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Your Social Security number is an important key for an identity thief. Scammers want it, and they think of all sorts of ways to trick you into giving it away.

Here at the Federal Trade Commission, we’re getting reports about calls from scammers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They say there’s been a computer problem, and they need to confirm your Social Security number.

Other people have told us that they have come across spoof websites that look like the place where you would apply for a new Social Security card – but these websites are actually a setup to steal your personal information.

If you get a phone call or are directed to a website other than ssa.gov that is claiming to be associated with the Social Security Administration, don’t respond. It’s most likely a scam.

Here’s some tips to deal with these government imposters:

  • Don’t give the caller your information. Never give out or confirm sensitive information – like your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number – unless you know who you’re dealing with. If someone has contacted you, you can’t be sure who they are.
  • Don’t trust a name or number. Con artists use official-sounding names to make you trust them. To make their call seem legitimate, scammers use internet technology to spoof their area code – so although it may seem they are calling from Washington, DC, they could be calling from anywhere in the world.
  • Check with the Social Security Administration. The SSA has a warning about these scams and suggests you contact them directly at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the reason for the contact and the person’s identity prior to providing any information to the caller.

If you come across one of these scams, please report it to the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271, or 1-866-501-2101(TTY), and then tell the FTC about it.

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identity theft
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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
Scams
Phishing Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators

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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.

Yougo
May 20, 2019

In reply to by Sandy

I just received a similar call to this it's been twice now from this number 14696468469 telling me to dial 1 to talk to a represent and clicked it weird asking for my ss # and my name
Doncandace9970…
June 18, 2019

In reply to by Sandy

i also got the same recorded message with the number 972-924-5098 when i called it they answered social security administration. and another call saying a complaint was made against my ss number they left me a file number and to call them back at this number 888-554-5157
MAH
October 29, 2018
Receiving calls telling me my social security number is being used for fraudulent activity and it is getting suspended. numbers calling are 240-257-8146; 210-807-4372; 972-698-4581.
austin
March 26, 2019

In reply to by MAH

same issue - Received call telling me my social security number is being used for fraudulent activity and it is getting suspended. numbers calling are +1-845-834-4176.
Amanda
October 29, 2018
Call from "The Social Security Administration" saying they would be taking legal action very soon. I called back and started questioning them and they hung up on me. Nice try. Phone number was 210-963-9995
Frustrating
October 29, 2018
The phone # to report scam calls doesn't work! Can we just report it via a website link? I got a call from "Social Security" 1 800 772 1213 (From actual SS phone #) about SSI (My brother doesn't have a phone so I get his calls) and the call back # was 305 424 9879. They are going to get most vulnerable populations and yet the government is LACKING in solution.
KCA
October 29, 2018
I believe this is a scammer. I believe if something was that serious, I would receive a written notice in the mail. I received this call: Voice Mail to Text: Hey this is officer Gary Cole calling you from the Department office social security administration. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there was a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message kindly call us back at the earliest possible before we begin with the legal proceedings on our number that is 210-775-2499. I repeat the number is 210-775-2499. Thank you and have a nice day....
King's
December 07, 2018

In reply to by KCA

Gary Cole must work all over lol. Got the same message from Texas number it was 903-336-0681. He stated that he was an officer and also I'd be arrested lol.
KV
October 29, 2018
I have received 2 calls tonight, 1 hour apart. Says from Chicago, IL Social Security Administration. Robo call saying actions filed on my ss number for fraudulent activities and that I need to contact them before legal proceedings start. Number is 773-790-4078.
fed up in Phoenix
October 30, 2018
I get these multiple times a day. I enjoy playing along with these folks without giving any real info. The latest is they found a rental car under my name in Texas with blood and drug residue. I told them my name was Ronald Reagan and he confirmed it was definitely me. The DHS and FBI were supposedly listening in. I confessed to the murder and drugs and began crying how my life is over. Not the reaction they were expecting and then they hung up. I have a long drive home every day and kill time by calling them back and playing along.
Shepsbluz
October 30, 2018
I received a prerecorded computerized message from +16108711948 asking for me to call them back to verify my 8nfo.info what a hoax
Idontknow23
April 04, 2019

