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A caller says that he’s from the government and your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended. He sounds very professional. So you should do exactly what he says to fix things…right?

Wrong.

The FTC has gotten reports about scammers trying to trick people out of their personal information by telling them that they need to “reactivate” their supposedly “suspended” SSNs. The scammers say the SSN was suspended because of some connection to fraud or other criminal activity. They say to call a number to clear it up – where they’ll ask you for personal information.

Thing is, Social Security numbers do not get suspended. This is just a variation of a government imposter scam that’s after your SSN, bank account number, or other personal information. In this variation of the scheme, the caller pretends to be protecting you from a scam while he’s trying to lure you into one.

Here are a few tips to protect yourself:

  • Never give out or confirm personal information over the phone, via email or on a website until you’ve checked out whoever is asking you for it.
  • Do not trust a name, phone number, or email address just because it seems to be connected with the government. Con artists use official-sounding names and may fake caller ID or email address information to make you trust them. Besides, the government normally contacts people by postal mail.
  • Contact government agencies directly, using telephone numbers and website addresses you know to be legitimate.

If someone has tried to steal your personal information by pretending to be from the government, report it to the FTC.

 

Search Terms
scam
Topics
Credit, Loans, and Debt
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.

Playing with s…
May 07, 2019
I've gotten this call a few times, 2 voice mails and I called back one of them because I was bored. Played with him for almost 50 minutes. Got another one today 972-591-8809 but when I pressed 1 they hung up on me. Think they're onto me? Same old deal "Your social security number has been suspended due to fraudulent activity. If you would like to know more, please press 1."
SG
May 07, 2019
Received from 972 591-8809. Left a VM. I NEVER answer unrecognized calls live. If you do you can go on a live number list and it will be sold potentially resulting in even MORE calls in the future. If you have an iPhone you can block it by going to recent calls, hit i for info on the right and scroll down to the bottom to block this caller.
Beware
May 07, 2019
I was contacted by this number: 877-036-2213. I heard a recording claiming my ss# was “suspended” and to dial one to be connected with an “officer” to fix the issue. Never gave my name but told the persons I would report the number to the police just to see what they would say. Guy freaked out and started screaming. Just reminding everyone to be mindful. I reported the number and double checked if I was on the do not call registry. I am but they still got my number.
artsy
May 07, 2019
I got a call saying my social security is suspended from a robo call. 1 (800) 269-0271
Beaware of Scammers
May 07, 2019
I got a call from 8770472213, saying my SSN was suspended. I have blocked the number
bb
May 07, 2019
Just got this computer voice message from 972-591-8809 identical to other commenters: "This call is from the Dept. of Social Security Administration. The reason you have received this phone call from our dept. is to inform you that we just suspend your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity. So if want know about this case, just press 1, thank you."
Lovelyr
May 10, 2019

In reply to by bb

I've been getting many of these calls and it is so funny to me that they give themself away immediately by using a recording that is not even grammatically correct English. Sorry for anyone who falls for this.
nelly624
May 07, 2019
I just received a call from (800)750-6454 stating that they were from "Department of Social Security", I did not dial that number back. I directly called The Social Security office myself. I was given the ftc.gov address. I wanted to just make sure I was straight on my end. I have been building my credit, so yeah, no thanks, try somebody else!!
From NJ
May 07, 2019
I have rec’d 4 of these calls in 2 days! There has to be better to laws in places to stop this.
John
May 07, 2019
Several calls like this since yesterday. Source phone number increments the last four digits, starting with 888-815-0520 and then -0527, -0531, -0538, -0545 yesterday and today -0627 and -0630.
V
May 07, 2019
I have received a total of 7 calls and 5 voicemails within two days. They all had an automated message that said they were part of the social security department and my social security number was suspended due to suspicious activity and that I needed to call them back. They have all left the EXACT same voicemail. Here are the numbers. (888-815-0521) (888-815-0532) (888-815-0541) (888-815-0543) (888-815-0626) (888-815-0632)
Nick
May 07, 2019
got scam robot calling on my mobile: from 202 431 0589 (Washington DC) Just annoying stupid scam.
Teacup
May 07, 2019
May 7, 2019 I have received two calls today saying my social security number has been suspended due to recent activity. From 888 815-0640. Fortunately, I did not respond to the calls.
Gram97
May 08, 2019
Just received one of these calls from 1-603-968-5884 Wish there was something to do to stop th they are annoying.
Mindi bee
May 08, 2019
Just got called by these jokers; Sooooooo, we know it's a scam, now what? How do we get the scammers to stop? How do we track down the scammers and prosecute them to the full extent of the law? I'm hearing about scams but never do I hear about how to stop them, track them down and put them in jail or fine them or pay back people they have scammed. Anyone have any answers to any of the questions that I have asked? Social security number has been suspended FRAUD phone number 1-202-475-7700
Iwillnotbescammed
May 08, 2019
I got 2 msgs on my voicemail today by an automated msg asking me to call an 800 # . Don’t fall for it!
Bhaner
May 09, 2019
It's happening again! 2019
Jorge G
May 09, 2019
I got 3 calls in last 24 hours. 1 yesterday from 1-855-469-8779 and 2 today from 1-800-666-2514. Stating that my social security is being blocked due to suspicious activity and that i need to call to avoid further legal action. They do not identify what agency they are calling, though... like I would call... yeah right!!!
TMM
May 09, 2019
Also be aware of telephone number 877-168-2213.
Housewife76
May 09, 2019
i just got an audimated call saying my SS# was linked to suscipious activity and my SS# would be blocked the number calling my phone was 1-877-174-2213. i immediately hung up.
morescams
May 10, 2019
I also received a robo call from a 285 area code about my “suspended” SS number. These scams are beyond annoying. I’ve been called by Medicare, Microsoft, Apple Care, IRS & now SS. Just ignore them.
HunnyBee
May 10, 2019
My number today was: 877-016-3213.
Sherry
May 10, 2019
I got a call today. Didn't answer. It went to my voicemail. The recording said the call was from the legal department of the SS Administration. I was told my SS number was suspended and that I should press 1 now before the claim filed against me to be arrested goes to Federal Claims Court. The number I go the call from was (530) 459-8999. So glad I came here and found out this is a scam.
Melrose
May 13, 2019
Mine was from 800-325-0778
Anon
May 13, 2019
‭(888) 815-0917‬ Got a robocall saying my SSN is being suspended due to suspicious activity. I called back and it was the number to some home security systems company (?)
aga
May 13, 2019

