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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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Ron H
August 02, 2019
Add a new number 1-800-740-9588
Seattle, Washington
August 02, 2019
Just received a similar call they were claiming I have legal action being taken on me. So they have changed their reason for calling.
Bob
August 02, 2019
I received the same call from 2 different numbers saying my SSN number being used south border of Texas. The numbers are 80019737497 and 80013200831.
lockemupasap
August 02, 2019
latest ssa scam number 8665630043. I hung up asap when asked to "press 1". If I am ever asked for the last 4 digits of my social I will give 3858 !!! It is the letters F U K U on phone pad!!! HeeHee!!
Amberbaer
August 02, 2019
830-88-0593 - with the recorded voice- I pushed 1 to speak to an "agent" I immediately told them that the SS office doesn't call people from a Texas phone number considering they're located in DC - she immediately hung up and I blocked the number and reported it as spam - not the first time I've gotten this call, but I don't fall for this BS since I am on SSD and now that they don't call you unless you've scheduled a call from them well in advance. Stupid Scammers!
report1
August 02, 2019
received three times in the last couple of days From 1-833-299-7627, 1-800-762-4514, 1-800-871-2013
Anonymous from…
August 02, 2019
Obviously didn't even know this was such a thing and I just got hit with it so I am calling the right people 1-226-458-0588 << this number if it hasn't been added to the list
Wontgetme
August 02, 2019
479-217-3172 is not the Social Security Administration - the are SCAMMERs! Do not speak to them!!
olga
August 02, 2019
add 804-207-4954 to the list: the message states that there is a criminal activity record filed under my ss number
Miss Djinn
August 02, 2019
I had a repeated Social Security scam phone message 5 times on July 31 or August 1. The number each time: 866-373-1649. Woman's recorded voice this time. Threatening the usual: suspend or remove my Social Security number.
SAM
August 02, 2019
Today I receive a call from 800-786-1957 said your SSN is suspended than lab lab and push 1 get details which I didn't and search on google saw they are scammer..
NEFlorida
August 02, 2019
Call on cell from +1 (888) 083-6784. Showed "Potential Spam" with the free call filter from Verizon. Number can't be found online with a search so it must be a spoofed number and nomorobo didn't have in its database. How it got through, I don't know. Didn't leave a message since I hung up on it for it showing "potential spam" on the caller ID and "unknown" for location.
PatluvHen
August 02, 2019
They just called and told me that the FBI has a warrant for my arrest... I cracked up at the person who not said that but also said that they needed my Social security number! Thankfully I have family that is actually an agent and know that this is not how is done.
amunjone
August 02, 2019
I just got a call from 800 432 0455 stating that my social security benefits were going to be suspended due to suspicious activity. I've blocked that number.
Yumi
August 02, 2019
I'm receiving every 30minutes... 830-972-2407 830-410-4502 830-870-9773 830-612-5549
Akemi
August 02, 2019
Received one of these calls today and left a voice mail saying my SSN was suspended and I should dial 1 to talk to someone. Obviously a scam but just a heads up to everyone. Here’s the number that called me. ‭+1 (866) 864-9814‬
private
August 02, 2019
I have receiving calls from 1800327978 for few days now. I never answer any of these calls, but when I heard the messages left, it stated that my number has been compromised and that it was going to be suspended. So today I did answer the call and after pressing 1 to connect to representative, he answered Dept of SS , the background was loud, and he sounded like he was calling from India. I got to upset and told him where I was calling and if was calling from India!! I told him to STOP CALLING MY NUMBER BECAUSE I WAS GOING TO REPORT THEM FOR HARASSING ME! He automatically hung up. I called the Real SOCIAL Security Office and had my employment history report sent to me. I also blocked the number.
Eric S.
August 02, 2019
Received the scam call from 888-255-4349
Dayton, OH
August 02, 2019
Received a call 7/31/19 from 1-424-417-1986: Please listen to this message and it's entirety there is currently a motion being filed to suspend all bank accounts and tax returns bearing your name and Social Security number. To review your rights and details and avoid all further proceedings please contact our firm at 1-844-898-2189 or you may press one to be transferred to your case manager immediately…”
Agent Scam
August 02, 2019
I just got a call from 800--708-4716. She identified herself as an agent and said that my ss# was being used at the border in Texas.
GTP
August 02, 2019
Just received a recorded call from 833-481-7097, saying that there is suspicious activity on my social and for me to call them back to get more info on my file.
CA Mike
August 02, 2019
got the call today from 830 116-7815, they asked you to press one to continue
KSD
August 02, 2019
Just got a scam call from: 1-877-420-6240 with automatic message of having SSN issues.
