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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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Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
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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.

CP
September 04, 2019

In reply to by Al

I just got one from Texas, too. 469-269-6397 Said my SSN was being used by someone and there was an arrest warrant in my name. After being told to press 1 to speak with an officer, I hung up.
margot
December 17, 2018
I got a call from 214-838-8082 saying my social security number was compromised and they were going to freeze all my bank accounts. I assumed it was a scam caller
mbro258
December 17, 2018
Got the call and pressed 1 to get connected. He said he was an officer with SSA. And asked how he could help. I said u called me. He was like I dont call anyone. He was like I meed your name. I told him no. That he called me amd should already have it. He said he had my name and them said it. He also said he had my address which was concerning. He then asked for my social I said no way. I will just call the SSA myself and verify the information. He then called me an idiot. I then said that's how I know this isnt the SSA. They would never talk to me that way. He then hung up.
Fed Up
December 21, 2018

In reply to by mbro258

I had a similar incident.I requested any kind of proof that he could give me to show that he was with the SSA and he said there was nothing to give me then continued to say "why are you arguing with me for almost two minutes, and that I should hang up and throw my phone away".I told him that I was not going to give any information unless he could provide me with proof of whatever agency he was working for. Then yelled that he was going to report me for being rude so in return I said I would report the number for fraudulent activity. He hung up as well.
Txgal
December 17, 2018
Just got my second call today from 972-316-7291. My SS number is compromised and they are going to arrest me for illegal activity. These people doing this need to be arrested. It is awful. I googled the number, but there are so many scammers you can't even keep up.
EngineerBarbie
December 17, 2018
Received robo voicemail from "Officer Ryan Smith" there are legal actions on my social security number at number 937-889-1738. Looks like this is a scam as others are posting the same thing.
Daisydog
December 18, 2018
Got a call from “Ryan Smith” about my SS#. I need to call back before they start legal proceedings?? I’m scamming my own #? I’m not even old enough to collect social security! Phone #937-889-1738. Called back with *67 and they didn’t have the guts to answer. Voicemail came on with a heavy accent.
ryno
December 18, 2018
just got a call from 3603053126 claiming to be from the s.s.o. even rattled off some caseworker #. said something about federal charges being filed.
hI
December 18, 2018
I just received a call from SSA 240-256-3243 saying that my SSN number was associated with fraudulent activity and crimes.
Gene
December 18, 2018
I was receiving calls from what i thought, by googling was legit ss telephone #.. no voicemails left.. finally, i called to inquire but the wait time was 45 min so i imagined they would call bk. I should add that i know through a letter from a co. called comply-right over the summer saying that my ss# as well as other info has been compromised. so just the other day they called and i answered. It was a automated voice confirming who i was and saying that i should stay on the line because their was a warrant out for arrest on money laundering , trafficking , I couldn't believe what i was hearing although because i knew my ss# was jeopardized It made sense to me that SS was trying to reach me.. So the man who had a slight Indian accent said he was an officer from SS dept in maryland and that the call is being recorded by the fbi, ss, ftc etc.. Then he asked what assets i has and claimed to be calling the police to check my record. He said because your record is clear we and that "we" at ss believe your innocent, we got approved an adr# and a cm# etc.. every few min he would say " i must remind you that you are being recorded etc.. so answer to the best of your knowledge.. He said i must withdraw the money out of the bank and said keep the account open though with a little. then he directed me to drive to the nearest vip machine , which i never even heard of. I told him this is uncomfortable,, I got emotional because its my life savings. He said the funds will be put on your phone via crypto currency and returned to your bank the next after us marshalls clear you. im am sad and sry to say that I lost all my money. I filed a police report, froze everything alerts etc.. I want to say i block robo calls all the time and google # for verification but this was so realistic in their nuance. I am not the naive type although I wanted to comply with what i believed was law enforcement in hopes to correct and catch the bad guys. It is unthinkable that in 2018 gov agencies don't have a way to encrypt their phone # so that they cant me mimicked.. please pray for me :) God is great I hope this helps someone
FTC Staff
December 19, 2018

In reply to by Gene

Thank you for sharing this to warn others. You can also report this to the FTC at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give at www.FTC.gov/Complaint will go into a secure law enforcement database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations.

The FTC has information to help you when your Social Security number has been exposed to a scammer. There are tips and contact information at www.identitytheft.gov/Info-Lost-or-Stolen.

