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Earlier this month, we told you about a growing scam: people pretend to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and try to get your Social Security number or your money. That scam is now growing exponentially. To compare: in 2017, we heard from 3,200 people about SSA imposter scams, and those people reported losing nearly $210,000. So far THIS year: more than 35,000 people have reported the scam, and they tell us they’ve lost $10 million.

Here’s what one of those scam calls sound like:

Scammers are saying your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it’s been involved in a crime. Sometimes, the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it. Sometimes, he’ll say your bank account is about to be seized – but he’ll tell you what to do to keep it safe. (Often, that involves putting your money on gift cards and giving him the codes – which, of course, means that your money is gone.)

Oh, and your caller ID often shows the real SSA phone number (1-800-772-1213) when these scammers call – but they’re faking that number. It’s not the real SSA calling.

Here's what to know:

  • Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who calls out of the blue. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized.
  • SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Every time.
  • The real SSA number is 1-800-772-1213, but scammers are putting that number in the caller ID. If you’re worried about what the caller says, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to the real SSA. Even if the wait time is long, confirm with the real SSA before responding to one of these calls.
  • Never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. Or your bank account or credit card number.

If you get one of these calls, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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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.

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creds
December 16, 2019

In reply to by Shafepa

Got this one today too Social Security administration we have received a legal complaint under your Social Security number and your driver license number we have received a legal complaint ....
J6150
November 27, 2019
1 855 446 6688 " This is the Social Security office, we need to talk to you, please call us back." How about, "this is a scam office, we want to steal your identity, please call and give it to us."
maggie o
November 27, 2019
just received call from 1-804-251-3084 states they are social security hotline. I told them just missed the call whats up? they stated give me your date of birth and social security number so i can see who called them. Told him i could give him a date but not SS# he should have records of calls out. He hung up on me.....just another scan call and hitting on the elderly no heart at all
pdillon
November 27, 2019
I received a call today from 202-867-5204, claiming a Social Security issue. Ugh!
Becca
November 27, 2019
I got a call from 646-904-5586 saying that I had suspicions activity on my ssn an that if I hung up with out giving them the information they wanted that there database would reset and set a warrant out for my arrest I just said have fun with that and hung up and started researching about it I knew they couldn’t suspend my ssn because of suspicious activity they also told me where the activity was and when I asked them what my ssn was for them to prove they were real (knowing they weren’t) she said it was confidential and she couldn’t give me any information after she told me where the frod took place I just hung up and blocked the number
Ang
November 27, 2019
I am getting calls every day. They are automated. They are also increasingly getting more threatening. The number is 463-216-6169. I am unable to block the calls as well.
Hello
November 27, 2019
Just got a suspicious call from +888 788 3595 with the same techniques.
abcdef@
November 29, 2019
I have no idea how to fix this problem anymore. I did the SSA scam report and its not even letting me submit the info I typed in
brb123456
November 27, 2019
Received a scam call 800-549-4682 and it was an automated female recording saying you need to dial 1 to speak with a rep and I hung up and looked up the scam and found this site.
Lacy
November 27, 2019
I received a call from 1-800-839-6113 telling me that my social security number has been stollen, and that my SS information will be cancelled if I don't call, automated call of course. SCAM!!!!
max furie
November 27, 2019
