Skip to main content

Probably not. At least, not from the real SSA. But how many of you have gotten calls from someone who said they were the Social Security Administration? And maybe showed the real SSA phone number (1-800-772-1213) or a number close to it on your caller ID? Lots, right?

We’ve seen a spike in the number of people reporting those fake SSA calls to us. Since January 2018, we’ve gotten more than 63,000 reports of this scam. Three percent of those people reported a loss – and they lost $16.6 million (with a median loss of $1,484).

You can hear what the scam sounds like here. The caller usually says 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 says your bank account is about to be seized – but if you go put your money on gift cards and then give him the codes, SSA can help keep it safe. (Of course, you never want to do that, because then your money is just gone.)

To report this scam, go to ftc.gov/complaint. But if you already gave one of these callers your SSN and you're worried about identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov/ssa. And if you get one of these calls, remember:

  • Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. Your bank account is not about to be seized.
  • The real SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards.
  • You can’t believe the numbers on your caller ID. Scammers can easily fake those. But if you’re worried, call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213. You can trust that number if you dial it yourself – just not on your caller ID.
  • Never give your SSN, credit card or bank account number to anyone who contacts you. Ever.

To hear more from the honest-to-goodness SSA and the FTC about these scams, follow the Facebook Live at noon tomorrow on the SSA’s Facebook page.

To read a version of this blog post in Tagalog, click here.
Upang mabasa ang bersyon ng blog post na ito sa Tagalog, mag-click dito.

To read a version of this blog post in Korean, click here.
블로그 포스트를 한국어로 보시려면 여기를 클릭하세요.

To read a version of this blog post in Traditional Chinese, click here.
如需閱讀此篇博客的繁體中文版,請點擊這裡

To read a version of this blog post in Simplified Chinese, click here.
如需阅读此篇博客的简体中文版,请点击这里

Lmartinez073
May 13, 2019
Today I got a phone call from a fake SSA. The phone number is 587-458-7854
Gabby
May 13, 2019
I just got a call from someone saying they was from SSA the number is 214-433-8514 I told them stop calling me
Aconcernedindiv
May 13, 2019
5/13/2019 Received call FROM 941-727-3969 saying my SSN SUSPENDED DUE TO SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY... THIS IS BOGUS, SS admin NEVER SUSPENDS a SSN UNLES there is an open investigation via POLICE/FBI /IMMIGRATION WHO WOULD OF ALREADY CONTACTED AND INVESTIGATED YOU. Never respond to any ph call inquiry of your SSN OR IRS dealings the real entities will contact you via mail first!
Knute
May 13, 2019
Received scam phone, which wanted me to call (812) 813-4364 to find out additional information. Here is what the message says: 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 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.
MsFrances
May 13, 2019
Just a call from +18882940641 i hung up.
Jennifer W.
May 13, 2019
I received a robo call that instructed me to call them back (first red flag): 786-410-3892. The call indicated that they were the Social Security Department (second red flag) and that my SS number was involved in fraudulent activity (third red flag). When I called them back, I asked to have my number removed and told them that they were a scam. Obviously, they denied everything that I had to and wanted my SS number - I did not give any information, but they knew a few pieces of my information such as home address (fourth red flag). I told them that I would be reporting the number and asked again to have my number removed...through the 4-5 different conversations I had one person even said they 'loved me' (red flag number ??? - I lost count...) when they being challenged and I would not let up. The caller ID was 'Homestead, FL': 786-410-3892.
