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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.

ABoyd
January 27, 2021
I have received several calls from a automated computer saying my social security number has has been in compromised for scam so they are gonna have to block my number
ABoyd
January 27, 2021
Scam calls from texas 915615 5325
scarecrow
January 27, 2021
Received a call this morning from John at 918-636-9680. Same song...suspicious activity on my SS account and if I don't contact them immediately, a warrant for my arrest will follow.
Steve
January 27, 2021
I received a phone call claiming to be social security say my social security number missed used and if i don't act on it a warrant will be issued for my arrest.
Jackson M
January 28, 2021
I receive a phone call from 812 3337442 about problems with my ssn and to process press 1 ...????
kam9
January 28, 2021
getting social security fake office calls from number 630 443 7570
Drake05
January 28, 2021
I receive calls from area code 832 (832-627-9352 the last one) claiming to be the social security administration and about an inquiry made for retirement benefits. Then the calls starting stating that is was about a federal charge and this was the last attempt in calling before they took action. It appears to be a scam, but I have not responded to them other than hanging up, so I am not sure.
Anonymous
January 28, 2021
Today I got a phone call about my ssn being used in Texas for money laundering and drug cartel. He demanded me to tell him my ssn and other info or I will be arrested. I was never told about these scam calls so I believed it and gave him my info including my ssn. The only thing I didn't give him was my middle name. And he told me an officer will appear at my house on Monday. The numbers he used to call me was 647-825-7080, 226-503-6191, and 647-668-1451. He used the name Joseph Gangloff. I'm just scared that he'll be using my info or something might happen to me.
Sergio
January 28, 2021
I was a victim of this and was prodded to believe that someone stole my SSN and I followed through trying to keep my money safe. Thank you for assuring me, that this was a scam and I’ll keep this as a reference of what is real and way is not.
Nelly
January 28, 2021
Got several calls from 4437943599 and 4437946606(I have then recorded) stating my ss# was used for fraudulent activities.
Kentucky couple
January 28, 2021
My husband signed up for SSD, about 4 months ago and today someone called saying their name was Walker, he called from 502-468-0329 and said it was about my husband's claim, he also used my husband's name. I immediately hung up! I looked up the number and Google had the name of a female with that number , I called it and the man answered again stating his name was Walker. Is this a legitimate call?
Fraud report
January 28, 2021
I receive a fraudulent call today first was a unknown caller which is how SSD contacts me. Said my social security number has been fraudulently used all over USA. Second phone number same message 720-159-1049.
Don't use BerglunC
January 29, 2021
I’m supplying 2 different phone numbers that have contacted me stating that my SS# has been breached & A) I’m responsible for any fraudulent transactions & B) my SS# will be taken out of circulation. For the love of God, please tell anyone & everyone that you know to NOT believe for one second that the SS administration would ever call you! Beware of these scammer 2 #’s 1-502-443-6240 and 1-281-559-2746.
Kelyccleon't u…
January 29, 2021
Someone just called me and told me my social security number was suspended because of I don't know if it said illegal activity or odd activity and then it asked me to press one so unfortunately I did press one but nobody came on the phone. I hope they can't get any information from that
Marco
January 29, 2021
I also got the same call. They say that my social security number has been compromised and need to call the officer by pressing 1. Th phone number:801 613 0955
Judy gulizia
January 30, 2021
Since ,1/23/21 started to get phone calls claiming to be social security saying that I have alot of activities on my SSN and that I was going to be arrested. I put my phone in to robo call so I didn't have to listen to them l was getting up to 15 messages aday
Judy gulizia
February 01, 2021
I have robo call set up to block scam calls now I'm getting up to 15 messages from officer Bella watson claiming my SSN has been suspended and there is a warrant for my arrest
Mark
February 01, 2021
I just received a call from. A person claiming to be from the SSA , said I’m the victim of identity theft and ask me to verify some personal information. I knew SSA never makes contacts over the phone. The caller tried to assure me this wasn’t a scam, nevertheless I hung up the phone. The caller didn’t use an 800 number, but called from (573)242-6335. My caller ID identified the call came from Clarksville MO. People BEWARE!!!
