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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.

Floyd
November 02, 2020
I got two calls one from8066208703 and one from8066203459 I blocked both of them.
Dr Pastor
November 03, 2020
Recd unknown I'd call saying my SSA was flagged for unusual activity and if I didn't call (424) 344-9610 immediately my account would be suspended. The number is California & I live on the opposite coast. Search of number yields no info. SSA numbers will ALWAYS show the # is govt
CabelaTX
November 03, 2020
Received two of these scam calls from San Antonio numbers this afternoon. Exactly as described with the computerized voice and asking me to press 1 for more information. Upon pressing 1, very obvious I was connected to a call center. Asked me to confirm my name which I would not. The lady who answered sounded like she was from India. Claimed to be an officer of the SSA. Beware this scam they are sophisticated. The numbers they called from were 210-883-5233/3939.
Lee
November 06, 2020
Hello, someone call me from +1 (954) 429-8238 when I answer the call the person on the other end, which is a male stated hello and disconnected the call, when I tired calling back it stated the number I call is no longer in service
Tamyie
November 06, 2020
Got a call from a Colorado number just now stating it was Oscar White badge #cr2546 case #ck846042 very suspicious i hung up he called back 3 times in less than 5 minutes. (720)694-8808
Don't use your…
November 10, 2020
Someone is using my phone number and calling people saying they are from the SSI office. Leaving mags to call back. But it's not me! I've received many angry calls from people. What can I do?
LadyLinda
November 16, 2020
I’ve received 5 recorded messages from different Long Beach, California numbers today, each message said there’s an issue with my Social Security. I keep hanging up and blocking but it hasn’t stopped them.
CGDC
November 20, 2020
Beware of 202 714 3892. They call stating that there is a legal case against you and your benefits are in jeopardy if you do not answer the call. When continue a person answer stating that is the Social Security and when request to be remove from the phone list they hangup!
Qid_Louie
November 20, 2020
What if I got a call from a number saying that they suspended my ssn but all they got was just two parts of my name?? They did that and just hung up
Pamchan
November 20, 2020
They've called me twice so far today with the Texas scam. Caller ID showed a local phone number both times. I didn't answer.
Sparky20
November 20, 2020
I received a call from someone claiming my social security number was suspended. Here's the number they called from if it will help someone else: (270) 423-5049.
Dojimmmm.mmmn'…
November 20, 2020
I keep getting these messages from #443-391-8873 saying my SS number is going to be susppended
phyljbg
November 24, 2020
The phone # that was used was 800-703-1190
skinnerjulia33…
November 24, 2020
they said i had people using my social in idaho calforina texas the state wyomhing alambma all over julia anns kinner at 22390 tom perrin road ponchatoula 70454
NECHIC
November 24, 2020
Received voicemail today from 720-548-3480 (Denver) saying there was illegal activity on my soc sec number and an arrest warrant would be released if I didn't call them back. Reported to FTC. And blocked. They never give up, do they?
Don't use your…
November 27, 2020
I have gotten several of these calls recently. They are the 'this is the Social Security Administration and your account has been frozen due to suspicious fraudulent activity' variety. I think they may have gotten my number from a response to an ad on Facebook. UGH!! Different numbers every time. 479-297-2395; 479-274-4101; 479-256-0198.
NubianDon't us…
December 01, 2020
Phone called came in stating that due to some activities, your social security has been erased.
Hunter2012 use…
December 01, 2020
I’ve gotten several calls today saying there’s a problem with my ssi number in Georgia I don’t live anywhere near there. The calls are coming from these numbers 706-707-2140, 706-605-2987, and 706-606-2979
Follow your gut
December 02, 2020
Does Soc sec send text messages? I received a text message saying I have a message from social security. I think it is a scam.
got scammed
December 02, 2020
Wanted to report the scam but you require too much of my own person information
Kai
December 02, 2020
This happens so much, people report the numbers but then they show back up. Its almost like the FTC doesn't really care until after the fact. Here is another one again... 1(501)773-0452
Lee O
December 02, 2020
I received a call from (520) 585-4781 with a recorded female voice saying " This is the Social Security Administration, your Social Security Number has been suspended for suspicious activity. Press 1 to speak to a representative" I called the number back and a female answered "Radius Global Solutions" When I asked what type of business it was she stated she couldn't disclose that information but that they are a Financial Institution. I told her someone just called from their number claiming they were Social Security Administration and she couldn't explain that. Super shady!!!! I almost fell for it, but I had read awhile back in the Washington Post that Social Security Administration NEVER suspends your Social Security Number. Thought I'd pass this experience on since I almost panicked thinking it was real .
Living
December 02, 2020
I just got one from 726-268-0216. Claiming I need to contact them or I will be arrested.
kenedy
December 02, 2020
I just received a call from (1-706-401-04783. Sating my social had been used in a fraudulent activity in TEXAS. "Press 1" I did not and just reporting so that you are aware.