In reply to by Anon

same here 3 times same message from three different numbers 888-815-0921, 0927 & 0936
Jeff
May 13, 2019
Specific Numbers: 888-815-0928! DO NOT GIVE INFORMATION OUT!
Don't use your…
May 14, 2019
I got a call from supposedly the Social Security administration the number that they have is 1-285-598-7858 .
cyber_eng101
May 14, 2019
Just got one of these this morning was a robo-call from 888-815-1101.
Yuyita
May 14, 2019
I got a robocall today from (800)7221213, which is listed as the real SSA phone number according to their website, but I was told that my SSN was suspended, is this a scam?
Tim Gato
May 14, 2019
Got my first “your SS# is suspended” robo-message today from 800-325-0778. Yeah, riiiiiiiight. Instant block, then came online out of curiosity. I’m amazed how many folks are not aware that SS#’s can not be suspended.
Key Lady
May 14, 2019
As of Monday after Mother’s Day 2019 I have received 7 888-815-xxxx Social Security computer voice calls and one 209-210-xxxx number. All added to a contact list of do not answer! All the same and a pain in the behind!
Lena_sf
May 14, 2019
Just received a call from this number, informing that my SSN is suspended. I was certain that it is a scam. Posting here so that other users know that this number continues its malicious activity.
WerewolfD
May 15, 2019
I got two calls with the robot message
NV55
May 15, 2019
Just received a call about my SS being suspended. Phone number was 800-191-8326. Be safe all.
DaliClockmelt
May 15, 2019
I received a phone call stating the same from 205-196-8519. Is there any way I can stop receiving these type of scammer calls?
Carrie
May 15, 2019
I get too many calls from this scammers. Been bugging me at my personal AND work phone. All of their caller ID says “800 Services” but the last 4 numbers are different. 888-815-1258 888-815-0945 888-815-0942 888-815-1258 888-815-1252 888-815-0912 888-815-0908 888-815-0906 888-820-3376 Annoying!
Geekmom
May 15, 2019
3 times this week got the robo call saying “You’re ssn has been suspended.” There are 4 adults living at my house. A real govt agency would at least be specific as to who they need to talk to. Next time I’m pressing 1 and using my air horn on them!
Noname
May 15, 2019
Received bot call from (724) 237-5549 (Pennsylvania) indicating the Social Security Administration "suspend" my SSN for suspicious activity.
Chely
May 15, 2019
This is the 2nd time i got a call saying my social is suspended how can i report this or the number its annoying and i know from the begining is a scam
EB
May 15, 2019
Just received a message that my social # was frozen and to push # 1 to speak to someone about it the number was 888-815-1285
Kris
May 16, 2019
I got s call about my SSN being suspended from this number ‭+1 (205) 091-3623‬. Let it go to VM and it was a recording no live person.
k m
May 16, 2019
Received the "suspended SS number" from this call today May 16, 2019. Under 65 but I think from helping my parents
dan
May 16, 2019
I received the same call from this numbers: 18770024213 18771923213
Bruce
May 16, 2019
This is a scammer impostor of Social Security Administration using Telephone numbers with caller I'd ... 888-815-1313... 888-815-1321..888-815-1326
Cali 530
May 16, 2019
Omg i have receives 3 phone calls n voicemails today from same 1888-815-1325... i keep blocking them n they keep calling from a same type of number with just the last two numbers different . Same thing saying my social is suspended to get more info press 1!!!
Don't be fooled 6918
May 16, 2019
I was called twice today from 877-308-5743 saying "This is a call from the SS dept. administration" and that my "SS # has just been suspended due to suspicious activity". SCAM... don't be fooled.
Pittsburgh, PA
May 17, 2019
Getting dozens of calls ‭ from +1 (888) 815-1519‬ this number about them having detected fraud around my SS# and if I don’t call back it will be suspended. I block number & it still rings through.
Paul Saiger
May 17, 2019
If the government, through the FBI and other agencies can track phone numbers and accounts why does it allow these kinds of scams to proliferate? The elderly and others are being contacted millions of times each day by criminals. Why is this so hard to stop?
SickofAnnoying…
May 17, 2019
I just got 2 calls in a row: 1-888-815-1523 & 1-888-815-1542 I didn't answer.
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