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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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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.

Shawn
June 18, 2019

In reply to by cherryb332

510-112 (and the last four changes every time) is repeatedly calling my cellphone with same message about SS # is being suspended due to unauthorized activity. The two times that I did answer, it was a robo-call. I have had at minimum ten phone calls over the past three days. I have been blocking the numbers every time they call, however they just keep changing the last four of the phone number. Really getting tired of this phone call.
srb
June 13, 2019
I received a call from number below and this is the voice mail message i received so tired of these calls. Voicemail from (833) 234-3212 "A back is 833-234-3212. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there's a 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 question kindly call us back at 833-234-3212. Thank you."
dmxxlrchick
June 13, 2019
I got 3 calls from this number in the course of 5 mins claiming that my SSN had been compromised and would be suspended. I googled the number and of course it’s a scam. This is the number that called me ‭+1 (855) 541-2326‬.
WebHead
June 13, 2019
We have been receiving calls from 760-266-4361 indicating that my mother's Social Security benefits will expire unless we call back. DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER
Luis
June 13, 2019
I got a call from 206 469 1278 and tell me the same thing
scam
June 13, 2019
scam call number 7173234365
report
June 13, 2019
717 323 4365 identity thief
AMAZON AD PHON…
June 13, 2019
OK I just about got scammed. I needed to call amazon customer service. I accidentally clicked on an AD Amazon and thought well just this once it's probably an ad from amazon. The number I called 1-877-457-0661. Talked very professional to the point I gave him my name and email. I was questioning a bill...he told me my cc. was being used by 3 different people in different states and he would fix it. Then after 5 min. He told me in order to stop this the hacking team needs aconfirm code located on a Google pay card. I was like what? So pumped up I was driving asking him why where do you get these it doesn't sound right and I finally hung up and called right place. Moral of story. NEVER CLICK ON ADS EVER, THEY CAN BE USING A COMPANY'S NAME. My card wasn't even hacked!
Lps
June 13, 2019
I just received a robocall and voicemail from this number: ‭+1 (917) 725-1507‬. Claimed fraudulent usage of my ss#.
NikkiA
June 14, 2019
Just received a phone call from 800-325-0184 and said that someone has been using my SS# and if I ignore there will be criminal charges against me. I will not give any information to these people! I am just warning you! Do not give your information to them
Anon
June 14, 2019
call from (254) 253-5420 calling about fraudulent activity on my social security number. Didn't call back and won't.
Stacy L
June 14, 2019
Received call / robo-voicemail from 714-409-3003 - "...a suspension notice we have received against your social security number by the Federal Crime and Investigation Department. We need to talk to you as soon as possible. Again, this call is from Social Security Administration. Number to reach department is 714-409-3003. I repeat it - 714-409-3003. Thank you."
Not this time
June 14, 2019
Got a scam call today from 202-755-8579 Officer Amanda Barnes saying my SSN had been used for fraud in the S Texas border area.
Scammers can g…
June 16, 2019

In reply to by Not this time

Got the exact same call. Haha. It wasn’t even grammatically correct.
DC Guy
June 24, 2019

In reply to by Scammers can g…

I have received the same call from (212) 657-2791 with a robot claiming to be Agent Amanda Barnes. The voice is clearly a robot and the grammar is broken and unbelievable.
Oregonian Wise
September 04, 2019

In reply to by DC Guy

I received the exact same Robo-call this afternoon from 1-214-264-4076. Clearly a scammer!
JJ
September 05, 2019

In reply to by DC Guy

I received a call from this same Amanda Barnes today...saying ss had been used in fraudulent activities in Texas.
A Nony Mouse
June 17, 2019

In reply to by Not this time

I got the same stupid phone call! It's an electronic robocall and the number changes, but I swear it's the same caller.
powernoodle
June 17, 2019

In reply to by Not this time

My 81 year old mother received the same call with the same info. I had to talk her off the ledge.
in Michigan too
June 27, 2019

In reply to by Not this time

Yes, I just received this exact same call!
Tennessee
July 31, 2019

In reply to by Not this time

Just got this call again. They waited 2 weeks to try and fool me again. (‭(865) 313-4908‬ ) They used a local number this time around. Not very Texan at all. I hung up when it kept insisting I press one.
bwlker
June 14, 2019
It is pretty disturbing when people leave a comment here asking for guidance from the SSA about possible scams and they are left unanswered, from 2017 and on....just saying. I received a robo call from a 202 area code and was told that Agent Amanda Byrd wanted to talk with me about my SSN being used fraudulently in south Texas, In live in Ga., so I wonder if anyone from the SSN will respond to my post?????? Just saying. BTW...I simply hung up
Alexes5
July 01, 2019

In reply to by bwlker

I received the exact same call verbatim 3 times today I hung up but can only imagine what it would be for someone who didn't
socal just
June 14, 2019
1-716-496-4033 called me left a message that my social security number was compromised and to push 1
te socal
June 14, 2019
I have also been getting a voice mail from someone saying they are from social security office. they claim that they have suspended my ss number for suspicious activity. I was supposed to call you department. I doubt that you would communicate in this manner. you would contact anyone by mail. so I figure this is a scam. I didn't call the number. the number given is 828-865-5219. hope this helps find who ever is doing this. I get one of these calls once a week.
SVincent
June 14, 2019
Be aware of a Robo-Caller using the phone number (510) 112-7220 posing as Social Security that claims your SSN has been suspended. I come from a family of Law Enforcement so I recognize a suspicious number when I see it, plus the Robo Callers English is sub-par. Their alternative number is also (510) 112-7185. Both numbers are from the same Robo-Caller.
Don't use your…
June 14, 2019
i got 2 calls today from a scammer from # 866-931-2731 and when i told her i was the police she got mad a used vulger language at me,,please take note of this numer,saying that my ss number has been suspended ok ya sure,
Leaving a Comment
June 17, 2019
A voice message was left that said this....Hi, this call is from SSN administration officer name is Amanda Barnes. The purpose of this call, we are trying to reach you, to let you know that your SSN is been use in the south border of Texas for fraudulent activities. For more information and speak to Amanda Barnes press 1....a robot call...the number was a D.C. number (202)750-8860
dhibben
June 19, 2019

