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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.

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.

Jstar
March 19, 2019

In reply to by Deemazza22

Omg so i just now received a phone call from a 903 area code stating my SSN has been used fraudulently and i must contact them immediately before they take further action against me ???
shepreb
August 31, 2018
I received an automated call saying my SS card was about to be suspended. The funniest part was when the message said, if I don't comply "We will get you arrested." Broken English is characteristic of all US government messages. The number they called from was: 240-288-9805
Kendra
August 31, 2018
Someone from El Paso Texas called me from 915-208-4654 saying my ssn has been compromised, but when I question them about it they keep hanging up and They are very rude.
Kitty
September 04, 2018
213. 431. 5096 That number called me and told me that there's been a fraudulent claim against my social security number of course I didn't call it back but I will report it just received that on August 31st at about 2 in the afternoon of course it was recorded computerized voice
russest
September 04, 2018
I'm old. Therefore, I'm ripe for scammers. I'm also vindictive and have plenty of time on my hands. The last IRS scammer got a call back from my alternate-EGO (a Russian visitor to America) whose Uncle Gregory wanted to know how they got the phone number of the burner phone "Uncle Gregory" had given me upon my arrival in America only two weeks ago. From there, it devolved into the reason for my "visit" - Uncle Gregory's daughter - "Titania" was getting married to nice boy, a pretty boy, with blond hair. He's a banker, which is good for us - THEM, I mean good for them! Uncle Gregory wants to know where exactly the IRS office is calling from because Uncle Gregory wants to send someone over to personally see the records this new phone number was recorded from. ("click").
Unanswered
September 04, 2018
I got this call and they left a voicemail. I have not call back as I suspected this to be fraudulent. Anybody has gotten a call like this? “Hi calling you from the legal department of social security administration my federal _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ number is SSA 9165 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 _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ for a federal criminal offense so before this matter goes to Federal claims court house or you get arrested kindly call us back on our number is 360-938-7431 I repeat 360-938-7431 as soon as possible…”
Notme
May 06, 2019

In reply to by Unanswered

I just got a voicemail with the same information you got. Did they keep calling? How do they even get your number? Frustrated. I'm still getting calls to get car insurance from someone who claims my car is a 2013 but is not.
Theytrynatakemedown
July 24, 2019

In reply to by Unanswered

Yup I got the same message but I actually answer ed the call. Didn't call them back I figured why would the federal government use a cheesy robotic sounding recording to contact me.
Happened 2 me
September 05, 2018
Today, I just received two calls with a San Antonio TX phone number, (210) 880 4791. A woman's voice stating, "Your SS# has suspicious activity and will be closed, Please call ..." So, this is still going on. I passed this information on to the www.FTC.gov/complaint
DHS EMPLOYEE
September 10, 2018
Caller gave name, David Johnson, BADGE FAL3690 and case number. He asked me to google number to verify: 1-800-772-1213. He said that my social security number had been compromised and they had been working on my case for 9 or 10 days. They needed my full cooperation and I was on a recorded line. He was faxing my information to the sheriff now. I asked the name of the sheriff. He Kept talking and I then asked what country he was calling from. He flipped the script to say they were on their way to arrest me and I would be behind bars for at least 90 hours. I said good. I’ll get free meals He hung up.
Fraudfighter
October 10, 2018

In reply to by DHS EMPLOYEE

I just received the same call today from the same person.
niecy48235
September 12, 2018
This number 430-222-5676 is showing up on caller ID for calls pretending to be from the Social Security office telling you there is something against your Social Security Number. Do not Answer and do not give them any information. They are total SCAMMERS.
Jay9821
September 13, 2018
Got 2 calls from Social Security number. Was told there would be criminal charges me and told to call 828-348-9067. Other times was told to call a number in India. Totally ignoring either one.
Ram
March 07, 2019

