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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.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
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  • 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.

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Mollerdune
April 11, 2019
These clowns called me 5 times in one day leaving the same message each time. What a joke!!!
lc3471
April 11, 2019
Yep, I got this call today. So tired of these damn robo calls! I think this is about the 4th time they have called me. Happy my cell phone carrier has an app to avoid these calls from ringing, but still a pain. I have had to block so many dang numbers on my cell phone, its a miracle REAL people are able to call me anymore. LOL. 832-479-7396
MollyW
April 11, 2019
Yep! Same thing! My number was 281-299-0232 out of Alvin, TX
HTX
April 17, 2019

In reply to by MollyW

I just got a call from this number and didn't answer. They left a voicemail saying, "There is a vehicle enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this call kindly call back to us at the earliest possible before we begin with the legal proceedings." I'm glad I didn't answer; AND that I found this information about this scam.
LR
April 11, 2019
Received the same call from 18001171213
Debbie in Kentucky
April 11, 2019
I received 4 calls on the same day. I finally got kind of worried I talked to the woman she asked for my name, I told her she should have my name she called. Then she said in order to reinstate my number she would need my as number. I told her I didn't want to give it over the phone. She insisted she needed it. I wouldn't give it. She gave me several numbers to check to see that it legit. One of those numbers was the FBI when I googled the number. Our world is went to the dogs. Debbie in Kentucky
Mikie
April 11, 2019
Rec’d 2 calls today - 888-810-0671
Merle Inasi
April 11, 2019
I just got a call from Dallas, TX 1-214-736-3594. The voice sounded as though they were speaking with something over the phone and also said I should call another number which I did not write down but I hung up the phone.
Marie
April 11, 2019
I keep getting those calls and today they called me back to back saying we have suspended your social security due to suspicious activity . If you would like more information press 1. The numbers are ‭+1 (888) 810-0654‬ and +1 (888) 810-0658.
saran
April 11, 2019
add new number -18883892271
Tiredofthecalls
April 11, 2019
Keep getting calls from; (888)810-0655,-0654,-0658,-0659.... They just suspended my SS#...again. How to make this stop?
InWmbgVa
April 12, 2019
The number that called me 1(347) 349-1212 . Women autonomous voice from the SSA legal dept. My number was being suspended due to suspicious activity
DJM
April 12, 2019
Just received one of these spam calls from (315) 257-2451.
invi
April 12, 2019
Got a call from 845-951-1126 @11:26 AM and threatening that they are about to proceed with the legal proceedings.
What a day...
April 17, 2019

In reply to by invi

Got that same call today. Heavy Afican accent? Ask questions and they hang up?
ScamBuster
April 12, 2019
received the automated message about my social security being compromised and that I must return the call! I have not heard of such a call, so I called the number back and someone with a heavy accent answered. He was getting frustrated with me because I couldn't understand him! It was then he started getting anxious to get information from me, so I hung UP! Crazy, I had a feeling it was a scam, so I googled and of course!!
AC
April 12, 2019
888-810-0133 Same as someone above, the number called but I didn't pick so they left a VM stating they were the "SSA" and that I my SSN was being suspended due to "suspicious activity." The recording then directed me to press '1'.
rosa
April 12, 2019
Called my phone Said SS card is about to be blocked. Left message. Called 201 817 4880 and they didn’t answer!!! These people are sickening
jean r
August 01, 2019

