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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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LjamDon't use …
April 16, 2019
(708) 675-8690 Orland Park, IL 16 April 2019 at 09:34:27 Received scam voice message saying my social security account was being suspended for suspicious activity. To Press 1
SBF1964
April 17, 2019
Just received a call from 707-413-0578 (Lakeport, CA) with automated message that the Social Security Administration is warning me about fraudulent activity. I called back and was asked for my case number, which of course I don't have. Person with strong accent identified himself as Officer Josh Hamden and gave me a badge number (3156219). When I was unwilling to provide any personal details about myself, he is telling me since I received a call from the Social Security Administration, this was a last and final warning and the issue must be resolved today. I am shocked how my cell phone number is known to criminals like this, because I have never ever given my personal cell number to anyone other than a few close friends.
NorthNVSenior
April 17, 2019
Two calls in two days, one at 6 AM, from 760 266 4426 and 760 797 7875. Similar claim about social security number suspension, allegedly by "Federal Crime and Investigation Department." What nonsense!
What a day...
April 17, 2019
Just got " the call" today. Message saying call back before legal proceedings and it was social security administration. Called back, could barely understand him, heavy Afican accent and when I started asking questions he hung up. The number was 210-361-4653.
DC Resident
April 17, 2019
The two numbers I received calls from are: 210 468 6301 (San Antonio) 323 840 1458 (Los Angeles)
Roga
August 08, 2019

In reply to by DC Resident

Just received like 5 or 6 calls from same number, called back and the lady started asking information, i gave my name and when she asked my SSN i told her she should have it and she got mad and said they will cancel my SSN and i would be paying the consequences. Should i do something about it?? Is this a real SS phone number??
RC
April 17, 2019
Just got one of these calls, and they actually left a voicemail that sounds similar to the one above, but they want you to press 1 - the number they were using is ‭(888) 810-0720‬. Obvious scam, really appreciate the FTC trying to get the word out.
AFH
April 17, 2019
Received the similar messages from number 888-810-0721 and 888-810-0717.
MS
April 17, 2019
Number 979-291-0640 leaves a message: "Department calling about legal enforcement actions filed on your SSN for criminal activities". Asks you to "call before we start with legal proceedings". If you dial the number the phone is immediately picked up by a real person, who introduces himself as Social Security Agency. The person has a thicker foreign accent and immediately tries to sway you that he is legit. I know that SSA never has a real person answer the phone at first but rather it goes to their automatic system. I hanged up, after I said I will call an official SSA number, and before he could ask me any questions.
More scam numbers
April 17, 2019
My direct office phone got calls from these scam numbers about 1 hour apart: (888) 810-0040 (888) 810-0654 (888) 810-0655 (888) 810-0658 (888) 810-0659 (888) 810-0135
Echo
April 17, 2019
I am a 75-year-old senior citizen. I have received three of these calls two from Social Security and one from the IRS. I listen to the messages and laugh and immediately block them. Why engage these people every senior should know that if Social Security or IRS wants to get in touch with you they will do it by mail and not by phone .
Dramirez
April 17, 2019
Someone just called me from Jacumba CA phone # 1-619-202-4393 saying to call them back because my SS# was going to be suspended it. Beware all out there.....
aconsumer-california
April 17, 2019
received 3 calls this AM with 3 voicemails. i was curious but this blog confirmed the scam. thanks for the heads up. originating number (trunk batch?): 800-810-0720, 24, 29
anxious girl
April 17, 2019
The call was from 315-207-4158 - here is their message: This is to inform you about a suspension notice we have received against your social security number by the Federal crime and investigation Department. We need to talk to you as soon as possible. Again this call is from Social Security Administration number to reach department is 315-207-4158. I repeat it's 315-207-4158. Thank you."
KSF
April 17, 2019
I've received multiple calls today. The numbers are 888-810-0723, 888-810-0727, and 888-810-0734.
Ti
April 17, 2019
I got three calls today from 1-888-810-0802, 1888-810-0721, 1-888-0717
Atayman
April 17, 2019
I just received the 5th call within 48 hrs from 5 different 1-888 number with the same fake SSA "your account suspended" message!!! When is this going to stop?? 1-888-810-0804 1-888-810-0616 1-888-810-0533....
ihatescumscammers
April 17, 2019
I just got a call from 281-823-8541 sent to voicemail. The message is a male robotic voice saying "...a complaint under your social security number and your driver's 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 kindly call us back on our number 281-823-8541. (repeated #) Thank you and HAVE A BLESSED DAY." Really? "so before we go ahead legally blocking..." and the real kicker here... "HAVE A BLESSED DAY." If this were truly real no legal agency, no government, no collections, etc. will ever say "have a blessed day." Ridiculous idiots. Obviously, people where English is not their first language.