AVinD.C.
May 13, 2019
Received 5 calls today in 6 hours with this same message from different 1-800 numbers. iPhone not detecting as “scam likely” 800-370-4476, 800-367-2914, 866-931-7075, 800-764-8714, 800-637-5058
beadles
May 13, 2019
We received 5 calls today that claim that there is something happening to my social security number and that I am in legal trouble and need to call them. The numbers today are: 833-252-1136, 844-222-9655, two of the calls were in the morning and from the first number, three in the afternoon from the second number. VERY annoying.
Justin BB
May 14, 2019
I just got a call from (888)-815-0940 saying my ss number was suspended due to suspicious activity. They left a voicemail because I don't answer calls I don't know. The message is automated and sounds very similar to the recording on this website. I just blocked the number. Clearly, its a scam but if you see the number listed below, then do not answer it and block it immediately after.
Stephanie
May 14, 2019
I received 2 phone calls today (05/14/19); the first one was from 888-815-1102 at 9:42 a.m. and there was a message left. Second call was from 888-815-1106 at 10:37 a.m., no message was left. First message was definitely a robocall claiming an issue with my SS#. If I get calls from numbers I don't recognize I never answer & always look them up afterwards.
Lori
May 14, 2019
Got a robo call from this number 814-245-1713 saying if I don't call them back I could have a federal claim entered against me or be arrested! TOTAL SCAM!
JCON
May 14, 2019
888-815-1227 is using the same tactic
srd
May 15, 2019
got a robocall saying telling me "legal enforcement action has been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities", and I have to "call 855-885-7839 before they begin legal proceedings"
M
May 15, 2019
The complaint form doesn't allow space or correct choices to list what I experienced, so here we go. I received a call today from what looked like an individual's phone number 724-237-5549 and which comes up in a Google search with an individual's name. I let it go to voicemail and it was a badly recorded robotic message saying my SSN has been suspended and to press one to hear why, then it cut off. Thanks!
des
May 15, 2019
Getting so many calls from 202 905 0358
Debra
May 15, 2019
I have got many scams calls but didn't deal with them but now I will tell you there numbers that they use to call me*1-202-000-8900* one thing I ck out was someone call from a S.S. Adm. in the state of maine after closing * that did not add up right * hope you find out who all is doing in JESUS NAME *
Lady Karhu
May 16, 2019
Received call from Hamilton OH 513-275-6556. Not knowing anyone in that area I let call go to answering machine. The message left was that my SSN was going to be changed unless I call within 48 hours.
Jmd
May 17, 2019
3time reporting same number saying my ssnumber was being suspended, talked to an agent yesterday for 2nd time ,now getting all other informatoun numbers and internet contacts The number is a New York number,a live ssi official would be great,but for some reason im not important enough The number is1-212-947-5105, I have blocked this one and they still call through Would it matter if i was important
worry1971
May 20, 2019
Is this a fraud number 469-656-6039
Scam Buster
May 20, 2019
I have gotten calls from these numbers and when you call back to check, it goes to an offshore call center. All scam about SS number having an issue. 1-800-674-3708 and -1-800-886-9052
chewy
May 20, 2019
3474620370 Left message to call social security. Said my SS number was being used & was comprised.
Snail3
May 20, 2019
What number to you report this too? Got a call from the same number and so did my husband. Talked to them and said they were sending the police. They have my name and address. Should I be worried? How did they get my husband and mine phone numbers?
LunaMoon
June 04, 2019