Karen
December 02, 2020
got a phone message today saying that there was legal enforcement action on my SSN for fraudulent activities and to call the person back before they begin the legal proceedings. SCAM....I did not call them back. I checked the number and it is coming from NY - 914-979-8073, but I know that the number can be masked.
Taylor A.
December 02, 2020
What happens if you actually gave them information?
Vic
December 03, 2020
Just received my call from Telephone # 217308651
Jasamin
December 03, 2020
They called me from this number 509 524 9631 and left a message.
Don't use your…
December 03, 2020
Just Got a Phone Calls Saying From The Social Security Office. That My Number being used For Drug smuggling and others Too The Number Is 508-380-2700 had Identity Thief in My House. From a Fake Nurse From Nizhoni Health System. Send Her Girlfriend To My House, and Stole All My Billing information's never Had This Problem in My Life. I Contact The F.B I And License Bureau too I Wants Justice
Whtsup12
December 03, 2020
I just received a call from "Social Security" stating that my SS account is suspended due to suspicious activity. " Please respond by pressing number 1 on your phone. I know it is a scam, I just want other people to know about the potential call.
Tim
December 03, 2020
Over the last few days I have been getting a lot of calls with a recording saying that my SS Card has been blocked due to criminal activity: 571-455-9178 / 9777 / 9017 / 7616 That is just the numbers I have tracked so far today.
summerfun
December 03, 2020
I get at least 5-7 calls a day. this is crazy!!! I just keep blocking the numbers. Wish that they could be traced. is there nothing Social Security can do????????
Concerned citizen
December 04, 2020
I received back-to-back calls from someone claiming my social security number was suspended. Here are the numbers they called from. 7049905291 7049131973 7049590406 7049264001 Hoping this will help someone else
Rlr
December 04, 2020
Got a call around 3pm with a recording saying my SSI number was linked with a crime. Press 1 for info. It was an international call originating from the Dominican Republic. Number had International prefix with my number mixed in with a few other numbers
Don'tbullwinkl…
December 05, 2020
I keep getting calls stating my SS card has been compromised. They use a different phone number every time. I block them.
Tonybinaz
December 06, 2020
Well I get this call every other day I added my number to. They're do not call list for several times and I continue we get the same phone call from the same group it's either Senior Life or Medicare reward program and now it's your SS your social security number is in jeopardy we have some fraudulent activity you've been on it and we are going to suspend all it okay and then you call back and I get the one Ring hang up and back then I get the recording again but I don't answer the phone so I'll give you all the numbers if you wish this is the same call different people different technique trying to get to the same wall thing this was security number your number is 866-200-3410 and they want to talk to me about you know my insurance on my car or it's always something but you know it's funny that I'm driven in two years and this is the same fraudulent stuff be aware
Krp
December 06, 2020
Just got cAll from a woman from Georgia (caller id ) saying I need to get in touch with them about someone using my ss# ..The phone number 706 707 7205
shrainey
December 07, 2020
I got a message asking me to call 509 524-9736 saying there was illegal activity with my Social Security Account from Washington State.
PapoNY
December 07, 2020
I received call from 914-908-8924, when I asked why the call since SSA doesn't call, he said because of Covid they are calling now, when asked for a number to call back, he said call the same one he's calling from.
Mike
December 07, 2020
573-795-9445 is a scam! Tried getting my information
cop105
December 07, 2020
Called today at 2:57 PM 12-07-20 from 803-488-0343 They hung up on me as soon as they realized I wasn't biting..
Matt Houston
December 08, 2020
Someone from +1 (713) 362-4256 and +1 (713) 396-1781 just spammed me about my social security number being suspend by the irs.
LinusDon't use…
December 08, 2020
I have been getting no less than 10 to 12 calls a day. I block the number and a new number pops up with the same phone call. How can I make this stop?
Don't blackie1…
December 08, 2020
People keep calling my phone saying that some is using my Ssn
MarylandFlorida
December 09, 2020
Receiving phone calls (+1 (443) 420-1872) saying that my Social Security has been canceled due to fraud usage of my SSN information in the state of Tennessee
Casper
December 09, 2020
Just received two calls claiming my social security number has been deactivated by 980-205-1265 and 9802058929. These numbers have the same suffix as my line. It was a recording.
SB
December 09, 2020
I received a call today saying that my social was being used From number +1 (323) 690-1228 Los Angeles, CA also from +1 (915) 400-9025 in Texas. These people are creeps!
6788495774
December 10, 2020
I am being harassed by this people. I got 15 calls from them yesterday and it is getting ridiculous
Rowan Roberts
December 10, 2020
Rec'd a scam call from 352-530-6092
Nay
December 10, 2020
I just got a call and I got scared so I gave information Him information I gave him the The mount of money I have in the bank in my account Didn't give him account number or my so security number