Old Lady in Nevada
August 02, 2019
Just received from this number: 866-044-9764 Same robo call about suspending my SS account.
American Consumer
August 02, 2019
I just received a call from this number. ‭+1 (415) 751-2762‬ For this scam. Thank you for publishing this info. I will block.
Los Angeles
August 02, 2019
1 800 577 2408 called saying my SS number is compromised
HTX
August 02, 2019
Received several calls from 719-298-4680. A lady left messages statibg I was going to be arrested, my case was going to a court, my SSN would be suspended, and my bank account would be freezed. What scam artists. Please be aware this number is a scam. Dont answer and dont gibe any of your information.
R
August 02, 2019
Never thought we would get such a scam call. Thank you for posting about it, so we know it is what we thought it was, a scam. Number came in on our (not shared with anyone so far) new cell phone, interestingly. The ID used by the caller was: 830-005-1479
Sharing
August 02, 2019
Same/similar message with 1-800-917-2216 as the caller id.
chunt
August 02, 2019
just one of these from 1-866-125-1238 first time but they did leave a message I just didn't call it back.
Alsunidar
August 02, 2019
17193418331 this phone called for the same problem I have to call them or my account will be closed and ssn will be suspended and I will be arrested
devenia1
August 02, 2019
They are at it again. the number they used to call me was 800-906-4946. I the message I received was that I not only had my SS suspended but an arrest warrant was issued. Please do not fall prey of these scum scammers.
Bobby Z
August 02, 2019
866 639 3246 tried to scam me, said my SS number was suspended. I blocked them from calling back
Reba Holder
August 02, 2019
I got a call today at 1159 he said my Social Security number had weird activity on it to give them a call back the number is 800-204-0628 thank you
StarkRavingMad
August 03, 2019
I received to call 08/02/2019 both at 1:24pm GMT from (866) 829-4502. I did not answer, but they left 1 automated voicemail in the same sounding voice as the example above, saying my social security number has been froze due to inconsistent and suspicious activity. He then tells me to contact him at the same number immediately to discuss this activity. I have not tried to call the number, as I am registered on the federal 'do not call registry' list, I never enter this phone number online, which means they have already accessed more of my personal information than is accessible online or anywhere else other than my wireless provider. (sprint)
Jazzy
August 03, 2019
They tried to scam me with this recording today, 8/3/19. Called from 877-508-5907. The recording was exactly the same then a girl voice regarding a warrant for my arrest. Both in American accents... The live person has a foreign accent and said he was from crime unit and gave me a badge number of “Charlie 147”. He asked to verify my name and then said my address! Granted since I own my home it’s public record but I told them I would call the police department to verify my warrant for arrest. They are pretty aggressive and he was mad I was not cooperating.
Susanna
August 03, 2019
on my MacBook, I just searched for an orange smoothie recipe and my computer was invaded with a message to call the number 1 844-349-8396. I immediately realized that this is a scam and the computer has been invaded with a virus. I turned the computer off and on and cleared the history with no effect. it is still there and tells me not to turn the computer off. I don't know what else to do.
Samiam15
August 05, 2019
We just recieved a call with a list of 8 numbers, not a phone number and not a ssi number...more like a case number ending with a male voice announcing " a ssi security officer waiting for our call back".
kb3r4y
August 05, 2019
Received a call from 678-712-2971 and it was the same recorded message about social security number suspended....
Randy
August 05, 2019
Just received a similar message from 434 381 8110
mik
August 05, 2019
Got this from 804-207-4736
Mr. Bob
August 05, 2019
i have been receiving automated calls about my SS being seized. The number that they have been using is 1-877-771-0171.
fred
August 05, 2019
new number just called from is 800-764-5133, which is a real number for a real business in CA
Careful
August 05, 2019
I received a call from 866-637-7065. Is this a spam call?
Warrior72
August 05, 2019
I just got an automated call from the "Social Security Administration" 972-294-7134 saying that there are fraudulent actions with my SSN. Is this legit?
Tony
August 05, 2019
(830)871-4559 called be around noon eastern time. Scam number.
LH
August 05, 2019
Received several phone calls about my SS being involved in a crime, and i need to call them back 301-561-8085, this is the 3rd time in 2 weeks
Mya
August 05, 2019
I received a call starting the same thing from 1 915 239 2895.
jfl
August 05, 2019
I got a similar call from 1800 953 8010
susan
August 05, 2019
Just got similar call on my cell from 657-325-9096--somewhere in Calif. I hung up. Very similar recording instructions. BEWARE.