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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.

Search Terms
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scam
Topics
Shopping and Donating
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators

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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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Abfreese
April 27, 2019
I've gotten 3 calls from 3 different numbers about my ssn being involved in fraud or something or other. They are sure trying but I am not falling for it. I just block the numbers. They've been: 888-308-8783, 818-369-6743, and 530-298-9607
Laughing Hard
April 27, 2019
I just got this call from 559-321-7258. Appears in my caller ID to be from Clovis. Frankly, I'm just glad it's not the fake Chinese Embassy threatening to deport me in Mandarin anymore.
79370
November 22, 2019

In reply to by Laughing Hard

I got a call from 800-141-0116 about an lawsuit against me on my name for fraudulent activities
IMMon't use yo…
April 28, 2019
Got call from 800 965-2371, that my ssn was going to be suspended etc...thick accent, from India, said very matter of fact he was a Social Security Agent...asked for me to confirm my ssn...i said ‘you tell me, you called’, person got upset said if I thought it was a joke that my ssn was going to be suspended, i said ‘great i won’t have to pay taxes’ and I hung up.
help
April 28, 2019
Someone recently did leave a message saying my disabilit benefits are being stopped. I have also have had them mail me a questionaire saying they were from Jamacia New York. Seriousley, my direct deposits are not having the cents added to my balance, recently! I have been a serious target, as well as, identity theft.
Arragorn@302
April 28, 2019
Received phone call 4/27/19. Let it go to voice mail. Male voice stated my SSN had been suspended due to suspicious activity and to press 1 to find out more info (I didn't). Number called from was 866-627-6996
fraudalert
April 29, 2019
I got a call this morning from Felton Ca., 831-216-6417 stating my SS number is going to be cancelled and to call them back. I want to report this number.
tcf99
April 29, 2019
Just got a call from a live "representative" from the SSA who identified herself as Sasha Nelson, batch # 417-J2741 (incoming call from 325-340-1215 San Angelo, TX.) She informed me in her heavy accent that my SSN was suspended due to suspicious activity which included criminal charges and a warrant for my arrest. She had my correct name and my current zip code. In order to go over the information from my case file, she required the last 4 digits of my SSN to verify my identity. I declined to give her that information over the phone. She told me that I could come to the SSA office and work with her in person to resolve the issue. (I live no where near TX.) I declined once again and asked for her number so I could call her back to confirm that she in fact did work for the SSA. She provided the same 325 number that displayed when the call came in. I did not call her back, searching the internet for information about scams instead. And, here we are...
246
April 29, 2019

In reply to by tcf99

I got a similar call from the exact same number: when asked for a number to call her back: she politely gave me: 315 676 4303 which i looked up (did not call) and it it seems to be NY central police station.
RMS
April 29, 2019
I just received 2 such calls within the last 10 minutes. One originating some place in Cali and one from Dallas, TX. Called back the first one for fun; was picked up by a man with a thick accent. Explained I was an attorney (I am) and was hung up on. The second call, I just hung up on. Be careful and don't give any information out.
VV
April 29, 2019
I just received 2 calls from 888-810-0511 and one call from 888-810-0504. Voice sounded robotic and said that my SSN is suspended because of bad behavior. Asked to press 1.
Didntfallforit
April 29, 2019
Three SS scam calls today. Two from 915-440-4892 One from 707-814-4182
Concerned
April 29, 2019
1 720-789-7034 a false SSDI SCAM. EVIL!!
USA citizen
April 29, 2019
Received a call from (443) 572-4499 telling me to call about suspicious activity with my SS#. I looked it up and found this page. Definitely a hoax. - Tucson, AZ area
suspicious
April 29, 2019
I got one of these as a voicemail and googled the number and suspending. this was one of the first links. thank you!
LL
April 30, 2019

I received countless of calls with the same female robotic voice claiming my ss numner would be suspended. I block them but they keep calling from new numbers : 201-104-5010    866-126-1213 866-033-1213     886-094-1213     729-254-0288