Nova
April 18, 2019
I received a call from 330-597-8631 saying they were from Social Security and my account will be suspended unless I give them a call.
sujithmani
May 03, 2019
04/18/2019 I got a call from 202 858 6403 same type of message
sachinchaugule
April 18, 2019
Received a robo-call (female voice) 4 times from 4/17/2019 to 4/18/2019. It was from 4 different number 800-006-1213, 800-016-1213, 800-035-1213 and 800-035-1213 on my cell stating my social security is frozen due to fraudulent activity. These guys were asking for my personal details and SSN.
Trying to Help
April 18, 2019
I have received multiple of these "social security" scam calls over the past couple of years, too. Today's call made me finally report it here. Please don't call these people back and please spread the word. I don't want people to be susceptible to this, especially the elderly, who might think this robocall sounds so official.... especially scaring them with words like "immediate" and "fraudulent" and "legal proceedings." Today the robocall said call right away and that they found "fraudulent activity " so I could know of the beginning of "legal proceedings" against me, and to call "our officer" at this phone number 707-317-6614. Of course I did not call nor will I ever call these robocallers back. It's so sad that people have lost money due to this scam as I have read above. I do hope word gets out. Readers, Please tell all the elderly people in your lives about the scams out there because they don't usually read these blogs or comments and are vulnerable.
Throughly Annoyed
April 18, 2019
Was called from 1(888)752-1058 saying there was suspicious activity related to my SSN and they are going to arrest me, and before they arrest me I need to call them.
Brenwes
April 18, 2019
This was the message I received “Complaint on your 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 _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ Social Security number so kindly call us back on our number that is 888-229-5413 I repeat is 888-229-5413 thank
Annoyed
April 18, 2019
Have been receiving this call since March. Decided to answer and press 1. Gave them a fake name and the idiot confirmed that is who they are suspending his SSN. I asked for him to give me the SSN so I can confirm it's mine and he said he does not have the authorization to give out any information and I hung up. 844-687-4235 is one of the numbers that has been calling.
Anxiety
May 21, 2019

In reply to by Annoyed

I just got the same call about a minute ago from the same number‭(844) 687-4235‬ , I wasn’t able to answer it and I was freakin out. I decided to google the number before I called back and this site popped up. Thank god !
*USA*
April 18, 2019
Just got an interesting call from Arcola, Texas (1 (281) 845-2896 Officer Jard Orval badge # 1914 informed me that my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. I was walked through a story relating to money laundering and drug trafficking in the state of TX as well as a crime involving an abandoned car with blood stains. In short they stated that a "case" was being filed against me. The individual questioned me on whether I have been contacted by the authorities, and proceeded to ask me for personal information (DOB, address, etc). The conversation ended about there, don't let these parasites waste your time. If only there were a more efficient way to lock these scumbags up.
ScamLikely call me
April 18, 2019
I just received a Social Security Robocall from 310-421-4300, threatening on being arrested, I just consulted the number on Google and realized that is a fake call. I don't want to received this type of scams calls. It's not the first time they call, there has been many times, I just never answer scams calls, it is anoying to receive this type of calls.
marshajones
April 18, 2019
I received a call from 1-800-674-3465 stating that there was a warrant for my arrest due to Social Security Fraud. I called the number back and someone with a foreign accent answered and asked me to verify my personal information. In the background I had my friend sound like a police dispatch, and they hung up.
Chrissyj1295
April 18, 2019
I just received a call from a # 281-731-2077 stating that my ssn was being suspended for suspicion activity the guy had an accent and asked me the last 4 of my social. I asked him what suspicious activity first before I disclose my information, he then said that there was a car under my social and that the sheriff's in San Antonio located a Toyota On the side of the road with drugs and he provided a home address. When I told him I don't live in San Antonio he was saying something I asked him to repeat himself and he hung up. I called the same number back and the line was busy....BEWARE they are really trying to scam people
haas200
May 03, 2019
I just got a call from 1-888-810-0992!!!
Fraud
April 18, 2019
I just got a call today ( 1-800-062-1213) from a female recording message say my SS# was suspended due to "fraudulent activity" it stated to press 1 to talk to the social security administration so I did and a man in a middle eastern accent wanted my name and I ended up hanging up. Maybe 30 seconds later I got another call from (1-866-313-2533) asking for me, but he actually had my name! How does this happen?
Callfraud
April 18, 2019
I just got a call today ( 1-800-062-1213) from a female recording message say my SS# was suspended due to "fraudulent activity" it stated to press 1 to talk to the social security administration so I did and a man in a middle eastern accent wanted my name and I ended up hanging up. Maybe 30 seconds later I got another call from (1-866-313-2533) asking for me, but he actually had my name! How does this happen?
nikki
April 18, 2019
Got 4 calls in a day! 888-810-0112, 888-810-0997, 888-810-0894, 888-810-0119. Block them all.
sticklady2015
April 18, 2019
I got six phone calls from these ppl. Number was 888-810-0119. I pressed 1, heard the accent and went straight to screaming and cursing before the man can get a word out. He lost his professionalism and began cursing right back at me and insulting me.