In reply to by Shepsbluz

Quick question; I have hen a fake name; he read back the name to me and I said yes. Does this mean because I said yes that they can open up things with it? Just curious cus I was trying to go along with it without giving real info
Laura
October 30, 2018
I've gotten 3 calls today from a number that shows up as Dallas, Texas 214-736-3407 and they actually left two voice mails talking about freezing my social security number. I'm 99.9% sure that this is a scam because I have never heard of "freezing" a social security number!! I spent 25 years at least in the accounting and taxes field and never heard of that! Plus, when I actually answered it, there was one phrase they used that was not normal, like it had been incorrectly translated! I'm blocking this number. How stupid do they think we are?!?
Abee
November 01, 2018
Are they cloning this SS number 18007721213. I got a call from this number saying my SS has been compromised and i should press 1 to speak with the fraud department. When I reached someone and asked what state he was calling from, he listed out his address in baltimore and gave me a his employee id number. After i told him i do not feel comfortable giving him my full name, he hung up. Is it possible the number 1800 is being cloned?
FTC Staff
December 03, 2018

In reply to by Shia

Scammers can easily fake caller ID information to make it look like they are a local caller, government agency, police department, or a company you do business with. The practice is called caller ID spoofing.

Edgar
November 01, 2018
Got a robocall from JANICE LAWSON saying there was legal enforcement action filed on my social security number and to call 2542070466
KR
November 02, 2018

In reply to by Edgar

I just got a call from the same number, glad to see it's BS
howdotheyknow
November 01, 2018
I am curious as to whether these calls are random or whether this scammer has somehow gotten info about who is receiving SSDI benefits. If they are calling people who do not receive disability I will at least feel better knowing the "list" of active recipients probably hasn't been leaked. I DO get SSDI so I'm worried that there's a list of people that's been stolen somehow. BTW the call back number on the many (poor grammar) robot voice messages left this week was 509-563-4081, but was spoofed to seem like SSA was calling.
StimDixon
November 02, 2018
I received a call just about 45 minutes ago from phone number 218-212-9733. It was a recording (female voice) saying that I have a problem with Social Security and FBI wants me to call that number to prevent having someone come to me to arrest me. (Something smells fishy) Needless to say I did NOT call that number but wanted to make it public in case they were just using that number today only.
njtuk1
November 02, 2018
Got twp calls to my voicemail from a robot saying “final reminder from the Office of the Inspector General of Social Security. You SSN has been suspended, please call the Helpline at 215 987 0367. I repeat call 215 987 0367”. This is a Philadelphia Number. Stupidly I called back. “Call not accepted.”. Nothing divulged.
Foreign Scamme…
November 02, 2018
Hi, I received a voicemail from 281-915-0464 indicating there was legal action from the DOJ, SSA, and that the police are involved. The agent answered with a heavy non-English accent. I spent 10 minutes making a fool of them. I gave a fake name, random numbers. They raised their voice stating I need to write down a Case ID 74-2609310 and that they would read me my charges. I raised my voice and told the agent that this is horrible and she should not be scamming people. She pretended to be confused. I told her that I gave her a fake name and SSN, she then quickly hung up. DO NOT EVER SHARE YOUR INFORMATION and please post if you have more information on who these malicious folks are.
AnnieA
November 03, 2018
This is a transcript of the call(s) I received. Hopefully, these numbers will be followed up on through the IRS. “Hi this is Fernando calling you from the head office of Social Security Administration this is your final notification your Social Security number has been compromised in commission of a crime and it will be restricted today kindly contact _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_ 385-955-0433 immediately _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ which we will freeze your assets and _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ it I repeat 385-955-0433 thank you…”
autumnal
November 03, 2018
I just received a call from 209 690 7151 telling me to call the “headquarters of the social security administration department.” They did not use my name.
ZZ
November 05, 2018
I keep receiving this call they say they are from SS and I will be under arrest the number come in as being made from Dallas Texas (972) 591-8950 they do not speak good English at all . I am just so angry that these people try to get over on people with fixed income.
Teresa B
November 06, 2018
At 2:18 PM CST I received a robocall from (321) 284-8967 (the Caller ID said Florida) saying I was in trouble with the Social Security office. I'm going to call the SSA to report it but didn't see the number on this page so wanted to add it.
sara
November 06, 2018
New scam number alert! Just got a call from this # 262-682-0228 with a message warning me from the "securities administration department", in a very thick eastern indian accent. ugh. Im going to report it.
pleggs
November 08, 2019

