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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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  • 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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1piper
July 30, 2019
I have received 2 calls this morning, the first was voice message and all that I got was press one from # 1-800-248-9622. The 2nd # 1-800-045-0022 saying something to the effect of suspicious activity to my SS# and jus suspended it. So if I want to know about it press 1. I have not called back and they are calling my cell not home phone. I just received the 3rd call. Not sure if this is legit or not. Can someone help me! I'm gonna call Soc. Sec myself!
Don’t get scammed
July 30, 2019
Got a call from 1 800 863 4130, robot voice recording telling me that my social security has fraudulent activity on it and has been suspended, pending me talking to someone at 1. The problem is that we have stopped taking calls completely on all our phones, even legitimate 1 800 numbers that are maybe calling for some important reason. We get 80% spam calls! Really sad that so many people don’t find the right way to work and earn, but to steal from others. Karma, boomerang!
HP
July 30, 2019
I've gotten 7 bogus calls over the past 6 days. I answered the first, heard the robo-recording, knew it was a scam, and blocked the number. I've blocked each successive number: 1800.630.7411, 800.142.4453, 800.408.3420, 800.945.2317, 800.948.1152, and 800.245.3220. SCAM is spreading and they're really intrusive.
Aggravated in Ohio
July 30, 2019
I got a call from 1-877-842-4240. They claimed to be from Social Security saying my SS # had been used fraudulently and I had to call back to speak with an agent or a Magistrate, Federal Judge or Federal Grand Jury would be arresting me!
kewlkat
July 30, 2019
Watch Hackers... Enemy of the State... These calls can be from anywhere at anytime... an IP address is traceable... dealing with the new age bots are a different story and harder to trace, but not impossible. For recovery start with your Credit card company if it was money sent! Do your own homework and see what location and time it was picked up. I hate that there are good people in this world turned cold by these heathens.
chris x
July 30, 2019
Just received a call from 18006290739, line is disconnected now. Same introduction with agent # calling from SSA. They knew my first and last name. I started asking questions and they hung up. Can't fathom honest people getting caught in this scam.
SaveTheWhales
July 30, 2019
Just got a call from 717-559-2738 saying that they were from the Department of Social Security Administration and my SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. SCAM!
GratefulDeb
July 30, 2019
Yup. I got a call today saying fraudulent suspicious activity is connected with my social security number. The number that called me was 800-985-8592. It was on my voice mail.
SJ19
July 30, 2019
Received it the first time a couple of weeks back. Now receiving it daily, no. changes. 1-800-096-7740, 1-855-676-6892, another day another #.
Memonta20
July 30, 2019
I have gotten a call from a 811 225 8670. It was an automated message about my SSN potentially being used in Texas and that I was supposed to press 1 to speak to an officer? But what officer? Is this a scam as well? It never told me what department was calling or nothing. What is the next step to ensure my information is safe or are these calls I should ignore?
Chris
July 30, 2019
Got the same call about my ss# being suspended, but under a different t number so dont accept calls from 1 325 4005746
Mary
July 30, 2019
I just received a call from 800-393-5969 with a recorded message telling me that my Social Security number/account has been suspended and I needed to Press #1 to connect with their legal representative now
El paso 800-67…
July 30, 2019
Be aware phone #1-800-674-3192. Call you from recorded female voice saying your SSN has some issue and will suspend. I noticed right away it's scam and called back to find out. Indian accent guy answered saying this is social security officer David. When I asked address, he said 1111 jest west blvd, El Paso. I googled and SSN office address is 1111 Gateway. His accent could not say correct address. I called again. Another Indian picked up and I asked same questions. When I told him that I'm going to investigate your business, he hung up. Hope some law can stop this type of business.
EH
July 30, 2019
Just got the same message asking me to connect to their legal department to resolve the freezing of my SSN. Has all the coloring of scam.
