Skip to main content

Have you gotten calls about supposed problems with your Social Security number from callers pretending they’re with the Social Security Administration (SSA)? If so, you’re not alone. Our latest Data Spotlight finds that reports about SSA imposters are surging, while reports about IRS imposters have taken a dive.

As the Spotlight puts it, “In the shady world of government imposters, the SSA scam may be the new IRS scam.” While reports of SSA imposters have swelled – nearly half of the reports we’ve gotten in the last year have come in the past two months alone – reports of IRS scammers have plunged. What’s more, people told us they lost $19 million to SSA imposters in the past year. That overtakes the $17 million reported lost to IRS imposters in 2016, the peak year of the IRS scam.

How can you spot SSA imposters? They often use robocalls to reach you, then launch into a story aimed at tricking you into giving them your money, your Social Security number (SSN), or both. They may say your SSN has been suspended and you need to confirm your SSN to reactivate it. Or, they may say your SSN has been involved in a crime and your bank account is about to be seized or frozen, but you can protect your money if you put it on a gift card and give them the code. Never do that – your money will disappear.

If you get one of these calls, remember – the real SSA will never contact you out of the blue or tell you to put money on a gift card or, for that matter, visit a Bitcoin ATM, or wire money. If your caller ID shows a number that looks like it belongs to the SSA, don’t trust the number – scammers fake their caller ID all the time. If you’re worried, hang up and call the SSA yourself at 1-800-772-1213.

Check out the Data Spotlight for more information. If you think a scammer has your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov/ssa to learn what you can do.

Hang up on Social Security Scammers

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

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.