239-921-8555

ojibwa
April 29, 2019
I just received a robo call from 206-457-1645 the call tells you to press #1 so I did and the man who came on the line stated he was Social Security Officer Andrew Peterson. The robo call stated that I was going to be prosecuted and arrested due to Social Security issues. Naturally one freaks out! But when the man came on the line there was so much noise in the background that I kept asking him to repeat himself and when I called out the noise in the background he actually hung up!
Marie_45
April 29, 2019
Just got a voicemail from a Texas number (3253401215) and they left this VM. “Your social security number because we found some suspicious activity. So if you want to know about this case just press one thank you. This call is from the department of social security administration. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspend your social security number because we found some suspicious activity. So if you want to know about this case just press one thank you”. ..SCAM!
kellwill
April 29, 2019
Just received a scam call - recording was almost identical to that of the example in this post!
Boothguy
April 29, 2019
I just received a call from a robocall with the following message. “_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ 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 260-263-6557 I repeat it 260-263-6557 thank you…”
HL
April 29, 2019
I am so thankful these websites/platforms exists. I never answer unknown callers, however the voicemail that was left was exactly as the example given above. I am glad I always google phone numbers I don't recognize before calling back.
M.McKenzie
April 29, 2019
I just received a call. I heard the recording noted in this report and a person then got on the phone and identified herself as with Social Security and asked "what can I do for you today?" I said, without saying hello or anything else, I said, "before we do anything, please give me your Federal Identification Number" to verify this call. She hung up. Afterwards, I realized some people may just give you a number -- and at that point I would have stated that I will call back after verifying the person is working for the government. You can call the U.S. Office of Personal Management (OPM) and ask to check a Federal ID number.
SJR
April 29, 2019
Just got call/left message same scam
GO13
April 29, 2019
ADD SCAM# 866 154 1213
Tired of scammers
April 29, 2019
I received a call on my house phone from (209)215-3244 saying that they had an order to suspend my SSN due to suspicious activities. 10 days later I received a call on my cell phone from (800)325-0778 saying they were the legal dept of SSAdministration saying that my SSN had been suspended due to suspicious activity running under my SSN. For more info on this case press "1" now.
Sofiaz02)
April 30, 2019