Jenna Colone
December 19, 2018
Just received this... “Hi this is Officer Ryan Smith calling you from the Department of Social Security Administration 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 criminal activities so when you get this message trying to call us soon as possible on our number that is 937-889-1738 I repeat 93 Evan 889-1738 before we begin with the legal proceedings thank you…”
kgeisler
March 23, 2019

In reply to by Jenna Colone

I got a call just like this. It was automated and told me to call back before legal actions escalate. The phone number was 928-235-4089. Glad I decided to look into it before calling back. Sounded fishy from the get-go. Hope no more people fall for this.
Liza
December 19, 2018
I received a call from 303-786-7837 saying my SSN would be canceled. I hope these are being investigated!
Pacific Northwest
December 19, 2018
What a useless phone number (800 269 0271). They actually make it difficult to report a scamming call, and numbers associated with it. Maybe SSA is participating...
NoScam
December 19, 2018
Call from 202-389-6732 / December 18, 2018. Same robotic voice pitch as many have reported about a social security issue that ultimately threatens your arrest... "Purpose of this call is regarding enforcement action which has been executed by the US treasury against your name ignoring this would be an intentional attempt to avoid initial appearance before the magistrate judge or" ....bla bla bla Have gotten both make and female voices identifying their Federal Badge ID # as SSA 9165. This number has made at least 6 calls over the last 5 months. The callback number on the message is 202-524-2773. These people need to be found and prosecuted, because there are innocent people that my take the bait!
subsette35
December 20, 2018
Received several phone calls from 1800-777-1213 , with messages left that say to contact the caller's agent to discuss issues and if you don't call back they will block your social security.
nutty454
December 20, 2018
received robo call from Camas WA 360-409-7095 saying there is an legal enforcement tection on my social??? has to be a fraud...which is interesting since it was reported that macy's had an application with my number on it.. it popped up on a credit site.
Karma to scammers
December 20, 2018
got a call from 240-288-1058 saying that if I don't return the call, they'll put me in jail
victoria
December 20, 2018
the number that called me was 252-651-2324... "inform you of legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity. So before this matter goes to the State court house and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any questions kindly call us back"
concerned citizen
December 21, 2018
received a call from the number below a left a message. Here's the transcribed version of the message, "...Unit by the US treasury and against your social security number ignoring this would be an intentional attempt to avoid initial appearance is before the magistrate judge or exempt jury for a federal crime offence so before this matter goes to federal claims court house or you get arrested kindly call us back on our number 505-373-3836 i repeat 505-373-3836 so get back on this number as soon as possible"
Fed Up
December 21, 2018
I have been receiving calls saying the following: 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 activity so before this matter goes to the state court house before you get arrested if you need any information kindly call us back at 6037284375 from New Jersey. I also received the same message from a 20665968230 from Seattle, Washington.
SB
December 22, 2018
We received 3 voicemail messages threatening social security fraud and we will be in jail. Caller number is 210-888-0707 and its recorded not a real person.
CSweet
December 22, 2018
So I am on disability and this one number called me and said it's with the investigation team for social security. I gave him my name but then he ask for my social security number. When I refused cause it's a Saturday, he was getting irritated and kept saying oh my God. The number that has called me is 8622345990 from New Jersey. I called the actual number for the investigation team for social security and their office is closed. I have no clue what I'm supposed to do whatsoever. I'm pretty sure they have scammed others out as well. When I mentioned I would call the main number, he said to me they will not be available Monday cause Christmas Eve I told him I'll contact them Wednesday morning. Can I report this number to anyone if so who?!?
bourbonmermaid
January 30, 2019
I received a call from 937-889-1738 and the same exact number this morning. I'm curious as to how these scammers get our phone numbers?
Cranbury
December 27, 2018
Thanks to the previous posts, I opted not to answer the call from 800-772-1213.
toohip
January 04, 2019
WHY. . doesn't the FTC do something about scammers these days?! I get about 5-6 spam calls per day on home line and now they're starting on my mobile phone number. Why can't Congress create funding? and get the FTC to investigate and indite these scammers? This has got to be a universal issue. Or is capitalism to friendly with any type of business marketing org, scam or not? Write your congressman!
brianna
January 04, 2019
Received a threatening robo-call about a compromised ssn linked to criminal activity from ‭+1 (800) 772-1313‬. I knew it was a scammer, but always like to double check. When I did a reverse lookup, the first website link was to a convincing yet fake SSA website telling you to call them at ‭+1 (800) 772-1313‬ to report the scam. I called the number, curious how deep this ran, and it was a voicemail tree convincingly similar to what you would expect from the federal government. Very thorough and very likely to be successful with vulnerable people.