drj
May 02, 2019
We are being innundated with robocalls telling us to call the SSA of our SSA number will be invalidated. 5-2-19
legachik
May 02, 2019
Received a robocall on my voice mail. It stated it was the Social Security Administration and that they were suspending my social number due to unusual activity. It then said to press 1. The number that came up on my caller ID was: 603-367-3505 from NH. I googled the SSA to see if this was their phone number. It was not so I blocked the number on my phone.
someonealert
May 03, 2019
new number is being used 1877-061-1213
Fredola
May 03, 2019
How can we report a number? They left a message. I called back and they answered. Can't you trace a call like that? 315-636-4196 from Marietta, NY
Cathy
May 03, 2019
Got 3 calls in 2 days saying my ss number has been suspended and to press 1 to talk to someone. I hung up. Here are the numbers: 800-809-1120 866-768-5566 800-965-2381 Same voice as the sample provided!
SS# Scam
May 06, 2019
I just received a voicemail that stated my Social Security has been suspended. I was to call a certain number 518-288-5015, I did not call. Obviously a scam as the Social Security office does not contact a person via a phone call but rather through the mail.
Nty
May 07, 2019
Received a call from {972}591-8809 claiming my ssi number was suspended they hung up after receiving my area code
Steven S
May 10, 2019
Do not answer or return call to BIW 207-447-3183 it is a scam robo call.
PEN
May 10, 2019
i just got a scam call saying that i was going to be sued due to a fraudulent ssi claim the number was 1.207.437.4884 maine. i just hung up right away
NoScamsPlease
May 13, 2019
Receiving several recorded messages saying my SS number may be used for fraud. Number is 209 284 3610
dave1law
May 13, 2019
Got one of these calls saying that my SSN was used in fraudulent activity and a warrant was going to be issued for my arrest. I told the person my cell phone gets bad reception and asked him to call me back on my landline. I gave him the number to local Sheriff's fraud division.
Tracy
May 14, 2019
I just received a robo call saying that a legal claim had been filed against me about my ssdi and to call them back right away before they go ahead an file . the number is 1.855.272.7895. Is this real?
Katiecat
May 14, 2019
Just received a call from 914-459-8989 saying it was the Legal Department of the SSA and that my SS# had been suspended and that I should press 1 to prevent my arrest. I had not answered this call—I never answer a number I don’t recognize figuring if it’s important, they’ll leave a message- well, these guys did with the above message about my number being suspended.
Purplelady
May 15, 2019
Just received a call my SS# was hacked. Call was from 315-201-8405. Did not answer, but they left a message on my cell.
svsticks
May 16, 2019
Just received an automated phone call from 207-439-9220 claiming to be the Social Security Office and that there is a warrant out for my arrest, to speak to a customer service representative press 1 or to call a different number that begins with area code (501) or (504).
Fed Up
May 17, 2019
These calls are coming in at a furious rate using 877 prefix for all the numbers below, and rotating numbers including : 054-4213 184-3213, 084-3213 , 076-3213, 520-3169,
pistachio93
May 17, 2019
Received 5 of these calls in the last 24 hours, from 4 different numbers: 855-327-8953, 209-682-5804 (twice), 281-836-4908, and 833-400-0147. Definitely a robocall...poorly written automated message, stating officer "Kelly Jones" with the Social Security Administration is calling because there is fraudulent activity reported on my SSN.
kdl30307
May 20, 2019
I just received a social security scam call. Telephone number 240-388-9810. Scammer had Asian Indian-type accent and called himself William Reed; said he was an investigator-even provided a badge number. I told him that I was going to report the telephone number he was using to the SSA he calmly told me that that was my right to do so. Do NOT give out any personal information to these folks...
LRush
May 21, 2019
Received a call from a man stating my SS# is suspended & a case has been filed. It matter will go to Federal Claims Court House for me to get arrested kindly press 1. I returned the call he answered & you could not understand the company name __Social Security. When I asked for the name to be repeated he hung up. Won't answered my phone calls now.
LRush
May 21, 2019
Received a call from a man stating my SS# is suspended & a case has been filed. It matter will go to Federal Claims Court House for me to get arrested kindly press 1. I returned the call he answered & you could not understand the company name __Social Security. When I asked for the name to be repeated he hung up. Won't answered my phone calls now. The phone # is 209-432-7145.
Barry
May 21, 2019
I got a call from 18000452213, keep this number in mind. He calls me a machine and tells me that estacomprometido my SSN that will block me. I had to talk to a representative, to pass the person wants all my information, name, surname, DOB, SSN and address, to unlock me. I did not give it and I told them it was a scam, the person just started to laugh.
Bowie87
May 22, 2019
I've always thought that I'm smarter than this, but I just got one of these calls and they are GOOD. I actually have had my passport stolen, so I may have been more willing to believe that someone had stolen my identity, but they told me crimes had been committed under my identity (blood in a rental car rented to me, a house raid uncovered banking info in my name, etc). Be careful and spread the word!
defender
May 22, 2019
I received a call from this phone number 1-856-816-1576 . a total scam. Robo call stating your social security has been cancel due to suspicious activity. press 1 to speak to a representative for assistance. this is a scam the SSA will never use robocalls regarding your SSA. I work for a public health agency. Resolution Block the number and report it to the federal trade commission
Lux Gee
May 22, 2019
I got this call today from number 802-723-0459. I let it go to voicemail, and the message that was left was a recording stating there has been suspicious activity on my social security number and its been suspended, and to call them rightt away. Scammers. I hope no one falls for this.
Mack
May 22, 2019
I got a call from the fake Social Security telling me my SSN had been used to but a car that was found with drugs in it. I told them we should contact the local police and they hung up. They call from 512 991 4260.
cinnamon
May 23, 2019
telephone call claiming to be social security wanting ss # and benefits info how does anyone ever stop these scam buckets
Mike
May 23, 2019
I just got called from 800 325-0778 robocall that said my SS# had been compromised, and to hit 1 for further information. "Derek Murphy" who claimed he was a social security agent answered the phone. I asked for a published number I could call him back, and he said we was at SS headquarters!
Jn
May 24, 2019
Just receive a call saying they are with SS and call back as soon as possible our legal Action would take place. the number is 1877-729-0810 I know its fake just wanted to report it.
Ed
May 24, 2019
Social Security Scam calling from 903-484-1289, threatening legal action if you don't call back. Don't do it. This is a scam.
Mr. B
May 24, 2019
I have never heard of a law against being an obscene call answerer.
Cgrlrun
May 28, 2019
Received a call on 5/24/19 @ 4:30 AZ time. 989-375-6288 Claiming an arrest warrant was issued & to call back ASAP to stop it. So I looked up the SSA website, locations & hrs. I called back the number an asked the "agent" why he was working so late on a holiday weekend? He had no idea what I meant, so I said its Memorial Day weekend, the government closed @ 4pm you called me @ 7pm. Arizona is 3 hrs behind the East coast. He got really angry & said If I don't pay him my life would be hell! he would torture my family if I didn't pay. I just laughed & told him he was a sad little man & needed help. I hung up & he called back screaming at me to pay, I told him the FBI was on there way, cause I'm an agent & you messed with the wrong person, he hung up .SSA will never call you, Certified letters yes, calls NO.
me
May 28, 2019
I got a couple of calls from the SSA yesterday from different numbers. Both were Robots. First was a woman voice, the second a male. Calls were within a few hours of each other. Every time I get these calls I think about playing tricks on the caller, but I chicken-out every time and tell myself they're not worth my time.
smile
May 29, 2019
For last couple days getting call about SSA from Michigan. From the phone number is 810-369-0718
tinolet
May 31, 2019
SSA scammer call me at this number 1-833-349-6464 to tell me that I owe some money in Texas. The scammer wanted my social security number and my birth date, I ask him first, "what is the number of social security number in Maryland?" He told me the correct phone number. Next, "I ask him for the address of the business in Texas that I owe!"! He couldn't tell me. He said, my time was up talking to him! He hurry up and hung up the telephone. I'm glad I didn't give him my personal information! It's sad how people used people to get a buck!
Melodious voic…
May 31, 2019
A melodious female sounding voice from telephone number 2242523696 calls and advises she is from SSA, and she is responding to an inquiry I supposedly made for disability. She states, "do I have that right?. My response was: "NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY will call me like this, and I did not..." the caller hung up :) Sharing so that you too, will be an educated consumer. Very Respectfully,
Come and get m…
June 04, 2019
I just got a call from a robolady at 800-063-5213 telling me that my social security number was flagged for suspicious activity and that if I didn't wait and press 1 to speak with someone they were going to permanently disable my social security number. Hmmm. Without a social security number would I still be responsible for my student loans? <--clearly joking. All kidding aside, I don't know how those people sleep at night trying to trick vulnerable people out of their hard earned money. It makes me very angry, and very scared for our seniors and more trusting phone owners.
Fraud Calls
June 07, 2019
For 2 weeks am getting a daily calls from 800 numbers claiming they are from SSA and my SS will be suspended, the numbers are 800-013-5213, 800-063-5213 and 800-0736213
4theShire
June 07, 2019
I got a robo-call from the number (866) 477-2267 saying there was a problem with my SS account, something about needing a lawyer when they call back again and a felony, and asking me to call them back again at this number. Of course I won't call back again!
Elliot
June 07, 2019
Love scammers! Received two calls two days in a row from (254)253-5376. They answer in a large call center and everyone has an accent (no offense, sounds like India) saying they are the department of social security administration and right off the bat ask for my social security number. I told them no and asked they never call me again. They immediately hang up. I called back five minutes later to have fun and gave them a phony name and social security. They then read off a lot of worthless IT #'s and some terrible story that I'm in trouble for drug traffing, money laundering in Texas and they work with the FBI. They transferred me to a supervisor after listing to her story. The supervisor alleges to be a an officer Nathan Wilson and reads off a phony bade number. He requests my case number, name and SS# again. I give him phone info again and a minute later he hangs up.
velmacuevas
June 25, 2019

