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Scammers are trying to get personal information from people by pretending to help with applications for disability benefits and claims. A recent alert from the Social Security Inspector General warns of this phishing scam, and — whether or not you’ve started an application for benefits — these scammers could contact you. They’re taking a shot in the dark, hoping that you have started an application, and hoping you’ll give them a little more info over the phone. To “complete the process,” they might ask you to give, or confirm, your Social Security number or bank account numbers.

If scammers get your information, you could face identity theft and benefit theft. So here are a few things you can do to help protect yourself:

  • Never give your Social Security number or account numbers to someone who calls you.
  • Don’t wire money or send money using a prepaid debit card. In fact, never pay someone who calls out of the blue.
  • If you have disability benefits, regularly check their status, and review your statements to make sure they’re right.

If you have questions about disability benefits, or get calls offering help with them, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. And read up on more ways to combat phishing and identity theft.

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.

Cruisinone
August 15, 2019
I received 2 calls yesterday from a local SC number, 803-373-5483. In the message he left he said his name was Pete and to call him back to get started on my application, but the number to call back was not a local number, 617-996-8876. I have blocked the number. Please beware and don't give info over the phone!
Tampa
August 20, 2019
Called me from 813-437-4355
Ann Arbor, MI
August 27, 2019
Getting called weeks on end from (617) 996-8867 from Massachusetts regarding filling outSSD application from.
TheRAW
August 29, 2019
one thing to add here. I started getting these calls after attempting to sign up for unemployment. Using Google, I found my way to a site with legitimate information, and when I clicked ENROLL it was a different matter. The questions sounded legit at first, then quickly turned into a sales pitch. (Basically they were gauging my tolerance for SPAM). By that time I had already divulged some important information.
tedbraid.
October 24, 2019
An email came for my wife to my email from a "disability guide USA" Disabilityguideusa.com. The site looks like it claims to help with disability claims. My wife has filed a claim and this email has a link to complete the claim. That makes no sense because this is a government entity and they are not. They should not be able to get this information on her filing a claim. That is invasion of privacy.
Msturner67
September 03, 2019
These people keep calling a harrasing me. I ask to be put on the do not call list. How do i get rid of these clowns.
Sick of these people
September 04, 2019
+678-846-3233 Constantly robo calling my number then changing when I block. This is like the 9th number
James
September 04, 2019
Well, I received a call from Pete, at the 617-996-8876 number, which is located in Boston. He assured me it was urgent about filing my benefits. I am currently dealing with Attorneys for SSD benefits and they assured me that if it was legitimate, that they would call from one of two local numbers. I did call back and spoke with ‘Amir’ and he asked if I was between 50-64. Nothing but a scam. I didn’t give them my info. This is ridiculous. In the middle of speaking to Amir, they called me from another area code and left a message. Scam.
Dandi237
September 12, 2019
I get several calls daily claiming i have inquired about applying for disability which I have not. They are National Disability Insurance they have numerous phone numbers.
Dandi237
September 12, 2019
I am posting again after reading several other post. I have also gotten numerous calls from Pete at National Disability and all calls are from area code 417, only town and state show up on caller ID, i have received at least 10 calls from all different numbers in last week.
TimTSH
September 12, 2019
I've been getting these calls for about 2-weeks now from the following numbers: 971-717-3458, 971-315-4845, 971-266-5471, and possibly 877-201-2753 (not confirmed). I anonymously called the 971 #'s and get a recorded message thanking me for calling "National Disability." I always have Google screen the calls and they never leave a message so I block them, but they just call back from another number.
Melissa
September 13, 2019
Just received this one 6179968876 name is Pete national disability.i didn't answer he left a message
Lgamble
September 20, 2019
I have been getting 10 calls a day from these people. Message he is leaving is from Pete at 432-223-9795
Annoyed
September 20, 2019
They call from a variety of numbers. The last number calling me was 407-901-4101 and they left the voicemail to call 617-996-8876. I keep blocking the numbers they use, sometimes with a different recorded scam. It's just annoying. They assume the person they are calling is stupid.
Ponch
September 27, 2019
Been getting 3 to 4 calls from them last 3 days they don't leave a message,so i called on my cell and voice comes up national disability.785-571-0512
brucemg
October 08, 2019
801 948 2204, new national disability number. I told them to go fly a kite
Spring gal
October 08, 2019
Pete keeps calling leaves a number 617-996-8876 claiming to be with national disability. Don’t call them back it’s a scam
Dee sanders
October 09, 2019
Multiple calls from a different phone number, no message left on voicemail,scam
Robert
October 10, 2019
