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The FTC is getting reports about people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) who are trying to get your Social Security number and even your money. In one version of the scam, the caller says your Social Security number has been linked to a crime (often, he says it happened in Texas) involving drugs or sending money out of the country illegally. He then says your Social is blocked – but he might ask you for a fee to reactivate it, or to get a new number. And he will ask you to confirm your Social Security number.

In other variations, he says that somebody used your Social Security number to apply for credit cards, and you could lose your benefits. Or he might warn you that your bank account is about to be seized, that you need to withdraw your money, and that he’ll tell you how to keep it safe.

But all of these are scams. Here’s what you need to know:

  • The SSA will never (ever) call and ask for your Social Security number. It won’t ask you to pay anything. And it won’t call to threaten your benefits.
  • Your caller ID might show the SSA’s real phone number (1-800-772-1213), but that’s not the real SSA calling. Computers make it easy to show any number on caller ID. You can’t trust what you see there.
  • Never give your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Don’t confirm the last 4 digits. And don’t give a bank account or credit card number – ever – to anybody who contacts you asking for it.
  • Remember that anyone who tells you to wire money, pay with a gift card, or send cash is a scammer. Always. No matter who they say they are.

If you’re worried about a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration, get off the phone. Then call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). If you’ve spotted a scam, then tell the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

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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.

memdmp
February 27, 2020
I received a fake call from Director of Social Security stating my number as been suspended. The number that called me was out of Austin, TX. Its number is 1-207-667-2335. Please do not answer this call and/or call this number back. Hope this helps.
roughingitDon'…
February 28, 2020
they just tried to scam me the call back number is 1470-437-4106 told me I was going to be arrested I said send me a certified letter they hung up
person54
February 28, 2020
just got a call from ‭+1 (703) 340-2634‬ stating someone is using my ssn in southern texas and to press 1 to speak to an agent. please report
Elektricgrl
February 28, 2020
Just received a scam call ‭ from +1 (609) 842-5232‬ a NJ number, saying my as number has been suspended. Wanted to report
Crossno annette
March 01, 2020
I have been getting a recording message on ky phone about my S.S. is being fraudulently used on Taxes.
Groomer#1
March 02, 2020
I just got a automated voicemail from someone claiming to be social security threatening my benefits blah blah blah! Just wanted everyone to be aware they are still at it! The number they wanted me to call back was 210-903-5139. Beware of this area code and number! SCAM!!!!
eratameo
June 29, 2020