Frank
July 30, 2019
I just received two calls, one from 18009186827 and another one from 18009948201, both identical, a recorded voice said that the Social Security Administration was calling me and due to suspicion of fraud my social security has been locked, the recording also said I have to press one to speak to a social security administration officer, I hunged up
Dess
January 16, 2020

In reply to by Frank

I’ve been receiving these calls from the same Number ‭+1 (800) 198-2168 for past few days
Nida
July 30, 2019
I received a voucemail message from 800-781-0798 claiming from Dept of Social security administration, stating that my SS number has been suspended due to suspicious activity, and to press 1 to hear the case.
ihatescammers
July 30, 2019
‭+1 (888) 219-9239‬ Called with this same scam
Bob
July 30, 2019
Just got a voice mail from (877) 191-6320. Same social security scam spiel described here. Was pretty sure it was a scam and confirmed that it was through this site.
SanAntonio88
July 30, 2019
I just received a call from ‭(800) 181-8717‬ And the robot left a voicemail stating : Benefits will be canceled until further clearance in case you feel this is due to an error you may connect with legal _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ 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 permanently to connect with the officer now press one and you will be automatically be connected with a concern department _⁠_ did not receive _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ citizen in order to speak with Social Security personal regarding your Social Security press one and this automated system will connect you with the officials press one now to connect…”
Berry
July 30, 2019
Just received recorded message that my SS# is being fraudulently used in SE Texas.. from this number 800-120-50336... I Hung up...
Alex
July 30, 2019
Just got very similar call re: the suspension of the benefits.
Fab4fan5 Don't…
July 30, 2019
Got a call from a Officer Shane Marker and he did not sound like a Shane and he sounded like he was from India but not sure. He called me from 8005384405. Saying that they’re suspending my social security number. Asking personal questions. Hang up
MemphisConcern…
July 30, 2019
I received a scam phone call from (800) 076-5556 stating that my Social Security number has been suspended, then to press 1 to connect with an Officer. I hung up.
Just got a call
July 30, 2019
I just got a call from 1(800)262-5292 stating the same message above.
Sam
July 30, 2019
I received a similar call from 424-296-2614
JerryTC
July 30, 2019
I was just called, 1540, EST, from 832-383-2114, that my SSN card was used in a suspicious activity and to press 1. I hung up, dialed the number from a land line and no ring, no answer, nothing.
rea
July 30, 2019
Wow, I'm glad I looked this up. I was quite scared for a moment.
Sister
July 30, 2019
On 7/30/19 (today) my brother received one of these calls from 214-767-9401. My brother is a functional adult, but has a lot of disabilities, mental & physical; consequently he is receiving SSD benefits so this scam was extremely troubling. My brother just called me all freaked out - practically hysterical. I haven’t seen his phone yet but from what I could get out of him, he said he’s received several calls from this number. He knows not to answer a strange number. But once they left an automated message on his voicemail and because he heard it was about Social Security he called back. He didn’t understand what they were saying, he didn’t understand the legal terms and big words they were using so he said he kept asking questions and for them to explain stuff. He said they told him he was going to be arrested and thrown in jail etc. He said he didn’t give or confirm any personal info & fortunately he was in a bad cell area so the call got dropped. It took me a long time to calm him down because he thought he might not get his benefits, that maybe he did something wrong and that he was going to go to jail. What these people are doing is HORRIBLE & something needs to be done to stop them ASAP.
new number
July 30, 2019
832-322-8677, same scam, same threats. using an electronic voice this time.
K. Wat
July 30, 2019
Received a call from 800 476 3330 with the same recording mentioned above
Eishah
July 30, 2019
I just received a voicemail from 832-319-0122 saying my number is suspended for suspicious activity
Soonerbred
July 30, 2019
I have received a call from scammers twice this month. Both for the same SSA suspension because my account has been linked to fraudulent activity across the United States. One call came from Buffalo, NY and today the call was from Houston, TX. Two different people recorded. Both foreigners trying to feign an American accident. One male, one female (her accent was horrible). With so many complaints registered, it is very frustrating to see such little progress in stopping this kind of thing. I was informed enough to not answer or call back, but it is still an invasion of my privacy to have to put up with so much of this kind of crap.