Keep getting a call from 770-872-0540... scam scam scam scam scam!!! I never answer a phone number I do not know... I will do a search and see who it is... if that doesn't work, I will call the number back and see how the phone is answered and will do a google search on the info I gather from me calling them... I do not speak and hang up if a live person answers... I also keep my phone message center full because if I see where someone called that I know, then I will call them back..
Tiffwitch69
October 10, 2019
Beware of these numbers: 518-351-7914 518-252-7105 518-615-5544 518-862-8214
Scammers
October 10, 2019
"Pete" is diligently calling to offer disability benefits on behalf or Social Security Administration. Beware of these numbers: 470 260 9570 and 617 996 8876
2boys3girls
October 10, 2019
Been getting calls from Pete at National Disability wanting to help me with my application. I keep receiving a call from Pete from, 617-996-8876. He left high-pressure messages about helping with my application but calls a lot. He has left two messages.
today1021
October 21, 2019
To Whom It May Concern: The number below has been calling me for days. Today I answered and asked why are they calling me. The caller immediately hung up. I immediately called back and a recording, “Thank U for calling Nat’l Disability”. I pushed Option 1 and, “Sorry, I record shows U have already spoken to one of our agent and U don’t not qualify”. The number is (510) 390-7328.
Courtney
October 21, 2019
I have also been called by someone from National Disability. When I returned the call, I was immediately concerned and thought it was a scam. The person who called was Pete from National Disability at 617-996-8876.
jp
October 24, 2019
414-973-2880 phone number calling to scam - using Social Security and National Disability to get your attention - don't fall for it.
ParkerWhyeth
October 30, 2019
Received a call from Benefits Advisors. Didn't even ask to speak to anyone,Just went off on a spiel saying they could get me $2600. per month disability. I asked why she was calling. She asked if I hadn't applied for SS Disability. I asked where she got my number and she hung up. Blocked her number. They can make their phone number local to you regardless of where they're calling from. NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFO!!!
Mrs John Doe
November 04, 2019
His calling from 4322872365 He's leaving a message that he's from national Social Security benefits .he said his name is Pete App 61799676 on your application please call me back as soon as you can from national disability and I'm at 61799676 have a great day
CharinCA
November 04, 2019
I have had at least 100 calls from different phone numbers and area codes saying that they are National Disability. I had been in an accident and having trouble with getting Disability benefits. I appreciate this information, now I can tell them to stop calling!
Mrs John Doe
November 05, 2019
This phone number 432-223-9795 call me he said he was from the National disability that he can help me with disability.I told him not to call me that he was a fraud then he hung up ....
Washington State
November 08, 2019
Received v-mail from 253-499-7637- "Pete" from National Disability. Have not applied for Social Security Disability.
Redwood City
November 11, 2019
I received a voicemail message today from Pete of National Disability, phone number 617-996-8876. He wanted to help me with my disability claim. I have not called back. Thank you for this site it helped me to understand that this is a scam.
Don't use your…
November 15, 2019
I'm semi-retired but in no way disabled. Called me Friday, 3:45 PM, 11.15.2029, and left a curious message. Why bother me ?
Tired of it!
November 19, 2019
the scammer posing to be with the IRS, Social Security, National Disability, and Apple iTunes are The same organized crime scammers. Someone need to do something about this. I run my business using a cellphone. It is not fair. I have to answer. I received at least 10 call a day starting at 6am. What I am most upset about is they are calling my elderly parents. i am willing to set up a sting operation, let me know if your interested. Thanks for reading!
Christine T
November 18, 2019
This entity has called twice and hour every day since 10/31 offering disability benefits ... and you dont have to be disabled! Scam!
Nice
November 18, 2019
617-996-8876 Left a voicemail “Millatti I'm calling because you had inquired about applying for monthly Social Security disability benefits now if you can call me back as soon as you can at 617-996-8876 we can get started on your application for monthly disability money if you're already receiving Social Security benefits please feel free to ignore this call this isn't something you need to worry about but if you did want to apply for Social Security disability benefits this is a time sensitive matter and fast action is required for these types of benefits so if you could please call me back as soon as you can and again the name was Pete from national disability and I'm at 617-996-8876 thanks have a great day…” I never applied for anything!
Franz
November 19, 2019
I just received a call, about Social Security benefits and if I did help getting them… I did apply a while ago asking if I can get Social Security disability benefits… But I wasn’t sure I was expecting a call from them just making sure this is not a scam the number he gave me to call was 877-207-4337 his name is Joseph… He wanted me to get my DLI number…I’m just wondering if this is legitimate… If it is great, because I really need a little help
Deenasaur
November 19, 2019
Someone named Pete called from National Disability. He left a vmail saying I started an application for disability through SSA, and I need to return his call at 617-996-8876 so he can help me finish my application, it’s time sensitive. I haven't contacted SSA for anything, so not sure why this scammer contacted me...
Bruno
December 17, 2019