In reply to by Groomer#1

I received a fake call from 210-903-5139 as well. It was easy to tell this was not a federal agency. There were random conversations in the background, the echo in the room did not sound like a call center, the gentleman on the phone had a heavy Indian accent. They tried getting my information from another number the week prior. BLOCK 210-903-5139 and report it.
rrogers
March 02, 2020
866-650-5587 is same people threaten to have me arrested, say a car was found at the border with blood and cocaine and that it was rented under my name.
actionjackson
March 02, 2020
I'd love for you to follow up on these clowns - they were saying my ssn# is suspended, I called back and got a woman claiming she is w ssn in San Antonio TX but hung up when I asked for her ID # the phone number (I've now blocked) is 210-903-5380
a concerned wife
March 03, 2020
I have recently made phone calls to the SSA regarding Medicare. On both my cell and my husbands. Within a few hours doth of us have been plaqued with solicitations call from various insurance agents . I am blocking these calls but I don’t understand how by just calling the SSA they have gotten access to our phone numbers.
Maggie0560
March 03, 2020
Today Received 2 calls 1-919-752-7989 & another robo call as well stating my social security has suspicious activity in TX haven't been in TX so it's a scam. My SSA benefits could be stopped nope not buying it. and wanted me to call a number. SSA never does this it was a robo call my number is blocked. My SSN was stolen by identity thieves it's an open case. Knew this was a scam.
truth12345678912
March 03, 2020
fake number 14437323205
Moqui
March 04, 2020
I got two calls from 202-931-4423 and 202-931-4577. I didn't answer because it was from Washington and I'm living in Colorado. They left a voicemail telling me I had criminal activities linked to my SSN and to call them back before they began legal proceedings? I ignored it obviously, because I'm 14 and have never done anything illegal in my life. Block these numbers and don't give out your SSN!!!
LW
March 04, 2020
Is there a way for you to force phone companies to stop allowing phone calls from nonexistent area codes to go through? I have been receiving the Social Security scam calls all day from area code 833 which is nonexistent. I have blocked the number on my cell phone so while my phone isn't ringing, the calls and the scam message is going to my voice mail.
DM
March 05, 2020
Scammers are calling saying they are social security Administration! These are the numbers they have called me from 470-867-6614 and from 872-249-3905. Be aware!
Dolynnn't use …
March 05, 2020
Received 2 calls today stating they are suspending my social security. Numbers are 202 656 4945 and 202 295 9814
TTOC
March 05, 2020
Keep getting robo calls sleaving messages that there is suspicious activity on my SS number telling me please call 302-549-0545, & 805-609-6096. Why can't govt or phone carriers do something about this
S.G.
March 06, 2020
ive gotten three calls to day from 1-470-4660937(2) and 1-734-280-5094(1). saying that they have found fraudulent activity on my ss#, and police action has been filed. it is an automated caller, saying it is officer Kelly Jones. they want me to call back to the social security administration but the 1-800 # left in the voice mail doesn't match the one listed above.( the number they list is the 1-470-466-0937.)
Bigman
March 07, 2020
I e been getting calls from people claiming to be police giving me a case number saying hes connecting me through the dea,and then that guy say that my social has been used for money laundry,that blood has been found in a car with drugs,and they have enough I fo to incarcerate me,if I want to avoid to go to nearest goverment store,and put money on prepaid cards and it will be given back after I get new social next day.CONFUSED....
Regular person
March 09, 2020
I was just contacted by +1 (844) 3455987 & +1 (646)9017060 who told me they were Social Security and that I was involved in illegal activity. I asked them to confirm my identity and they could not. They told me that I will be arrested by the local authority but I asked them to give me my full name or I would assume that the call is a scam and the man named Tommy then hung up on me. Question everyone and everything.
Zebra
March 09, 2020
I received the call about legal proceeding for fraudulent activity on my ssn this happened today 3-9-20 and a few weeks ago. I’m also tired of scams trying to get ssn and bank accounts. Plain and simple if a caller from New York calls it a scam. Don’t answer!
Idontlikeacammers
March 10, 2020
I recieved a call from (206)785-1740 With a prerecorded message claiming to be from the Social Security Administration that my SSN is part of a criminal investigation and that I needed to call them immediately before I'm taken to court or possibly jail. I'm pretty sure this is a scam,right?
Jane
March 11, 2020
Received a call ( twice) from the same number 1-206-973-8212. Caller announced that my SSN will be suspended and that I need to talk to federal agent. I hang up, as it was clearly a spam call.
ad
March 11, 2020
I got similar call from 469 754 3548 texas
Rich Lather
March 12, 2020
Received a call from (410)927-3859 calling and asking for my SSN. I was very helpful of course and provided 123-45-6789
rasimpson3424
March 13, 2020
I received a telephone call from, 1-469-257-3207 Claiming to be a employee of the Social Security Department. He stated his name was, Victor King ID number# SSM101255. And that someone has been using my Social Security number in fraudulent activities. Then he gave me a case #DC7410. And he needed me to verify my Social Security number with him, so he could block my Social Security number. And my birthday, so he can verify my information. But all he had, was my first name, age, and zip code that I live in. When I wouldn't give him my social security number, and birthday. It seemed as if he got a little frustrated, with me. He went on to say, either you can comply with the Social Security Administration Dept. Or you cannot give us your information, and it will, seem like you were a part of the criminal activities that went on with your Social Security number. After I advised him, that I have spoke with someone, from the Social Security Department once before. Because I received a telephone call like this, he said this information is not in your local, Social Security Administration offices. It's only at the Austin building. Then he went on to say, that the US marshals, and the DEA are involved in this criminal activity, with your Social Security number. And this telephone call is being recorded, and anything I say can be used against me, in any fraudulent actions. And not complying with the Social Security Department. And that someone apparently rented a vehicle, using my information. Leaving the vehicle abandoned on the side of the road in Texas, that was used in a drug trafficking case. So they needed to block my social security number immediately, so it can't be used anymore. Then he stated, are you going to comply with the Social Security Department. And allow us to block your Social Security number, all we need is your number, and your birthday. Then I said, the Social Security Department, said they don't call people. They'll send a letter in the mail, and have you come in to the office. And never give your social security number over the phone. He then stated this is part of a serious matter, and it involves the US marshals and the DEA. And they can't have me come in the office. Unless I was to come to the office in Austin Texas. I advised him, I will call him back. And is this the actual number, that I can contact you. He stated yes, and I must do it immediately. Or actions will be taken up against me. And this could be settled, after I comply with providing my Social Security number.
Dada
March 13, 2020
A Taxas number keeps calling me today about my ssn.
Dada
March 13, 2020
This number keeps calling me today about my SSN: 1 915 208 4458
Tamara Racle
March 14, 2020
They called me from this number 1-512-274 1845,. Said my SSN was suspended, and involved in a crime,and I needed to push 1 to talk to them before the FBI got involved and I get arrested, I just hung up,, because I know it's a scam,,,but it did almost happen to a client of mine thank God when she got to her bank she handed her phone over to the bank teller....
Deb
March 16, 2020
I received a call ‭from (206) 959-2822‬ Seattle, WA saying they are suspending my SS number.
Yamill
March 17, 2020
I have received the same pre-recorded message twice this month. The number is 940-466-4088 Decatur, Tx. Previously the call was received from 505-522-5845 Albuquerque, NM.
Cat Lover
March 17, 2020
I keep receiving phone calls from 906-15-7714 and letting it go to voicemail. When I listen to it, of it is partial, tells me to press one to get in contact with representative to take care of the fraud case against my SS#. When I do block the number, it will eventually show up as a new number and ring through and the cycle repeats.
Hard working mom
March 17, 2020
Keep getting phone call from 5048677514 saying criminal activity with my social
MisSantana
March 17, 2020
FYI ‭+1 (915) 400-6690‬ El Paso, TX i attempted Reverse look-up on google And found reports of fraud using this number. Phew.. being vigilant is key to protecting yourself. They left a message (vm beta transcript): “Reason you have received this phone call from our department is _⁠_⁠_ _⁠_ the form you that there are enforcement _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_ filed against you and your Social Security number has suspected for fraudulent activity once you this message finally call us back as soon as possible on the same number or press one to speak to our investigate _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ office there thank you…”
MGB408
March 18, 2020
I got a call from (916)503-7733 claiming to be Officer Alex Coleman with the criminal investigator from Texas. His badge number was SSA5416 and then he gave me a court case number. He said they found a black 2006 Toyota Corolla abandoned on the freeway with blood inside and that they tracked the registration to an address that was raided and that they found hundreds of pounds of cocaine inside and that hundreds of thousands of dollars were wired to my account. They said it was all under my name and my SSN was used. He then told told me my information like my old home address. He said he was going to suspend my SSN and that i should get a new one, he then asked for the Last 4 of my SSN and at that moment i knew it was a scam. I refused and then he transferred me to his "commanding officer" and the dude picked up had a heavy indian accent and said "you need to go get a new SSN at your nearest SSN office, then he hung up. TOTAL SCAM DON'T FALL FOR IT.
Midhyvid
March 18, 2020
Got 2 phone calls today. 1-800-999-8888 and 1-800-333-7777. My phone did NOT pick up as this being a Potential Spam.
Cat Lover
March 18, 2020
Received the same recorded message to press one for an agent from a new number in Florida, 941-242-5470.
N/A 001183839
March 19, 2020
Just recieved a scam about a warning from the SSN of some crime here is the phone number +15098225537
MoM
March 27, 2020