Bingman
February 02, 2021
Got a call today 2/2/21 saying number bein investigation agent voicemail did not call back 607 6241616
ScammedbySSA?
February 02, 2021
Just got a call from a 202 953 9049 Washington DC number didnt answer it. They left a message that it was the Social Security Admin. I only called back because I have sent info in to Soc Sec regarding my account. But that wasnt it. He said someone had used my social security number and its linked with crimes. When I threatened to hang up he said dont do that because its a federal investigation and feds and police are on the line listening. I hung up anyway. I told him it was a scam. He said no trying to help me.
Don't use your…
February 03, 2021
We received a robo call supposedly from social security threating to stop our social security if we did not accept their call . we hung up ! the number was 1-662-379-2147
Anne
February 03, 2021
I just received one saying my SSN was used in fraudulent activities, I pressed 1 and the guy said how may i help you i said y'all called me,so what's up?,he then went over his spill asked my name,got it wrong ,i was just sounds good enough lol he said a few other things then informed me that this call is being recorded so i told him that i have to inform you that all my calls are recorded as well,he said i was cheating him than hung up lol. Also had a voicemail left day before this saying if I didnt call back my SSN was going to be blocked... when I called the number from when I actually talked to someone,it was someone's personal phone number from Alaska ... I am reporting it now, DO NOT FALL FOR THESE CALLS FOLKS,IT'S A SCAM
Godiswatching2
February 03, 2021
Ya it happen to me too today . I can say its hard to not answer if you are waiting for a call.
ddt978
February 04, 2021
I have gotten a number of these. The most recent from (210)538-1006. I do hang up and block them, but they keep coming.
Latasha
February 04, 2021
If they call and say that your social security has been used for something and your phone.number is used, that means they got your social security number and that all you need to do is call the FTC or go to there website and report it.
Linda C
February 04, 2021
I’ve gotten 2 robo calls today telling me to press 1 to speak to a federal agent, if they do not hear from me they will block my SSN. 605-854-3258 in SD and this one: 196-769-3390 (?location)
The Sliccster
February 05, 2021
281-803-4198 just called me and said my ssn number has been used in fraudulent activity and asked me to verify my last four of my social I hung up after that thank god I knew it was a scam
Concerned
February 06, 2021
Got called by phone number 914-874-5268 and caller ID had Federal Bureau of Investigation (Texas). They said my SSN had been potentially stolen for drug laundering in Texas. Confirmed my last 4 digits of SSN and zip code. Am very concerned, what should I do?? I usually don't fall for these calls, but I did this time as I had never received calls regarding my SSN.
PA Resident
February 08, 2021
If a very bad call is made by these people and my number has been swiped, is the FBI going to be knocking on my door? I am almost sure that law enforcement has a means of tracing a disruptive or threatening call back to the correct source. If this is indeed true, why not "lace" the entire country with phone numbers that are linked to this network?
Karens
February 08, 2021
I was scam
gneeee82
February 09, 2021
I had the same call, threaten me that my name was being used in a drug trafficking, stolen car, and was going to be arrested at my home. It was an insane phone call, it totally shook me. I didn't give out any information since it was a strange accent and the male voice was really harsh when I asked who they were, where they are from, and why would they call me to tell me this tragic and awful news ? They hung up.
Mandy
February 09, 2021
just received call from 703 571-3175 telling me to press 1 if I wanted to know more about my SSN being compromised. I am so sick of these calls :( This was on the heels of finding out someone has been bilking my debit card for 6 months with charges all under $100 that I never noticed.
Sandyc
February 09, 2021
3155627862 new SS Scam #
Rocky D Squirrel
February 09, 2021
Just got a call from 618-719-9005, saying something about my ssn having criminal activity against me. Thanks for the heads up about this scam.
