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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.

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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.

potential scam…
March 05, 2020
they know how to generate numbers in your area code and they have generated lots of them... so don't try to identify by phone number, but by their phony tactics...
Chris
March 10, 2020
I've got a call from national disability and anything is fine now and today i've enjoying my Disability benefits , they call us because they want to help! I'm just glad that they call.
anonymous
April 02, 2020
My mother-in-law just got a call from somebody from National Disability (supposedly). I got suspicious and asked for a call back number, provided me with 1-877-977-1330. Sounds like a scammer. Beware
TKO
April 16, 2020
Message on my voicemail Pete (calling from 65one-419-5zero46 - number obfuscated in case it was innocent person's hijacked #) at National Disability wants to help me with the application that I filled out and I should call him back right away at 617-996-8876. I didn't fill out an application and I didn't call him back.
user1980
April 20, 2020
I keep getting a text from 832-371-6761; stating I was picked to receive up to $2,671/mo in benefits. Only a short call to begin. When may we connect?
Upstate NY
April 21, 2020
I have received this call and exact same message as below (Hi - I'm Pete...) on a fake cell number - total scammers.
Cindy
May 07, 2020
I started receiving calls from National Disability 2 weeks ago. Voicemail shows a local number. I blocked that one and received another call from a different local number. They leave a voicemail telling me to call 1-844-690-8191 in reference to my incomplete disability claim.
Turtle Mama
July 20, 2021

In reply to by Cindy

I received a call from Christine from National Disability today. She left a very convincing detailed message about my supposed inquiry regarding disability benefits. Called back because I am very curious, and the call could not go through. Disconnect immediately. Darn, I could use some money too.
Arlington VA
July 23, 2021

In reply to by Turtle Mama

I received the same call today - Happy this thread came up with the number so I could check if it was legitimate.
CheckingTwice
August 25, 2021