In reply to by Leaving a Comment

"Amanda" is definitely making her rounds! I have received two of these calls in 2 days.
mappy
June 25, 2019

In reply to by Leaving a Comment

I received this call from Officer Amanda twice today. First call was from Morocco. I guess someone forgot to mask their true phone number. LOL.
scam slayer
August 07, 2019

In reply to by Leaving a Comment

I got the same message this morning. Came from 954 850-5612.
Familyman
June 17, 2019
Received a call from 646-291-2173 claiming legal actions filed against my social security number. Number will be blocked.
Casey
June 17, 2019
Received voicemail from 608-999-2252 stating a suspension was being filed in court against my SSN by the Commonwealth. This sounds like a scam to me.
Greg
June 17, 2019
I just received a call from 718-395-2439 which was from New York, saying that my Social Security number had been compromised and to press 1 now to speak to an agent.
Micha
June 17, 2019
I received a call as well. The man, with a bad accent told me his name is MARCUS... I had to laugh... I then asked him for his badge #. He gave me this 9 digit #. He said something else in a mean tone and i told him i had a hard time understanding him and asked him if I needed to press 1 for English... he then hung up. IT is sad but i try to keep them on the line as long as i can. That gives them one less chance to call someone else who might give them their information.
apm
June 17, 2019
Just received 2 phones from 202-735-9312 saying there was fraudulent activity on my SSN and I need to call to handle the case. Anybody else got a call from this number.
justaddingcomments
June 17, 2019
2019 06 17: Received two calls less than 2 hours apart (232pm&411pm) . Same computerized recording as someone else posted "Officer Amanda Barnes saying my SSN had been used for fraud in the S Texas border area." Numbers were from 202-761-0703 and 202-758-2949.
MommaB
June 17, 2019
Just got a phone call saying my SS # has been suspended pending investigation for fraud and selling drugs. She said not to hang up on her or detectives would be at my door. What the heck?! I said, "is this a joke? This is a joke, right" The lady (sounded like an Indian accent) hung up on me. I can't believe these crazy people!!!
Tom B
June 17, 2019
Got 2 calls today from 212 058 6400 saying I had fraudulent use of my ss# on the southern Texas border and to press 1 for an offecer, didn't answer
Raquel
June 17, 2019
210-200-8884 just called stating I will be arrested, I immediately hung up
javasdarlin
June 17, 2019
I received an automated phone call, claiming that it was calling me about a problem with my Social Security Number, and for me to push a number to hear more, which I did not respond, and hung up, and went to this site to get the word out, that scammers are using the Social Security Department to get information on our account. Please pass the word along. Thank you
charlie
June 17, 2019
got an impersonation call in Snowshoe, PA today. Said to call 415-315-9446 in San Francisco, CA.
HurryKane
June 17, 2019
Received a call claiming to be SSA. Computer speaking to tell me I have been flagged for committing some type of criminal activity, and that I needed to dial the same number that the computer generated message was calling me from: 915-613-1379. Threatened me to call back, or the SSA would start to take steps for legal proceedings against me. I logged into my SSA account to see if there were any indication that I had been involved with illegal activity, but everything seems to look in order.
fletch
June 18, 2019
Multiple calls & voicemails on 6/17/19 stating that "suspicious activity" had been found related to my SSN. Obviously a scam. Very robotic sounding "voice" and improper grammar. Disturbing how many attempts they made though. All numbers started with area code 510 & prefix 112, i.e., (510) 112-7301.
Francisca
June 18, 2019
I've been getting a series of phone calls from the following phone numbers: 828/865-6126; 828-865-5345; 828/865-5341; 828-865-5330; 828/865-6101, saying: "this is the Social Security administration to report a suspicious activity on your social security and will be discontinued. If you want to know, press 2".
Scammers
June 18, 2019
I got a robo-call from 662-425-6585. They said my SS account is suspended due to fraudulent activity and a warrant has been issued for my arrest. I can only assume this is complete BS. Didn't stay on the line to talk to anyone, I had heard enough.
But_ter_Fly
June 18, 2019
This is crazy! I received a phone call from +1 (425) 906-6998 and 1 (800)-333-0007 claiming to be SSA. Be aware of those numbers! People have to much time on their hands to even do something like this.
VictorFranktri…
June 18, 2019
Answered a call from 1-856-334-0578 originating out of Marlton, NJ. Identified himself in heavy accent as Victor Frank with id# GS2561 of the Social Security Administration and notified me that my SSC# was suspended due to fraudulent activity. Gave me a case ID# of DC7010 and tried to get me to confirm my DOB in order to give me all info related to my case. Informed him I was a federal employee and I know for a fact that SSC does NOT suspend SSC# nor do they call you to inform you of fraudulent activities because they have no way to verify or confirm that unless you report it yourself. Gentlemen hung up on me and blocked me. Reported the number and convo to OIG/SSA and FTC.
Km132019
June 19, 2019

In reply to by VictorFranktri…

I received a call from the same number and didn’t answer, and automated voice left me a voicemail. Thanks for your input
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