In reply to by Snail3

No, they are overseas looking for easy prey. I get them all time. I just call them out on their scam, shame them and then report them. As long as you didn’t give out your SSN, Credit Card Info le Banking Info, you will be fine. They probably download phone numbers online, which also contain your name and address.
rmk818
May 21, 2019
Just received two scam calls. Number comes in as a us Govt number: 858 816 1512 and 858 816 1515
Vps
May 21, 2019
I got one too. 781-328-2227 to the SSA spam list
NoThyme4This
May 21, 2019
Got 2 calls almost back-to-back. Robocaller saying my Social Security number has been compromised and to call the SSA at the following number (Two different calls / two different numbers): 888-205-5135 833-211-0352
AL 21May19
May 22, 2019
Just received 2 calls [212-335-3355(8:53am) & 212-335-8655(9:21am)] claiming to be from social security about a lawsuit being filed against me. I hung up.!
pianogirl
May 22, 2019
Rec'd call from 832-241-8740 {which was not the # phone said they were calling from} saying "this is SS & we have a warrant for your arrest for SS fraud. Call this ######## to straighten it out". Disconnected. Then my phone said "identity theft scam". I would have called had my cousin not warned me prior.
Annilee79
May 22, 2019
Robo call saying he was some kind if investigator or officer and my SSN was being investigated for fraudulent activities and to call back asap...number 2064147458 Washington state on caller ID
Gramma13
May 23, 2019
Yesterday 5/22/19 we received 6 calls saying that our "social" has been found suspicious for criminal activities and before we take to courthouse get back to us in our department at 206-415-8455 . The voice was very robotic and had a slight accent.
Alex California
May 23, 2019
Received a call from this number +18002418697 with following information : " You Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity". I keep receiving these calls daily for past week.
sj81
May 23, 2019
frequent phone calls from 858-816-1640, 858-816-1594, 858-816-1534. Stating my ssn has been suspended. they have been calling everyday since 05-20-19
catlover
May 23, 2019
I just received two calls one from 410-670-5732 the other 410-618-1397 both from Maryland saying my s say had fraudulent activity and to call them about pressing charges etc
JJ
May 24, 2019
I'm getting calls every day different numbers each time same message. I don't answer if no name on incoming call. 877-868-4382 877-756-8268 877-851-0039 877-761-6143 I have blocked each call doesn't help they just call with different numbers. How do we stop this??
Tallships
May 24, 2019
I like the one I get telling me that their from Microsoft and that I have a virus. I just tell them my Windows OS crashed and am using a different OS. I just tell them the one son from Microsoft built. Click. It sounds like the same guy that says he's from Medicare with free braces. I love it when I hear some of these guys get caught. Thanks FTC
Illinois resid…
May 24, 2019
I got a call today, May 24,2019 - caller said: cut off part then social security number, this is Federal Crime Investigation Dept, please call ‘Social Security Administration’ without ‘The’. Then gave this number 618-356-4254 and asked to call back! I did dial back and was placed on hold for next available agent on a Friday night at 7:55 pm central time! I know the real SAA wouldn’t have employees working this late on a Friday night - what a shame!
JadeFl
May 24, 2019
I got the SS number getting suspended due to fraudulent activity in TX calls a fee times. Hardly ecer answered my phone at that time so I got a recording telling me to call a number to speak to a government agent doing an investigation. Was wary but called anyway to see what the deal was (figured it was a sales call of some sort). Dialed the number & all I got was a recording of two people talking in a foreign language. Knew it was a recording because I hung up & called again & heard the exact same thing (including the woman giggling). The new one (at least for me) is the call saying that my name & number were chosen to receive a $9000 grant from the government that I didn't have to repay (duh, thats what "grant" means or they'd call it a loan). The catch is u have to buy a prepaid card approved by the government & activate it by putting $250 on it which is supposedly refundable. I laughed in the person's ear & said if I had $250 lying around I wouldnt need a grant. I cant believe the lengths some people will go to to steal from others. Just get a job if you're going to work that hard anyway.
T.J.
May 25, 2019
I just received a call from 469 405 2838 sayingThat there are legal enforcement actions filed on your Social Security number is for criminal activities so when you get this message kindly revert as soon before we begin with the legal proceedings thank you and have a nice day…”
queen55
May 25, 2019
I've received calls every other day from this number 800-444-1125 saying my social security number has been suspended! I know it's a scam I want to report this number immediately! There SCAMMERS!
Palo Alto
May 27, 2019
New number--858-788-1182; Old script
chicago-lauren
May 28, 2019
Got a call today from 800-241-8697 saying that my SS number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity.
heytherehey
May 28, 2019
this number is claiming to be the United States Social Security Administration and leaves a message threatening that your social security number will be suspended if you do not return the call. when i called the number back the people who answer have heavy non-American accents and are quite rude. I told them I'd be reporting them. They started hollering at me and hung up when I told them to stop calling me and to never call me again. I know they are a scam and not who they claim to be.
San Diego, CA
May 28, 2019
( 858 ) 778-1209 called me with Robo-Voice recording "Your Soc Security Account has been Suspended. Press #1 for what to do" May 28, 2019 12:31 PM Central
Susan
May 28, 2019
Received 2 calls today from a 718 666 3629 ( New York),urging me to call them otherwise I will be arrested. I listened and hung up.
JanieG
May 28, 2019
I just received a call telling me that there was suspicious activity on my SS and his name was Jack Smith! Lol He could barely speak English. On caller ID it did show up as US Government. The phone # is 800-325-0778. When I called the number back it said it was a TTY number. Unreal
bschmitt390
May 28, 2019
Received a call this morning (recorded message) stating that they were from Social Security Enforcement, and had a report of fraudulent activity of my SS, and said I should call 330-475-7179. I did not call them. What should I do?
Tetons2020
May 29, 2019
Add 772-232-7914 to the list.
dsargent
May 29, 2019
Got a call from 1 818 737-4925 saying my social security number has been suspended. I believe it is a scam.
Heather
May 29, 2019
Over the past several days I've been receiving multiple calls from different staying that my ssn has been suspended due to fraudulent activity. Everytime I block the number they call from a different number 403-585-6532 910-602-5203 408-523-8010
KSkip
May 29, 2019
I received 2 calls today from 2 different 800#s. I didn't answer either but both left voicemail messages that my SSN had been suspended. WOW. Blocked both numbers but I'm sure they'll find another one and call again. I know better than that!