In reply to by Cindy

We got the same call today. A voicemail from Christine (who *sounded* legit, despite apparently being actual pond scum) from 844-690-8191. She didn't ask for anyone by name, specifically, btw. Also relieved to have found this thread. Thanks for sharing!
JessTicked
July 01, 2020
I received a call from Social Security Disability (617) 996-8876. I didn't answer it and they left me a message. Message was from Pete (man) at Social Security Disability with a new number to call him back at (276-265-4172. I blocked my number and the calls are routed from the Philippines (a call center). The woman told me that Pete (she) is very busy and that they needed to ask me question. The caveat is that I got an email to from DoNotReply @ ssa. gov (866) 964-7317 where the woman answered hello? When I asked her why she didn't identify herself she tried to say she did. WOW!
Don't use your…
May 17, 2020
Hi also had another number as well it's 206 457-2011 that was the number that called me and I believe they're scammers they got my social security number and told me that I was eligible for my benefit's and I would be getting a letter sent
reckless_5
May 26, 2020
I have been receiving calls from 617-996-8876, It's always Pete from National Disability who leaves me a message. I never received these calls before I went on Social Security web site and started, but did not complete a request.
Tired of spam
May 27, 2020
I just got a call from a woman who said she is representing “benefit advisor” and she wants to tell me about a new product they have —- life insurance for seniors. Phone number was local. 586-225-8840, She said she has some questions to ask me. This was a voicemail message.
NoScamAllowed
June 04, 2020
Pete is still scamming... just received a call today.
Sandi
June 08, 2020
I just received a call from "National Disability" using a Tampa area code. He said he was calling to help me with my disability application. The number he called from was 813-437-4355. I told him I couldn't talk and to call me back on Thursday. Now I know to block the number.
Topsy3478
June 12, 2020
V612134501 these people call every day. Tired of scams
Fangface
June 15, 2020
I do hope that I have not been scam by citizens disability it seems really Legit 781-670-3056
Sickofscams
June 26, 2020
Got an email from The National Disability Group. (877)825-3503. I knew it was a scam because it read, Hello Mam or Sir. RedFlag
Fishy
June 29, 2020
Just got 6 calls from someone in tacoma wa about getting disability insurance said i wasnt filling out any paper work for any assistance keep getting these calls even blocked them and call from different place numbers are 1253 533 9226 and 360 209 8224. Beware
Socalgirl
July 07, 2020
Just received a call from "Pete" from National Disability 617-996-8876. Wants to finish my "application" for social security and disability. What a joke. I don't qualify for either one yet. Never applied.
Julie
July 14, 2020
I recieve a call today . He said his name was Pete.He said lf I needed help with my disability application. He said he was from the National disability dept .The phone number to call back is 617 9968876 I think this is scam
CV
July 23, 2020
With the pandemic going on, these guys are back at it. I received a call that I applied for social security benefits, which I didn't. He left his name as Pete. Big SCam! I knew not to call back!
NoPhish!
July 28, 2020
This scam/phishing is still alive and well in July 2020. I’ve NOT applied, nor inquired about disability benefits EVER. I received a call from these people, it came in as a local call, left a message with a toll-free # to call back.
Frustrated
July 29, 2020
I keep getting these calls. I never applied for disability and you cannot block the number. Every time I try my phone freezes.
JBR
August 02, 2020
Beware of Human Arc they say their working for Molina, then Molina claims their ignorant and knows nothing. They wanted my SSN I told them who are you I don’t know you. They said they will send a letter it’s got Molina’s name all plastered over it. I plan to call them in AM problem is they apparently have a working arrangement yet claim they don’t.
Lowray
August 11, 2020
I just received a call from National Disability phone# 727-474-1025. Luckily I didn't answer & looked up their name!!
JaL
August 13, 2020
"Amber" calls every day from a different number. Doesn't matter how many I block, tomorrow she's there again
amDawn
August 17, 2020
I have been recieving calls from widely disparate numbers including local and out-of-state. They say "I am a disability advisor". One clue is that they never stop talking no matter what and two, they won't answer any questions like "which agency are you from." I've blocked at least 6 numbers now but they keep calling. i just hang up.
Sick of Scam Calls
August 19, 2020
This is still happening. Just received a call in FL. I guess Pete was busy because it was Christine calling. When is the FTC going to do something to stop this Scam?
David M
August 20, 2020
Report complaints to the FTC?? About as useless as "Press 1 to be removed from our list" If the FTC was doing anything significant to robocallers, we would have noticed by now. Show me the jail time!!!
Tired of cold calls
August 20, 2020
Keep getting spoofed Oregon numbers for this scam. Most recently (541) 229-5947 has called 5 times after i blocked it today alone for "national disability". Sick and tired of blocking these numbers only to be called again from a different number with the same spiel.
WokeBrazilian
August 20, 2020
+1 (347) 329-1127 this number just contacted me and sent me the message below : Carlos, its Susan texting to see if you need a hand landing your SSDI benefits! You were selected to receive custom assistance! Call us!
tkubocar
September 03, 2020
Received a phone call from Christine at National Disability 617-996-8876 saying that I had applied for Social Security disability benefits. This is a scam.
Don't usehedge…
September 30, 2020
I have the same problem. When I call back they hang up when I'm trying to talk to them. I think it's the robo thing. Not sure.
bnadler
September 30, 2020
National Disability from 617-996-8876 called my cell number 2 x asking for me to call back to process my disability application so I can start receiving social security benefefits. I told them I never applied for any of this. I think it was strange that they would have a request. Since looking at the comments, wondered if it was a scam. Be careful and don't give out any information.
Loloski
October 12, 2020
Got another one from 310-620-8132 asking me to call 844-690-8191 for help filing out the application for disability insurance. Beware, they are persistent. Blocking this number too
Harassed from …
October 14, 2020
I have been receiving repeated phone calls daily from a company called National Disability. They are calling me three times a day, Monday through Friday. I have blocked every number they use to call me, but they have so many phone numbers that they can still call from anywhere around the Milwaukee area. I am fed up of being harassed. I do have a disability, but I believe that I can still work and want to work. I answered the phone once, and the person on the phone was definitely not someone from this country. I have had enough of the harassment.
National Disab…
November 03, 2020
This scammer is back at it. Calling since 10-22-2020. Number used is 740-303-7292. Told them to remove my name and number and to never call again. She just hung up after talking about selling insurance. Do not engage nor give them any information. A bunch of hacks trying to steal. Wish the FTC do something about them since this has been going on since 2016!
J-Dub
November 20, 2020
Pls. Beware of people leaving message about Social Security Disability. I have gotten calls from 301-263-3730 and 301-834-1289 the last 2 days. They said they were calling from National Disability. The message they left was "I or someone calling on my behalf called to apply for disability. They said that if I was in Resp to call them at 844-690-8191." They then continue to say that if I was interested in applying for monthly disability benefits then to call them back 844-690-8191. When I called 844-690-8191 and asked them who called on my behalf the service agent told me she didn't know because they get the infomation form National Disability. When I asked her how did they get my number she said that the information came from National Disability. She try to sign me up for disability. I told her "no". I asked for the customer service number for the National Disability she gave me 877-977-1330. This number does not work.
Concerned USA …
November 24, 2020
Received a call from a lady claiming to be from the National Disability Institute in Massachusetts. She was calling to help me make a claim for disability when I am not disabled and have never applied for disability. I told her to never call my number, it is on the DO NOT CALL LIST and that she and whatever operation she worked for are SCAMMERS. DO NOT EVER GIVE INFO OUT. They want to steal your life, identity, SS#, bank information. SHAME ON PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN CHEAT, LIE AND STEAL!
Concerned and …
November 30, 2020
1. Identify as Social Security Disability 2. Automated recording: We are here to help you with your application for disability benefits. 3. (Automated) My name is: xxxxx and you can call us @ xxxxxx. 4. The problem is they do it quickly and I do not recall the number. If they call be ready with pen/paper to add to complaint for investigation.
Tel Castillo
December 23, 2020
Thank you for this very helpful information.
Cherilk
January 02, 2021
I’ve been getting these calls a lot lately. From 319-281-0136 an 617-996-8867, her names Christine. I give nothing out.
dlberek
January 05, 2021
In January 2021, they are still at it, including the phony option to call back 844-946-2057 to have your name removed from their list. "Christine" gave the number 617-996-8876; they called from 848-253-3589.
Dee
January 19, 2021
Christine from national disability called offering to help me with my application for disability and left this number 844-690-8191. I have not applied. PHISHING SCAM.
not at home
February 03, 2021

In reply to by Dee

just got a call from a Christine from same people try to get info from number 1870-724-0931 they have called her few times i know they r not real company please advise be aware of new number
Don't use your…
February 04, 2021
These people call me ten times a day from different numbers saying they help people on disability return to work without loosing benefits. They refuse to stop calling. I’ve tried not answering , answering, telling them not interested, telling them stop calling, remove my name, you name it but they call till sometimes 11pm eastern time from a 210 area code I guess because I have a 220 area code but I live on the EAST COAST. I’m fed up.
Tarheel1976
February 10, 2021
Just received a voice message from National Disability at 772-675-4436. I don't need disability assistance, and I didn't ask for help. Sad how ugly people try to ruin innocent lives!
Harrassed
February 17, 2021
How do you stop these people??! There are comments here going back 5 years! They call 7 days a week from different numbers, same line, "This is (name) calling on a recorded line."