In reply to by sara

I just keep getting a call from 888 492 5370 saying my ss number is being investigated
Me too
November 06, 2018
Having numerous calls from the Real Social Security Office number on caller ID, but the number is a Fake caller ID from a scammer. Keeps happening since Sept. So called the national SS office and they didn't call me. Called the local office and spoke to an agent and she didn't call me either. Ugh, so still keep getting the robo calls. Today the weird call of the threat to freeze the SS number for suspicious activity. Seemed weird, but I was taking a nap when the call came in and pressed 1 to speak to an agent. He was like thank you for calling the Social Security office. So I tell him you keep calling me with your robocall and do you even realize that I called the REAL Social Security national office and called the REAL Social Security Local office and both office said they will ONLY MAIL LETTERS Prior to any needed call and they did NOT CALL ME and that he was a SCAMMER! Then he had the nerve to hang up on me after hearing this! Wow really the scammer hung up on me, no reply he was scared and hung up. Do always call both the National and Local Social Security offices when in doubt.
MK
November 08, 2018
I received 2 calls in 2 weeks in regards to the Social Security calling me. The 1st call I just ignored and the 2nd I picked up the call. An agent picked up and mentioned that I received a call from them. The rep had a heavy Indian accent. He asked me what the messaged stated. Just told him I would call back later on. Have a feeling it was a scam. The 2 calls that I made I was on hold for 45 minutes with no response. I may just have to visit the office soon.
Leonna
November 09, 2018
I recently received a phone call from (972)-497-2623 I didn’t answer the call until I got a voicemail saying my social security is suspended. When I called back a guy with a thick accent asked for my social so he could look me up in the System. I didn’t give him my social I asked what company he worked for and he made up some social security agency place. I hung up after that.
Ben
November 12, 2018
I just received a call from a male sounding computer/robot voice saying: "Hi, this is officer Gary Cole calling you from the Department of Social Security Administration and the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message, kindly call back as soon as possible before we begin with the legal proceeding. You can reach us on our direct number which is 360-474-7940. Thank you and have a nice day." There's no way this is a legitimate call. A real person would be calling or it would be a prerecorded message from a real person. If a legitimate call did use a robot voice for some reason, it wouldn't say it is "Officer Gary Cole". In addition, it was a poorly said. It sounds like it was written by someone who's first language is not English. Seems like an obvious scam to me.
JS
November 13, 2018
I got a call from a few different numbers saying my name and Social security number was been use for money laundering and drug trafficking and I had a phone tap on my phone. And the FBI and US marshals was going to call me.
twill042
November 14, 2018
I just got a phone call from 916-529-4010 and I let it got to voice mail. The voice mail said I needed to call immediately. I called back and the man said it was the Social Security Administration. He asked for my name and I told him. Then he asked for my social security number. I told him I didn't feel comfortable giving him that but I would give him the last four digits. He said he needed the whole number to know why they were calling. I said no and I would just wait to see what they send me in the mail concerning this. He got upset and said fine then hung up. I researched the number on line and it originated in India. This was a scammer. Beware of the number. I have since blocked it. I never give my SSN number over the phone unless I know it is legit. I don't even give more than my name unless I know it is legit.
Sean
November 14, 2018
Call from Williamsport MD -- We have received suspicious trails of information in your name. The moment you receive this message I need you to get back to me on my department division number that is 240-366-6290. I repeat 240-366-6290. Verify the last 4 digits of your SSN when you call to better assist you with this issue. If I don't hear a call from you we will issue a warrant under your name and get you arrested so get back to mew as soon as possible. Thank you.
Roz
November 14, 2018
The most frightening thing about this call is my caller ID shows them as Social Security Administration 800-772-1213, which is how I have it listed in my contacts. I'm sitting in my Oncologist's office (even told them I was at hospital for cancer treatment at beginning of call) Finally, after realizing it was a scam I told them I was late for my treatment & I'd have to call them back. He insisted on calling me back to save me from a 30 min hold. Of course, I have not gotten a call back, but I did call SS and report that caller ID showed their number.
Dave
November 15, 2018
I received a call this morning & all day from the Same number " ... from Social Security Administration, the nature of this call is to inform you about some Legal Enforcement Actions Filed on your Social Security Number, we have got an order to Suspend your Social at Very right moment, because we have found many suspicious activities on your Social, before we go ahead & suspend your Number kindly Call us back on our number which is (603)383-5403 I repeat (603)383-5403 ...thank you and goodbye..." They called 7:03am,9:59am,10:36am,10:38am,1:29pm,2:02pm,2:41pm, and I suspect it will continue even though they are blocked, SOMEONE DO SOMETHING to Stop these Scammers!!