In reply to by Jay9821

‭+1 (888) 690-2739‬ Got a call from this number saying there is criminal investigation on my social.
Baffled
September 14, 2018
A message was left on my voice mail from : 240-900-2145 beginning of message cut off, then says : Your name.. contact my department division at the above number and enter the last 4 digits of my SS # so they can better assist me with this issue. If I do not contact them, an arrest warrant will be issued in my name... Call is from Maryland, I live on the other side of the country
Jimbo
September 17, 2018
A voicemail told me my SS# was suspended/compromised. Asked me to call back to 202-235-1388
Scammed
September 18, 2018
I just received a call from, Officer Richard William badge #GS1478 informing me that my social security number is being used in another state and that there was a warrant out for me in that state. He and Michael Gipson, the investigator informed me that they would suspend my social security number. They also said that I should take all my money out of my checking and savings account and take out bonds. When I asked to call them back to verify some information with my bank they kept telling me they could not tell anyone because they may be involved in the fraud investigation. This was all super suspicious and have reported them to the Social security Administration Fraud hotline. If they call, please do not give them any information!!
Rachel
September 18, 2018
ROBO Calls from 'SSA' continue. Got 2 in that last week saying my SSN was compromised and the number has been suspended. Threatens arrest if I don't contact them back. I wish I would get a call from a real person. I'd ask if one of the multiple cops in my office should arrest and hold me for them, hahahaha!!!! Idiots!
will not respond
September 19, 2018
I received a call 09/18/18 saying my social security had fraudulent activity & it was getting suspended & to call back asap. 239-232-3173. I haven't even received my first payment yet. I tried to call it but no connection. Then thought about it & I am sure it's a scam.
Ratinha_07
September 19, 2018
Someone by the name of Kevin has called me twice and he says he is a federal officer for the Social Security Administration and that my social security has been compromised and will be suspended if I do not call back. He has a heavy accent and called from 7742131789.
SheriM
September 20, 2018
Received call from 'Fernando' 774-213-1789 saying that someone had taken my SSN and now it's been blocked, so I need to call him to get this taken care of. Just thought I should pass this along.
Char
September 20, 2018

In reply to by SheriM

Came looking for someone else with this experience. Got 2 calls today.
lashawna
October 01, 2018
I got a recording saying that I have a fraud case on me for my ss# they said to call ACK asap so I did the first one time I called the guy on the phone gave me his name and asked me for my name and my Social Security number so he can look up my case and I asked him what is this about he said he doesn't know exactly needs to look up my case I said I'm not giving you anything I said and how about I'll call the police and you can tell them exactly who you are and he just hung up the second time the guy said if I don't cooperate that he would go to the police department get a warrant out for my arrest and I told him that I will contact Social Security and the police station about he said OK the number he called from was (310 ) 870 -8920im going to report this to ssi
Scam Allergy
October 01, 2018
Was called twice today by 385-955-0433. They left a voice message both times saying my SS# was compromised and I need to call them back asap. It sounded like a computer voice not human. I never answer or respond to callers, unless known who they are. Logged into the official SSA site and found no problems with my number. They can only trick you if you react and panic. Develop a Scam Allergy and you will be fine.
Greendi
September 21, 2018
Call from 4308081960 saying my lost ss card was replaced. Called back. Foreign accented male answer voice said ss office leave a message. I hung up blocked the number. Then I got a second call from that block number. It is very difficult to report phone scams to the ss phone hotline.
Debbie
September 21, 2018
I received 3 calls today stating my ss# used in illegal activity and I needed to return the call or they were going to seize my property. Claims to be a paralegal.
Scam report
October 01, 2018
I got a call saying that my social security has been compromised. It’s a scam don’t give any information to anyone. Here’s the phone they called from: 425-382-5516
JJ
September 22, 2018
I recieved a call yesterday claiming my Social Security benefits would be canceled until further clearance unless I contact them. The number showing on my caller I.D. was 800-772-1213. The message was for me to press 1 and I would be directed to a Social Security Administrator officer. I checked SSA website and that number was correct. I called back using the number that they called me with and it went directly to SSA. I had a long 55 minute wait and then I believe the call was dropped since I was out driving home. So I called again, another 55 minute wait, and finally spoke with someone. The person said it was a scram and that they have been recieving a lot of calls about that too. The person checked my information after me giving out my name, SS#, birth date and mother's maiden name. She then gave me the number to OIG at 800-269-0271 to contact them to report scram. I was still worried so I put out a 90 day fraud alert to the 3 major credit beureaus. I may just freeze my credit altogether.
Forest hills
September 24, 2018
i received a call from 'Fernando' 774-213-1789 saying that my SSN has been compromised and would be suspended or blocked unless I called.
FT
September 24, 2018
210-666-9865 Phone Call Scam today saying there is a legal issue with my Social Security number.
I'm not victim
September 25, 2018
Received a call from 202-381-4727stated fraudulent activity on my SSN and it will be cancelled if I do not contact them immediately. What a disgrace.
Fraud Call
September 26, 2018
Received a spam call from 850-739-1386 with a voicemail regarding SS#.
Sheila R
September 27, 2018
I rcvd a call today from 929-398-5065
Kristy
September 27, 2018
I rec'd a phone call today and tried to call ss. The person on the phone said there was unusual activity on my ss number and to call back at whatever the number was or my ss payments would stop. Bull...
Lucky22
September 28, 2018
I got a recorded message from the "SSN Dept." They said I had committed fraud, which I knew wasn't true. The recording asked me to call them back. When I did they called me by name (they must have caller ID), and said there had been fraud with my number. Then they asked if I could verify my SS numbers number. I said I could, but that I WOULD NOT! He hung up on me. I also heard many different voices in the background. Imagine the money they are tricking people out of.
Annoyed Granny
September 28, 2018
Received 2 calls so far today with the same automated message: that the Social Security Administration has received a suspension notice against my number & to call back immediately. Caller ID says unknown number, but googling shows it originated from Wilmer, Texas - 972-525-7237
KatyTexas
September 28, 2018
They have called and left SEVEN messages on my cell phone number. Three times from 440-499-5854 and Four times from 765-351-0512 with the exact same message. This is definitely a scam! Message says: This is Gail Jones from the 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 security ___ very right moment because we have found many suspicious activities on your social. Before we go ahead and suspend your number kindly call us back on our number which is 440-499-5841. I repeat it's 440-499-5854. Thank you and goodbye.
Christine
October 01, 2018
At 16:39. today Sept 28 2018, I received a call (recorded message) saying Social Security is starting legal action against me and I am to call 281-968-5405 immediately. It is a scam call because I have been in contact with SS for legitimate purposes this week and I have no pending issues.
TomTak
October 03, 2018