In reply to by N/A 001183839

I got a call from 3312008809 stating that the call is from SSA and that my social had been used in activities suspected to be identity theft.
Shelly420
March 21, 2020
I just received one of these such calls this morning. I live in Washington state. The call came from 209-883-6329.
Babygirl
April 09, 2020
I have a question to ask I have this problem I was getting help for food stamps and they were telling me that someone has been using my social security number from Gonzalez construction since in 2018 and 2019 and that they were making. Good money and now I have to file a police report and I have to have a copy to show that I filed but where j am from I live in Kemper Texas with me and my boyfriend
JPC
April 10, 2020
I recently applied for SS benefits online. Within 2 days of applying, I received a message from a "Mr. Everett" saying they had questions about my application. I called the number back, asked to speak with Mr. Everett and was transferred to a voice mailbox. I told Mr. Everett I was returning his call but when he called back to be prepared to prove he was with the SSA. Never heard back. I would like to know how these scammers knew I had recently applied? I check my computer, Norton's and Malware Bytes so where's the leak, Google or SSA?
destinyfromtexas
April 13, 2020
I just got a phone call from a phone number: (210) 389-9008 saying that my social security number has been suspended for committing some act of fraud & if I wanted to have access to my social security number again, I needed to stay on the line to talk to a representative. They even made the button on the call menu legitimately work. I pressed the number ( 1 ) on the call menu & sat on the phone for 10 minutes. Then a weird female's voice very unnervingly moaned "goodbye" & the call hung up. Lucky me. Who knows I might've been stupid enough to give them my information. Good thing God in heaven was on my side & the phone hung up by itself.
Alabama
April 13, 2020
Just got a call from 210-237-5947, it was a recording saying i would have go appear before a magistrate for criminal charges against my ss#. Unless, I stayed on the phone to reslove the matter.
John
April 13, 2020
When I tried to file for State Unemployment I had to submit my S.S.N. Upon submitting I was informed that my number is Non-Existent. I have been receiving a Social Security Check since I turned 65. Thinking I could no longer get Unemployment when I got Social Security I did not file for Unemployment anymore until I was informed I could still get Unemployment. I am now 73 and have been laid off due to the virus. I am confused as to how the state does not recognize my S.S.N. but the federal Government does.
chase
April 16, 2020
i got a call from 000-000-0000 claiming to be from the ssa and that i will be going to court or something about me being apart of fraud and then hung up, im young and haven`t done anything what they claimed, i dont know what it is and they gave me a number to call if i had questions but i wasnt able to write it down. im pretty nervous, would the SSA ever hide their caller ID?
Donsharbear't …
April 21, 2020
I have been getting these calls all day from I now learned is National Disability, no connection to Social Security at all. They have calls 12 times today and it's only 12:30. They lie and say I applied for my disability and they need to talk to me. The problem is u I've been on disability for 10 years now so I doubt they still have my application!!
Sherowns
April 22, 2020
I received a phone call from 929-900-1866 New York stating that there's a legal enforcement action filed on my SSN for criminal actives and asked me to call back before they begin with the legal proceedings.
Del
April 26, 2020
A police took my ssn no police never ask for my ssn he than wrote it on regular paper I don't trust The method and I'm going to report him just in case of his wrong intentions with my ssn than he ask for my other to sisters ssn and wrote it down. On 4/25/2020.
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