In reply to by Deenasaur

Just received a voicemail from National Disability from "Pete." He wants to help me with my disability claim. I have not filed a disability claim. I wonder if they call people at random hoping to dupe someone filing a disability claim or, how would they know one has filed a claim?
Tired
November 21, 2019
773-692-3671 claims to be national disability in Waltham Massachusettes. They call an average of twice a day. I have asked to be removed from their calling list. Supposedly they removed me but I still get calls EVERY DAY. This has been goung on since Nov 1, 2019. Any lawyers out there that would help sue for telephone harassment?
VonKaye
December 19, 2019
Received a recorded voice mail message from 617-762-5614, they said they were from the national disability benefits . They offered to help me finish my application. The call back number was 617-996-8876.
Tired of this
December 19, 2019
I have received numerous called from 843-874-5245. He left a message once said his name is Pete with national disability. and wants me to call back @ 617-996-8876
Lbonin
January 01, 2020
I received a recorded message this afternoon. Imagine my surprise since it's new year's day. The guy said his name was Pete and had information that I am looking to file for disability, gave me a 617 (Massachusetts) area code and number to call him back, I did not, I called the number that the call came from just as I suspected it was a call center and the girl didn't speak very good English at all. Told her to put me on the do not call list and hung up.
PaulaO.
January 08, 2020
I received a call from (251) 244-3919 Peterman, AL Asking if I needed help with the recent Disability claim I made. I did recently file but how does anyone know this? And this is not the first call.I
Mfbreland
January 22, 2020
7692352505 this number called claiming to help get my son on disability and where more worried about the value of my vehicles, one of which does not run.
Jody from WI
January 28, 2020
I was left a message from Pete (from #608-765-5445) to call him back @ 617-996-8876 from National Disability. I googled it before I called back, figuring it was a scam, but some of the language showed up under the SSA.gov webpage, so I did call it. Another lady answered, already knowing my name. She started off with a speech and said she was going to ask some yes and no questions. I stopped her there and asked how this works with Federal Disability? We then got disconnected!! lol
Anger
February 10, 2020
Pete called from a restricted number now that I started blocking the other numbers. I can't block restricted calls.
Pistoff
February 11, 2020
‭(617) 996-8876‬ Has called to help me with my disability and his name is Pete but yet every time I call back they refused to connect me to Pete or their supervisor I keep getting hung up on and as soon as I said you’re on a recorded line they hung up as well.
Sick of This
February 13, 2020
"Terri" aka "Theresa" from "National Disability" just called me and wanted to know if I am interested in applying for Social Security disability. We have been getting a lot of scam calls and emails lately. It seems to be the same people with no end to the number of schemes they can come up with.
Luci Berry
February 17, 2020
They've called several times, wanting to walk me through an application. Thanks for the alert.
Sue
March 04, 2020
Pete from National Disability is back in 2020!! Left me a voicemail asking about my application for disability. I loved the word "cuz" you had inquired about applying for monthly.... I would hope that any business would never use the word CUZ...