Kia Presit
April 19, 2019
So I got a call from them today around 9:50 but I wasn't aware of the scammer problem because I don't own a TV. I didn't give them my whole SS# only the last four and I'm really worried because I have three kids with health problems. I called the REAL social security and they told me not to worry but how can't I I'm a young mother who just moved away from her family. Not to mention these people knew one of my old address. I just don't understand how people can do this to other people. It's not right and I hope they get caught. As soon as they found out that I didn't own any credit cards or bank account they hung up pretty quickly but still smh.
Birdwell
April 19, 2019
I have received 2 calls from 1 914 297 8075 i was a robot type voice stating that I needed to call them back before they started legal proceedings due to criminal activity they call came thru on 4/15/19 I received a call on 4/13/19 telling me that I had won the publishers clearing house Grand prize n in order to collect I needed to go CVS and call them back to give them $499.99 n they would have my check there waiting on me please have something done about this I’m tired of getting these scammers calls and some people especially elderly people that don’t know any better are getting ripped the Hell off and it’s sad that people work hard to earn money in the USA to only be ripped off by these worthless Bums
Eric62wa
April 19, 2019
I got a Call on April 18, 2019 & Calls from 888-810-0120 - 888-810-0996 . SSN suspicious activity.
alexmom27
May 03, 2019
Just received a automated call 888-253-5629 saying they would suspend my SSN. Immediately suspicious
Beav523
April 19, 2019
Got a call 817-609-4371 twice today. My social security number is suspended and you will be arrested. Recently I was looking into health insurance and after that I have been bombarded with daily scam calls!!
SLAM
April 19, 2019
This is a list of numbers that have called me (some of them multiple times) over the past couple of weeks leaving messages concerning my social security number and fraudulent activity. I should be so lucky to get a call from only one number. I wonder if there’s a limit to how many numbers you can block with your cell phone service, just curious? ‭+1 (540) 585-4704‬ ‭+1 (214) 347-8544‬ ‭(888) 476-9311‬ ‭(800) 977-0035‬ ‭+1 (214) 717-5265‬ ‭+1 (469) 844-2200‬ ‭‭
Deeb12
April 19, 2019
Got same call 443-478-4919
SUZAN14
April 20, 2019
The number they called me from was 281+732-7604. I believe this could be their real phone number because as I was calling it was ringing and ringing. I immediately got a text from them saying " If this is a sales call NEVER Call me again. Please beware of the people. They are nothing but con artist. If you get a call like this, tell them you are in the middle of changing a dirty diaper and will have to call them back. Then call the REAL SS office or the FBI. WE need to catch these people before they get another dime out of hard working, tax paying citizens.
Diann
April 22, 2019
I have received 4 calls from 1-213-600-7612 1-281-492-9585 1-510-578-6978 1-929-274-0579. The first call was saying my social security number is going to be suspended if I do not call back. The second one was just telling me to call again. The third one that they just suspended my social security number. The fourth one talking about fraudulent activity and then telling me to call them and then telling me to have a nice day. But I never answered the phone it was all in voicemail.
2saint
April 22, 2019
Just received a robo call from 201-503-7015 (Englewood,NJ) letting me know that there is legal action being taken with my social # and that I need to call 201-503-7015. Hate these calls and these scammers - looking forward to the day when this no longer happens.
mqh12
April 22, 2019
I just received the same exact call from 1800-077-1213 saying my social security was suspended. It was a recording saying to press 1 if I want to know what's going on. I hang hung up. This is one of the many calls I receive in a regular basis. Another scam. Be smart!
Cynthia
April 22, 2019
Been receiving SSN suspension calls. Here is the latest scammer call back number left on my voicemail 903-371-0518. Glad it's just a scam.
Azam
April 22, 2019
I just got a scammer call from 1-800-076-1213. Same story....
dieselluvr
April 22, 2019
Received a call from Houston, TX. 832-529-3796. Actually 2 within 3 hours and both left a computer generated message that my SS# had been marked for fraudulent claims and to call back. I did call back from my land line at work and a man claiming to be an officer, that's it, answered. He barely spoke any English at all and it was obvious his native language was Spanish. When I asked who he represented he said the Department of Social Security. I knew it was a scam to start because I unfortunately have to deal with SS for a terminal disease but wanted to call back just to see what they were asking for. I was not very cooperative so he hung up rather quickly, just disgusting.
Cramm
April 22, 2019
I received a call from 281-732-8820 . Left a message saying my s.s.n. was suspended due to suspicious activity.