I am so glad I looked this up. I told him there are a few people living here. When I asked him who he was calling for, he said he could not tell me. He said that I would jave to give him my info to verify! I told him to stop doing what he is doing and hung up.
726
October 22, 2019
Getting similar calls from ‭+1 (810) 643-9148‬
Lisa B
October 22, 2019
916-370-6947 is the number that called me about suspending my SS number for suspicious activities. Well, we all know they aren’t suspending anyone’s SS number. Wasting my phone time. Lol
Vmyles
October 22, 2019
They called me and it said press one to speak to the representative and they were telling me that my social security number and things was suspended in some of the states because of fraud and I told them that Social Security would never called they would send a letter and I also told them that this is a bogus call when I hung up and called after they hung up I called the number back it was the DEA
AL Scammer Found
October 22, 2019
Just got a call like this saying there is "pending criminal charges" on my SSN. It was 205-403-5780. Birmingham, AL area code.
Kurdish Girl's
October 22, 2019
October 22ed , 2019. While I was at work and without much phone. I received a missed call and voice mail. SS Administration please call back before legal proceedings. It was an (803). I called and it was a call center and they HUNG UP ON ME! SO, I called them back and hung up on them.
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