Roy
July 30, 2019
Just received call..recording of a an (no foreign accent) appearing to try and sound like he was a computer automated voice by speaking like a robot. Said fraudulent activity detected on on my SSN. Asked me to press one, i didn't and the line disconnected. THE NUMBER THAT WAS FAKED WAS REALLY THE SS OFFICE. I called back the number, 866-366-9549 with the tag UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT and it was legit with a warning about scammers. Be aware they are using real SS Gov numbers in faking the caller ID.
Dmeese
July 30, 2019
What you should do is give a fake first and last name, then see what they say, then give them a fake Dob, then fake SSN.
Mfpdx
July 30, 2019
I have gotten two calls each from a different number: (877)731-6508 and (877)741-2328 saying pretty much what this guy said on your webpage. I am sick of getting them. The 2nd time I actually called back and it was some healthcare company ... so tiresome ! And yes REPORT it please!
Anonymous
July 30, 2019
682-228-5079 is the same recording as the one above but it’s toll free number is 682 area code ... called 6 times in two hours
Billy M.
July 30, 2019
Literally 5 calls back-to-back with different 800 numbers using the modulated robot voice. It's a bit shocking to hear there were more than a handful of victims, I thought it would be fairly obvious that SSN's can't get suspended, but its worth tipping off your older relatives about this scam just in case. I was able to trap 3 of their real #'s from their spoofed ones (originated from Indonesia +62 country codes). I would gladly assist in locating all of these guys. I would think if the FTC/CPA had a bounty program to incentivize other tech savvy people in aiding to convict these scammers, it would help a lot.
always on alert
July 30, 2019
I received a call and they left voicemail about my ssa number suspended and it was from #8880063982. I did not answer nor call it back.
TT1985
July 30, 2019
I've had 3 calls like this today!! Beware of scams! 866-116-1625 866-142-2761
Izzy
July 30, 2019
Another one, from 281-729-9233. I let it go to VM and the message says that there is a legal enforcement actions (sic) filed on my SSN for fraudulent activities.
JerryC
July 30, 2019
In the wake of the Capital One hack, scammers are out in full force with SSN# scams. 1 866 494 3820 and 1 866 910 3827 in last hour.
Mic
July 30, 2019
I just received a call that I let go to voicemail. I put everyone I know in my contacts, so I don't generally answer an unknown call. The number was 1(888)308-5908. The message told me that it was the Dept. of SS Administration and my account has been "suspend" due to suspicious activity...if I want to know about this case, press one. If they can't even speak correctly, I doubt they're real, 1. and 2. places like the SSA (credit card companies, banks, etc.)don't call you asking for important personal information over the phone. I don't think so, jerks. Voice was the same as the one in the recording on this page. Slightly different message, but same recording voice.
Az_Advocate
July 30, 2019
Received a call from 866-069-1941 of suspicious activity on your Social Security number and your number has been frozen. Press 1 for more information. A deep accented individual came on the line. I stated, "under the laws of (my state) I mush inform you this call is being recorded for information purposes to share with my attorney." Click! Person hung up. Upon return call, "This call could not be completed as dialed..."
JB
July 30, 2019
Just got 2 calls today. Similar automated recording 857-495-0084 and 80017649722
Farhad
July 30, 2019
I got 10 times calls from 800 449 1230 about suspending social security . it is scam
dolly
July 30, 2019
I keep getting a call from a number with a lady calling me and telling me my SSN is being fraud and I need to call them before i go to jail The number is 270 594 4257 .
tweeds
July 30, 2019
Received a call with the recording above from ‭+1 (832) 802-1518‬.
florida
July 30, 2019
i just got voicemail scam.. they number was 1-844-265-7620
mthomas
July 30, 2019
This number called my phone today a Robo message about social security suspended. 1 832 441 9539 Unreal! Be careful!