In reply to by Christine

Similar experience here. My wife had the message from SSA that her SSN was revoked and to call them at 202-601-0988. I called from my own cell and actually spoke with a man (with a Somali accent). Gave him a different last name, but he kept insisting I was calling from my wife's phone with our actual last name. That indicates that they assign unique call-back numbers which link to their outgoing message for particular persons. I asked him where his office was so we could straighten this out, but was not willing to travel to Africa for a confrontation. He hung up and blocked my number.... :)
Rea
October 01, 2018
Received few phone calls on Friday 800 772 1213 robo call messge to press 1 to connect to a live agent at social security office or else my number will be. Permanently blocked! Seriously!!! I froze my 3 credit accounts to protect myself from idiots like this. I have to $10 each to freeze & unfreeze but it peace of mind that if they to have # they can't open up anything or do anything ! it's so BS that I as a consumer has to do this when the credit report can make our lives easier for us!
TJH
October 01, 2018
And I join the list of folks...my # was 929 376 9538. On Call ID it came in as Bronx, NY. Which, of course, was funny as my parents lived in the Bronx for over 50 years and naturally I grew up there. But as soon as they said my SSN was suspended I knew it was a scam. SSI does not "suspend" social security numbers.
CIN
October 03, 2018
Robo-voicemail left claiming to be from the Social Security Administration office and that my social security number was compromised and being suspended. I needed to call my allotted social security paralegal officer at 929-398-5846 and that number displays on the phone too.
SnowWhite
October 03, 2018
Just received a voicemail supposedly from the SSA that stated a female name (Judy), but voice was male stating that my SS# had been revoked. Number was 201-829-3078
Preciente
October 03, 2018
Received a scam call from 1-254-213l-5781 Killeen TX. Recording asking me to call this number and that my social security number is a risk
bigBcpa
October 04, 2018
I just received a call on my cell phone from 1-814-324-5175 saying they were the SSA and were going to suspend my social security number. This is definitely a scam so please don't give these fraudsters any information
pj609
October 05, 2018
209-299-5209.. no...
thayla
October 05, 2018
I got a call to call back social security I did not I call social security they told me is a scam
We need a law …
October 08, 2018
My SS# being canceled for using it illegally came from telephone number 202-996-8595.