Aziz
January 04, 2019
I received a voicemail Your name the moment you receive this message I need you to get back to me on my department division number that is 240-771-3243 I repeat 240-771-3243 verify the last four digits of your Social Security number when you called to better assist you with this issue now if I don't hear a call from you we will _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ warrant under your name and get you arrested so get back to me as soon as possible thank you…” I called them back and they said they are coming to arrest me
SmarterThanILook
January 04, 2019
I received a call from ‭1 (310) 596-874‬ out of California. Notice it does not have a 4th digit at the end. I didnt answer and they left a voicemail. It was a recording telling me “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…” Yep i knew better than to answer a non-legit phone number and when i heard voicemail i instantly knew this was a scam.
Not for scamms
January 07, 2019
2084256973 just called and said my number was comprised I gave him my name he asked for my ssn I said if u can’t use my name it’s to bad because I don’t feel comfortable giving my number over the phone hell you called me. Then I had my sister call he said he was in Dc but my caller I’d had Pocatello ID like really it’s sad.
zzzzzzzzz
January 08, 2019
i got a call from number 201-367-2581 from closter new jersey saying something about my ss#. something about some bad thing. anyway.. i thought i'd come here and, well.. here i am! the dude kind of sounded indian.. if i'm not mistaken.
edcsapo@
March 20, 2019
just got call from 410-965-8882 scammer 1 / 9/2019
Smita
January 09, 2019
Received similar call today on my cell from the number 937-889-1738. There was an automated voicemail stating that there are criminal charges against my social security number and that I should call back before those charges are imposed.
John
January 09, 2019
January 9 - second day in a row I've received a phone call and VM from an ALbequerque, NM number (505) 404-9739 that uses improper grammar "From our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action has been filed on your social security number is for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call us back on our hotline number 505 404 9739 I repeat that is 505 404 9739 disregard this notice and do return the call before we begin with the legal proceedings against you thank you..."
Rose
January 09, 2019
Received a call from an officer asking me to call 937-889-1738. Tried to log on FTC site but with the shut down it's not operational, so posting here. Same call as Jenna above.
Dan
January 09, 2019
I just received a call from (800)727-1516 saying my SS# has been compromised, press 1 to connect to an officer, otherwise my SS# and benefits would be cancelled. It had all the signs of a scam so i hung up. I see many had the same call so i'm glad i didn't bother going any further with it.
Dee
January 09, 2019
Just got 3 of those from Atlanta-404-474-0137. Robo call says"There's been suspicious activity with your ss# in Texas -call immediately or we suspend your card". They'll probably call some more--
Creeper
January 09, 2019
I got answer machine left message saying that social security fraud and their phone was 231-930-2090 and I won't call back to find out it was a scam or not.
JipseeLee
January 10, 2019
Apparently if I don't call the SS office back immediately I will be arrested. Oh, and my SS number is suspended. Give me a break please.
REM
January 10, 2019
Caller ID showed "Sandy Spring" Tel: 240-324-6051 The message had to do with Fraudulent activity with my SSN, so call my lawyer and have them call the number above. Electronic voice
2019
January 11, 2019
Just got a call from 443-378-334 telling me that my SSN was suspended.
lizb
January 11, 2019
mine just came from a 361 area code.
sammiskow
January 11, 2019
I received a call from 410-965-8882 I didn't answer there was a VM that was a automated recording that there has been suspicious activity with my SS number.
Nothappening
January 11, 2019
2819680723. I have received 2 calls now from this number that they are pursuing a lawsuit against my social. Legal enforcement action against my social for fraud activities. Really.
Mamabear24
January 14, 2019
I received 2 calls from 928-458-5805 and someone named "Richard" and "Mark" told me that there were fraudulent things going on with my ssn and they needed me to verify that and my birthday because I didnt have a reference number. They actually suggested that I call the ssa if I didnt feel comfortable giving it to them over the phone.
NV
January 14, 2019
I have been getting calls from 18007722211 saying my SSN will be blocked and all benefits will be frozen if I do not take immediate action by speaking to a social security administrator by pressing 1. I have been getting calls from this number every day. The first day, I pressed 1 and got a person within 5 seconds. I knew it was a scam right away and hung up. Please do not take these calls. They are faudulent. I guess they will ask for information and try to impersonate or make us pay in order to stop the ssn from being blocked.
don't answer
January 14, 2019
Just received a call from this phone number. +1-800-772-0221. Although I usually do not answer phone calls from phone numbers which are not in my contacts, I did answer this one. It was a recording. Something like "due to fraud, you SSN has been suspended." At that point I hung up. Then I add these SPAM phone numbers to my contacts and mark them as SPAM. When I did that with +1-800-772-0221, Google Contacts told me the phone number belongs to a "Bay Nursing Inc." in Romeo, MI, with a website BayNursingInc.com. I am NOT going to click on that website.
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