In reply to by rosa

i got 2 call from this number 1800 353 1111, saying to call back and my ssn will be block permanently. when i call the number they offer free trip. be aware everybody
FedUpWithScammers
April 12, 2019
they called pretending to be Federal Crime and Investigation for the social security administration - Suspension Notice call from 301.264.8197 and wanted a call back at the same number. * Unsollicited Calls should be illegal ... Period (even from Gov and/or Political parties and/or Charities)
sooo sickofit
April 12, 2019
More #’s. 802-766-1007 678-534-8692 866-820-5108
Patel
April 12, 2019
I got a call from 888 810 0152
Toni
April 12, 2019
Just got a fraud similar call--they used number 413-944-0921 and 469-982-5021
Swordman915
April 12, 2019
I got one of these, but I doubted the reality of it so I hung up.
TW
April 14, 2019
I received a phone message from guy claiming to be SSA officer and to call back 682-319-3408 regarding my SS number. Please take these scammers down!
Norm
April 15, 2019
Just got the same message from 920 710 1026.
robhab
April 15, 2019
Just a few minutes ago I got another scam robocall sent to my cell phone number threatening SSA legal action against me, and I was directed to call back immediately to 866 820 5108. The message voice was a very poor version of synthetic text to speech. I posted a comment here instead.
Jennifer18229
May 03, 2019
Please add a new number 6 phone calls in one hour 657-217-4346 they do not give up!!!
OrangeMag
April 15, 2019
‭+1 (800) 156-1213‬ Another scam number for asking for ss #
Don't use your…
April 15, 2019
My husband gave last 4 of his #, are they gonna hurt us?
urgh
April 15, 2019
Got a couple of calls from 410-965-8882. Robotic lady told me to press #1 to talk to an agent to avoid being arrested. I pressed 1 but the call ended. Second time I pressed 1, it rang through but the call ended again. Called the number back and it went to SSA govt. voicemail. Thanks to all the comments, I now know this is a scam and reporting it.
HappyTrails
April 15, 2019
I have been getting multiple (5 today) robo calls with a recorded woman's voice: "Your social security number has been compromised. Call toll free to 844-353-5970 for more information". I just hang up, as there is no way to respond with a human and this is just a scam call. I have reported to FTC Do Not Call registry as a complaint.
Disgusted
April 15, 2019
I am fed up with these thieves calling me non-stop all day long! I do NOT answer phone calls that I’m not familiar with! If it’s important then then they will leave a message, plain and simple, and if I think it’s important enough, then I will call them back. Otherwise you will not get one thing from me! This is getting ridiculous! But now I’m getting fed up so I can’t wait till they call me back!
MT
April 16, 2019
I received a call from this number 1-281-735-9052 scam scam!!
dollfriend
April 16, 2019
I got one of the scam calls this morning. I couldn't get to the phone, so it went on my answering machine. It was from 315-257-2442. They left a message that my SS card was suspended by the authority of the Federal Crime & Investigation Department & to call them back at the above number. Of course, I did NOT do that! Just tired of all the scams out there!
Sparky
April 17, 2019

In reply to by dollfriend

Got the same message, female digital voice, number was 315-257-2442, calling my cell number.
trod
December 12, 2019

In reply to by dollfriend

I got a call today from 443.230.5532 the man stated that my SS card was suspended by the authority of the Federal Crime & Investigation Department . I told him this is a fraud how did he get my number and he said well if it's fraud hang up. . I attempted to call back they will now not take my call.
Marpledge
April 16, 2019
That is exactly what call I just got. Why can't people earn an honest living.
Cali2754
April 16, 2019
Since I did not pick up this phone call this morning, a robo voice left a voicemail letting me know they we’re calling from the Dept of Social Security Administration and informed me that they had suspended my social security # due to suspicious activity, and that if I wanted to know about this case press one. Strange. Caller info: Orland Park, Illinois (708)675-8690
vbaheti
April 16, 2019
i have been getting the similar calls from the following numbers (888)810 0510 (888) 810 0523 please mark these numbers as well
Alla
April 16, 2019
Just got a call from (888) 810-0531, automated voice, my SSN has been suspended, press one blah blah... be careful!
ambo
April 16, 2019
I got one of these calls this afternoon and immediately went to the computer to check - same scam - number was 888-432-3981
Scammed
April 16, 2019
The number I was told to call is (234) 249-5887. Similar message.
A call related…
April 16, 2019
I received the same call twice today 4/15/2019. both times were different numbers (800)772-9598 and (888)248-2018 stating and your SS Numbers , because we found some suspicious activity, so you want to know about this case , just press one , thank you. I didn't answer the phone, both times a voice mail was left.
adp
April 16, 2019
I just received a SS Threatening Robocall from 310-421-4300. I returned the call. When I refused to give him a name, he put on elevator music. I can't believe these scams are allowed to continue. It is really disturbing to receive a call like this.
ScammersSuck
April 16, 2019
I got multiple calls today from (301) 264-8210. I let the first one go to voicemail, but I called back to check it out. The guy had an Indian accent, and told me my SS number was suspended because it had been used to rent a car at the Texas border and it was suspected in a crime. He asked if I had ever been to the Texas south border, then he asked if I had been to the "city of New Mexico"! LOL! I told him there is no "city of New Mexico", and he responds, "Sir, I think you know where the city of New Mexico is." I called him an idiot and hung up.
Warning
April 16, 2019
SCAM numbers: 1-888-810-0611 1-888-810-0522 1-888-810-0519
Related call
April 16, 2019
1-800-203-1213 Another time these scammers have called me, this is really frustrating me
MAD MOM
April 16, 2019
I just received a voice mail from 708-675-8690. This is NOT the first time I have received calls like this. I have got a few telling me that the IRS has issued an arrest warrant for me & if I don't return their call the sherriff will come to my work to arrest me in within 48hrs if I don't pay to clear it up. They do this via email as well. BEWARE!!!
jdd
April 16, 2019
I got six calls from 888-810-xxxx today, all of which informed me my social security number was suspended. I'm registered on Do Not Call. I am tempted to talk to them by pressing 1 just to tell them to stop, as I am not sure when this will end. It's seriously aggravating!