JamesG
November 16, 2018
Received a robo call this morning, claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The message stated that my "Social Security Number is going to be suspend due to fraudulent activity in the state of Texas." To resolve the issue I was to call them back at (202) 470-0856 which is the same number that appeared in my Caller ID. I have reported this to the FTC via their Do Not Call complaint form -- seemed the best fit -- and here, via this comment form, to the SSA. There doesn't seem to be a better way, including calling, to report fraud/scam ATTEMPTS if there is no loss involved.
Lori W
November 16, 2018
I just received alarming call from (870)639-4509 saying my SS# was involved in a criminal case in Texas & that my SS would be discontinued until the case could be resolved, the person addressed himself as John Matthew, agent #7890 he repeated the last 4 digits of my SS# and had my name...he wanted to confirm information, I told him I didn't give out information he said someone was going to be here within the hour to arrest me. I told him I was going to report him to the fraud line and hung up. This is very disconcerting, I immediately tried to call SS and have been on hold for over an hour!
Kelly
November 19, 2018
Received a call this morning from Doyline, LA 318-745-7196 indicating my social security number would be suspended do to fraudulent activity and to call. a short time later received a 2nd recorded message indicating it was the commissioner.
Bobk
November 19, 2018
Just received two robo calls from someone saying they were officer kelly jones and that there was a legal enforcement action against me and ro call 405-648-4668 I could see that this might scare an older person but really a scam is a scam
Adriana
November 19, 2018
I received a call stating that they were calling from Social Security Administration office (901-290-9346 )and that my social security number has been compromised and to call them back.
Angel
November 19, 2018
Today I received a call from a Process Server telling me that if she didn't receive a call back from me regarding a Court Order to Appear in regards to my name and SSN# by today ( tomorrow they will serve me to appear in court). I wonder has anyone else heard of something like this happening?
tam
November 20, 2018
So far this morning I have received two calls, 9:14 am and 10:37, since I do not answer calls that I don't know the number this was left as a message. a recorded message from "The Dept. of Social Security Administration" saying "The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement attached and filed on your social security number for criminal activity. So when you get this message kindly revert as soon as possible on our number which is 401-501-5536, I repeat, 401-501-5536 before we being with the legal proceedings. Thank you and have a nice day".
Eileen
November 26, 2018
I got a call from 800-772-1213 several times. Trucaller ID'd it as Social Security so I answered the first time. Robovoice said my SSN was compromised and cancelled. Knew right then it was a scam. So, the scammers are using the SSA number as an ID for their calls.
Jvargas111
November 20, 2018
Just received a call from this number ‭+1 (432) 201-9506‬ saying my social security number was frozen for suspicious activity didn’t give any information but it’s clearly a scammer, it’s actually funny that they think you won’t recognize a scam when they use automated computer voices instead of an actual person
Laceybea
November 20, 2018
Warning! I've been getting this #, 800-772-1213 on my phone, leaving messages from Social Security office about needing to call them back or my SS# account will be frozen. When I called back, the ph# is an actual SS phone #. Don't be fooled, they ask you to leave your imprtant info on a voicemail. This is somehow a big scam to get your info, please alert your elderly to ignore this!! They're using someway to impersonate the actual Social Security pH #!!!
JV
November 20, 2018
Just received a call from the SS office and advised someone was using my SS # for money laundering fro drug sales. A car was found in Texas with blood, money, drugs, and my SS # was found. Also that the FBI was investigating these crimes, and that I would be arrested unless I cooperated. I told them how do I know you are calling from the SS office? They told me to google the SS toll free # and that I would be receiving a call from them in a few seconds. I googles the # and got 1-800-772-1213. Well, a few seconds later I received a call from this number. Then the SS agent gave me a badge #, and told me if I don't cooperate I will be arrested and they will confiscate all my assets including bank accounts. He instructed me me to wire my assets to a treasury account so that I protect my assets. I told him I am not STUPID and will confirm with the SS and local police authorities, then will call back. He told me I will be arrested in 45 minutes, I hung up. I called my bank and credit bureaus to set a fraud alert. Don't fall this scam if you get called. Hang up and verify what they are telling you is legit.
Concerned
November 21, 2018
I just received a call (6am in the morning) from a 407 area code stating that there are pending charges against my SS security number, and I must call right away to clear things up.
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