at 12:30PM EST, I was contacted by 1-800-888-3784. The message said to press #1 for a SS agent given my benefits would be revoked. Out of curiosity I press "1" . I then get transferred to a new queue where with several options that are not SS related such as money orders etc. This queue voice had a British accent. So...Am I to believe that my USA social security is forwarded to a British location? I was transferred to a call center where the person on the other line did not have good command of the English language and was very difficult to understand. I am asked for my name, phone number and SS#. So I said "you called me about my SS# so for confirmation please give me the last 4 digits of my SS# as verification. " The representative was rude and was told that If I dont give them the SS# now, they would cancel my benefits immediately. I asked for their SS ID which all SS agents have for verification. At that point they hung up. Be careful!
Receivedscamcall
November 27, 2019
800-915-8938 Social Security scam number
NIA JONES
November 27, 2019
800-280-5902.. ONCE I ASKED "IS THIS A SCAM CALL" THEY HUNG UP...
USERNAME
November 27, 2019
I received this today on my office phone at work: Messages intended for you from Social Security Administration we have received a legal complaint under your social security number and your driver license number we have received a legal complaint to block your social security number immediately So before we go ahead legally blocking your Social Security number so kindly press one to connect to our officer or call us back on our number that is 310-844-7503 I repeat is 310-844-7503 sorry you did not press one yet kindly please press one to contact our Officer thank you and have blessed day.
Frimousse
November 27, 2019
Just received a robot-call saying my SSI was suspended by border patrol for suspicious and asked that I phone a certain phone number to reactivate. Call display showed 289-205-1862. I hung up. Scam.
Cher
November 27, 2019
Just a heads up to others - I've gotten two such calls today, similar recorded message from (203) 813-5163 from Greenwich, CT. I've received other calls in the past, but never have taken them seriously.
lvermette
November 27, 2019
They left 2 voicemails today stating that my ss# had been terminated because of criminal activities. I don't fall for these type of calls. They number they called from was 210-679-8495
Anon
November 27, 2019
New number to add to the list 1-800-952-1358
hin
November 27, 2019
Today I received scam call twice on social security about to suspend. Beware of 800-963-9729 & 800-936-3427
Carlos
November 27, 2019
I have been getting those calls Daily from (800) 740-4072, (800) 517-8064, (800) 914-4790, (800) 188-0294, and (800) 978-7842
Robert
November 27, 2019
Scam from this number ‭+1 (800) 618-7649‬ Saying that they are calling from Apple and wanted me to open treamviewer don’t answer
KH
November 27, 2019
I have been receiving these calls. This activity needs to stop!!
Fenghe
November 27, 2019
Yesterday Nov. 26, 2019, I got the same call from number 800 686 9823. same recording play. It is a little concerns about security safety. Some people ask my name and personal information. I asked them you phoned me, why you don't know my name. What is regarding to? And then, they hang up the phone.
Fenghe
November 27, 2019
Thanks Jenniffer. It really helpful.
Shookitup
November 27, 2019
Just got a call from ‭+800 1119019‬, looking exactly like that with a woman’s voice automated message saying my SSN has been suspended. Blocked.
DD
November 27, 2019
Received voice message from 800 467 4687 regarding suspension of ssn.
DG
November 27, 2019
Got few calls from 1-800-257-5002
Annoyed
November 27, 2019
We keep getting robo calls from TX saying SS# will be suspended for being used in fraudulent activity across the U.S. Robo call said their name was officer David Fisher from Social Security Administration. These are #'s on the caller ID... 361-213-0087 361-213-0095
ccherry
November 27, 2019
‭(800) 884-5441‬- received a call from this number stating my SS# would be frozen. When I”spoke with a rep” he wanted the last 4 digits of my number to look up my account. When I refused he said “well then I can’t help you. Have a nice day.”
Sam
November 27, 2019
New Scam number which i got a call from -281-229-0889.
Concerned Citizen
November 27, 2019
Recored msg. rec. 11/27/2019 reporting SSN suspension and to call this # 855-448-3332 ( B.S. is eternal everywhere in the world).
ssnholder
November 27, 2019
The same call I received from 2107504781 twice. I didn't pick up the call. They left a vm. I called back and one Indian fellow picked up as can be sensed by his tone. Then I simply dropped the call. I know this is a scam