In reply to by Elliot

I must got a call with this exact story. The call carne from California (310) 359-8976. Definitely from India but said his name was Robert Brown. Apparently a warrant will be issued for my arrest in the next 2 hours. This is ridiculous.
Annoyed1
June 10, 2019
+12567168853 just called and left a message that sound suspiciously like Siri. Yeah, not buying the SSA calling me from Alabama.
Zep
June 11, 2019
Got a SS scam call from 256 716 8853
ELPneeds(H)elp
June 11, 2019
If you do not recognize the number then DO NOT ANSWER the call. Let it ring itself out. If Legit, sometimes not, a message will be left on VM. At the end of the day I Block all unknown callers, takes just. a few minutes. Yes, it is very frustrating and that is what these callers are depending on, so you will slip up and give information. If you take the call you will be setting yourself up to be identified as a “LIVE” call #, and then watch out for the incoming calls. They sell these numbers to each other.
MargieC
June 11, 2019
Received not only one but two threatening calls from 'Social Security Administration.' Both sounded authentic. I almost answered the robocall, since I have an appointment with Social Security. Glad I heard about SSA scams, so I didn't respond.
Rick
June 12, 2019
Received a call from 520-509-4914 and returned the call. They answered with the SSA scam. I told them I was recording the call and they hung up.
Cinder
June 12, 2019
I started getting these calls yesterday and have received 4 more already today. I reported it to the FTC and SSA.
annonomus
June 15, 2019
510-970-1565 is calling claiming to be from the ssa office. dont answer this call, dont call this number back.
Llama
June 17, 2019
Received a call from 802-723-0459 on 5/22/19 but I let it go to voicemail. "so if you want to know about this case just press 1 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 1 thank you"
Torialee
June 17, 2019
Have been called 6 times in the last week, sometimes as early as 7am pst. Cannot understand man when I call back! Told him to lose my number and don’t call back because I know SSA WILL not call anyone and I know it’s a scam. He said “ ooohh” prepare for a federal agent to your door... I told him to send them and to screw himself!
SHarry
June 18, 2019
Beware!! 410-600-1135. SS scam!!!