In reply to by Tired of scammers

That’s exactly what mine said I got 4 calls three different numbers from ‭+1 (877) 985-2367 ‬‭+1 (855) 896-2147‬ ‭+1 (800) 268-7383‬
Tyguy3342
April 29, 2019
Hi so I unfortunately revived a call from scammers saying that my ssn had been held and what is even more unfortunate is that gave a reply message with the last four of my social security number should I be concerned I did not proved any additional info though
Disgusted
April 29, 2019
Just got call that sounded exactly like the sample call. Male voice, recorded, threatening arrest if I don’t call back.
weschesterny
April 29, 2019
Same number, same scam. 5:27pm on April 29.
User
April 29, 2019
Got a scam call today from 817-385-6963 . First they threatened me with that my social security is used for drug trafficking and some cars and with 25 bank accounts! At first it looked like it was absolutely true feel like I was threatened ! Then they asked to speak me with their senior officer and then asking for do with either of 2 options and then asking me to take out the money and put it into the Best Buy or target gift card ! Absolutely scamming people and don’t ever give your personal details to anyone on the phone !
sbelcher
April 29, 2019
I have been called by these scammers 8 times today. I blocked the number but it still rings once on my phone. I called the number they provided 260-263-6557, and told them not to call me again.
dlt
April 29, 2019
Just received 2 calls from 325-340-1215. They are threatening to suspend my social security account due to suspicious activity. The calls are from "Texas", and when I called back just to see who answered, because I knew right away this was a scam, the phone is out of order. Be careful everyone! and always type the phone number into a search engine and never give out any personal information over the phone. If the real Social Security wanted to get ahold of you, they would send a letter, most likely from a local office near you... and if they called, they would never ask you for money or personal information. They would never bully you. Advise them to send you a letter in the mail with the details and don't give them ANY information. They will give up on you if they are scammers.
2019- ssa scam…
April 29, 2019
Received 2 phone calls with the message given in the example below 1(325) 340-1515 1(888) 366-9013
Cali B
April 29, 2019
I’ve been getting the call every day, two times a day at least. ‭+1 (855) 896-2147‬ Is the number.
jpsousa1
April 29, 2019
I keep getting phone calls like this from 443 203 8837 location Harwood MD. I hope you get this guy.
Terri K
April 29, 2019
I received numerous robo calls from 260-263-6557, basically saying the same thing. I blocked the number, but kept getting voice mails.
Furscam
April 29, 2019
1-325-340-1515 is the number that called me, same thing robotic voice, they called my wife 6 times over the course of 2 weeks
brenda hakr
April 30, 2019
this Brenda hakr I received a phone call from this number 1 844 374 9083 and they said they were from social security and that my account has been compermised and that I would be arrested and procusitied if I dint contact them immediately I know the social security does not call people this is the second time I have received this kind of call and I wanted to report it to the social security thank you Brenda hakr
PJL
April 30, 2019
FYI...If you answer these Soc Sec calls, or any other scam calls, then your phone number goes on what’s called a “sucker list”, at which point the scam call frequency to your number will increase. Local news here (Portland, OR) did a piece on scam calls...amazing just how easy it was to send out calls to multiple phone and disguise their number in order to look legit.
Justice626
April 30, 2019
Just got call from a New York number 6072108137
Sofiaz02)
April 30, 2019
I keep on getting calls from numbers that aren’t the real SSA saying that they have suspended my social security number from weird activity. I always leave them calling till thy leave a voice mail. I’ve gotten 4 voicemails so far from three different number with the same computer voice saying the same thing
Scammers2019
April 30, 2019
I received a scam today 4/30/19 saying they’re from social Security and asking all my info and saying I have charges on me and I’m a senior and not even active so I know this is a scam they call from (469) 680-4180 and they told me their number is (503) 825-0825. So bad.....
HonestConsumer
April 30, 2019
Got another scamster call from -- 888-810-0918. When is the FTC going to enforce the law and put these crooks behind bars?
John in Brockt…
April 30, 2019
Just recieved exactly the same scammer message, has been calling like every other day, tells me to call back at 1-720-789-7034, please stop these people.
Linda M
April 30, 2019
Have gotten several calls from 831-216-6417. I have let them all go to voice mail. Caller is male, with definite Indian/Pakistani/Bengali accent. Informs me I am somehow implicated in an "identity theft" and that if I do not respond my "social security number will be canceled" - I have not responded to these calls, just reporting them. Honestly, do these people really think callers are so gullible?
Truth
April 30, 2019
Yep, I just received a call, forwarded it to the voicemail. They said that my social security number has been cancelled for suspicious activity. ‭This was the number +93 60 524 25‬. Although I don’t answer #’s that I don’t know, others may. I just wanted to include the number for an FYI.
Papala
April 30, 2019
I've received two of these calls from two different numbers in the last 18 hours, and a friend of mine who speaks very little English received one last week and asked me about it. As busy as these people are it seems like they could get a real job and make the same money in less time.
Hemie
April 30, 2019
Keep getting calls saying my ssn has been involved with fraudulent activity. +1 (888) 760-7337
Darcy
April 30, 2019
Got 13 calls 4/29/19 each 30+/- minutes apart from 260 263 6557; then today 3 so far I answered and robo male full recording about my ssn being frozen to call or will be prosecuted 800 674 6917. I called the REAL SS Admin and they have a recording about this scam and never give Part of San or bankingbinformation or acknowledge any information from callers, SS Admin will NOT call nor threaten via phone.....got another call from the 800 just now! Block the calls and go to the SS Admin web page to report these crimes! Be safe!!! I worry about my children and parents.....
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