C
November 27, 2019
Received a call from 1-(361) 203-0097 (Flatonia, TX) on November 27, 2019. The person that answered had a thick accent and was using terminology that was out of context and bordering on nonsensical. His demeanor was very unprofessional. When I told him that I thought he was a scam artist he became irritable and thanked me for “wasting (his) time”. I tried to call back to sate my own curiosity and my number had been blocked.
707HPv86spd
November 27, 2019
Got a robot call, went to voicemail ... from ‭+1 (800) 847-7504‬ Here’s a snippet Social Security administration in order to connect with the Social Security administration officer press one now in case we did not hear from you your social will be blocked
I listened
November 27, 2019
The voice was Indian, otherwise it sounded real! Badge numbers, Texas addresses, warrant arrest number, case file.....etc.... I listened and then......he asked for my last 4 of social!!! 800 873-8923
NoScam
November 27, 2019
I received a call“Decided to suspend your social security number and file a lawsuit against you as we have received and suspicious activity on your social to get more information. Please call on our department number 517-529-2700. I repeat 517-529-2700. Thank you.”
Ray
November 28, 2019
Got a message partially cut off, about activity with my sa, not responding will be taken as refusal to appear before a judge, suspension of my sa, ect. They even gave me a 'case number'. Man these people are real scum and will do anything to rip you off. Always refuse to give up your number. PERIOD! Then call the SSA and confirm with them yourself. Conclusion SCAM. 1-361-240-0504
irritated
November 28, 2019
I just got this the number was 1 289 833 1539
Mgudikunst197
November 29, 2019
Getting these calls from a Texas number with a very Indian sounding operator. Oh, and they called on Thanksgiving day. Nope...not falling for this.
David
November 29, 2019
just received a call from this number: 1 888 309 5990. voicemail says Social Security Administration call back at this number. Scam.
yankees6019
November 29, 2019
‭+1 (800) 842-7144‬ unknown this is one of the phone numbers I receive on a daily basis eventhough I block it they call from another its Bad and suks
CLGM
November 29, 2019
I received 3 phone calls in 1 hour. They left a message saying that they were Social Security Administration Investigation Department. That they needed to reach me as soon as possible. The # was from (866) 290-7287. That’s also the # they wanted me to call back.
no more calls
November 29, 2019
Got 2 calls this week from 2 different locations with the message that my ss number was used in a crime and it was my last chance to prevent criminal proceedings. one from Aransas Pass, TX (361) 213-0099 and one from Jellico, TN (606) 786-8611. Listened to voicemails and deleted.
MAZ
November 29, 2019
1-800-484-9218 called me at 11:19am EST. It was an automated call. "Your social security number has been involved in criminal activity". Call before we report to Federal blah blah blah. I'm in my early 40's and these robo calls disgust me. I know there are some elderly folks who get snagged by this crap. To my elderly peeps "NEVER EVER, EVER GIVE INFO". Record the number, time/date of call and report here or to the real SSA. Be safe.
concerned person
November 29, 2019
Another number that has this Robo call about Social security scam.. 361-213-0098 Call from Texas. please investigate.
vcmorr01
November 29, 2019
Call received Wednesday, November 27 at 11:34 am from 210-728-3856. Regarding SSN being blocked.
Spa
November 29, 2019
An automated female voice called from this number ‭(800) 921-5255‬ saying that my benefits will be suspended for been involved in fraudulent activities.. to press #1.... but the Call got disconnected
PsrDon't use y…
November 29, 2019
361-204-0171 call as social security administration. Fraud call
KitKat
November 29, 2019
Just received the automated call that my Social Security Number was involved in criminal activity. I pressed 1 knowing I would get a VULTURE from over seas. I kept asking a bunch of stupid questions. When asked if I have a SS# I said I'm from Canada why am I getting this call. The reply was "ah, ah. where are you?" I said home where are you and she got so flustered she was asking another person "What do I do now". Then thy hung up.
Don't use your…
November 29, 2019
Don’t answer a call from 1 800 337 2726, it says you’re a subject to an arrest & your SS is jeopardized! SCAM ALERT!!!