Mary9696
February 10, 2021
I received a call telling me my ss number has been fraudley used.
mtp001
February 10, 2021
Received a voice mail message from 619-816-1283-Chula Vista, CA. Wanted to discuss my case and if I didn't call back, they would be forced to take legal action. I called three times, asked same questions to 3 different people. Who are you? Told me from OIG,SSA. SCAM!!! Office of Inspector General,Soc. Sec. Admin. Said this office was in El Paso, TX . One guy gave the name of Kevin M Huse. When he asked for my name, told him he should have it since he called me. He eventually hung up on me, as did the others. BEWARE!!
Spammers go to Hell.
February 10, 2021
(650)243-4796 received call from this phone number and told me that he is from Social Security office and removing my social security number.
Debbie
February 10, 2021
I got a call yesterday someone saying this there DA give me a number and said that somebody's using my street number and got in trouble with drugs cocaine and at my 60 numbers when you used to open up many different accounts bank accounts and stuff like that they asked me about what what were my banks and stupid me gave it to him and they I'm not sure if I gave any of my social security number I was just worried about the whole thing what should I do They asked about my income tax coming up I told them yes I'll be get making tax soon and how much I was getting and should I be worried about that I asked them what should I do I need help
Jeff
February 11, 2021
Got 3 calls this morning from 912 610 4503, 912610 1716, and 912 710 8894, all claiming to be department of social security administration and a claim that legal enforcement action has been filed on my name and ssn for criminal activities. Dude never left a name and had a foreign sounding accent. Wish i could post a screen shot of the transcript on here.
bt44
February 11, 2021
I got a call from 859-693-7677 who left me a voicemail saying my social security number was going to be blocked due to fraud activity. I don't believe this to be true.
Chad
February 11, 2021
I received a call today that I missed and they left me a message saying that there is a legal enforcement actions filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activities in order to connect federal agent press one and you will be connected to the concern department if we don't hear from you your social will be blocked permanently press one and you will be connected to the concern department…” I checked the phone number +1 (507) 990-5776 and figured it was a spam. So watch out people
Chris
February 16, 2021
They called using scam number-(406) 206-5975
LaurenC
February 16, 2021
Call from 757-235-4591. Automated call stated my ssn had been used at the border of Texas. Guy then asked for my first name and last four. When I questioned why he didn't already have that info, he stated I was transferred from the automated call but would be happy to verify through a local number (757) is local! I hung up.
Girish
February 16, 2021
Got back to back calls from +14086676228 and +14086677753 asking to callback as SSN is linked to some criminal activities. It's a pre-recorded call.
TMMM
February 16, 2021
What if you believe your cell number has been co-opted by this group and is using it? Any advice on how to rectify that?
Mel
February 16, 2021
This is what I reviewed today. “Services I'm calling in regards to a case attached to your name drivers license and social security number currently pending to be filed against you and your local jurisdiction we will be stopping out to your home or place of employment to deliver your legal documents have yourself or your attorney contact our office to confirm your delivery address your failure to respond may result in a default action being placed against your social security number if you have any further questions please call 1-855-935-3778 again that number is 1-855-935-3778…”
Matt
February 17, 2021
Received a call from 561-254-9155, was a recorded message stating something about legal enforcement action against my Social Sec number for criminal activity, etc. etc. wanting me to press one, guessing so the person on the other end could try and get me to provide my info, etc. and rip me off in one way or another.
Babyboyy53
February 17, 2021
I got a call about an hour ago stating that, my S.S.# has been used illegally and there's a warrent out for the card holder. I knew it was a scam so I hung up. Then I dialed the number and it was a non working number...
Poor mom
February 17, 2021
I just received a phone call from 1-423-251-8850 saying they were going to take legal action against me unless I called immediately. I returned the call and they asked if this was my phone number and then they asked for my name, etc. I quickly responded that I will not give them information that they should have and she abruptly hung up on me. I should have said I was Brad Pitt and just went with it. Lol
Jenny
February 18, 2021
Just had a call from 902 790 6215 ...stating that my sin number has had illegal activity.....definitely a scam. I have reported it....