Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
In the digital age, frauds and scams are an unfortunate part of doing business online. During the holiday season, Social Security has traditionally seen a spike in phishing scams, and we want to protect you as best we can.
We urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your Social Security Number (SSN) or bank account information to unknown individuals over the phone or internet. If you receive a call and aren’t expecting one, you must be extra careful. You can always get the caller’s information, hang up, and — if you do need more clarification — contact the official phone number of the business or agency that the caller claims to represent. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who called you.
Please take note; there’s a scam going around right now. You might receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security or another agency. Calls can even display the 1-800-772-1213, Social Security’s national customer service number, as the incoming number on your caller ID. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.
Callers sometimes state that your Social Security number is at risk of being deactivated or deleted. The caller then asks you to provide a phone number to resolve the issue. People should be aware the scheme’s details may vary; however, you should avoid engaging with the caller or calling the number provided, as the caller might attempt to acquire personal information.
Social Security employees occasionally contact people by telephone for customer-service purposes. In only a few special situations, such as when you have business pending with us, a Social Security employee may request the person confirm personal information over the phone.
Social Security employees will never threaten you or promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, please report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online.
Remember, only call official phone numbers and use secured websites of the agencies and businesses you know are correct. Protecting your information is an important part of Social Security’s mission to secure today and tomorrow.
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About the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Kathy G.
Thank you…I just received a call on voicemail stating that my SS# has been suspended because of suspicious activity and to press one if I want to know the details of this case. Of course, I immediately knew it to be a scam. The number was 1-603-331-4949 Colebrook, NH. The call came in at 2:51 PM (PST)
V.V.
Hi Kathy. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here.
Christie C.
I have received four calls today from this number. The following is copied from my voice mail.
This 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 301-264-8107. I repeat it’s 301-264-8107. Thank you.
Suu
I recieved a robot call claiming to be SSA. They said something like fraud has been committed on SSA NUMBER.
It came from…219 919 9688. Sounds like a scam.
Nichols
Dear Jim Borland,
I received phone calls from 888-810-0311 and 888-810-1045. They said that they have discontinued my Social Security benefits, because there has been suspicious activity with my Social Security Number. I did not give them any information. I asked her to state the name of the Company she was calling from. She stated ______ Investigations, Social Security Dept. I then asked her to provide the whole name again because I didn’t hear the name that came before Investigations. She then stated my name and then asked if that is who I was. (She did have my correct name.) I did not respond and she then said that I have been flagged and the police have been dispatched to my address. I work for the County of Riverside, Department of Social Services.
V.V.
Hi Nichols. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here.
Ashley
I received a call on April 22 around 1:30pm from +16174922617 and they said my application for SSDI benefits was approved. Would this be something a phishing scheme would do? They said I need to get a rep payee or a letter from a social worker saying I do not need a rep payee, and to bring that letter to my local social security office in Cambridge Massachusetts. I think I may have given them my SSN over the phone.
A.C.
Hi, Ashley. Please be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls. If an unknown individual claims to be from a legitimate organization, try to verify his or her identity directly with the company. Avoid providing personal information unless you are certain of a person’s authority to have the information. If you have questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from Social Security, please contact your local Social Security office. You may also call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Thanks.
Jeanie P.
Scam number calling me was 832-572-3579
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Jeanie. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. Thanks, again.
Greta
Received a call while I was out, the caller ID window displayed US GOVT with a number of 469-656-6039, since I was not home to take the call the caller did not leave a message on my answering service. I find it odd that the number is owned by a person near Allen, Texas and its a Landline, issued by Teleport Communications Group – Dallas. This call was very suspicious to me and I do not know why Social Security would be calling me back from a different state than what I live in. Usually if I get returned calls they come directly from the S.S. in my home town. 25 Complaints have been filed to the FTC regarding this number. Social Security Administration could be linked to this number, but regardless, consumer beware.
Laura L.
I received several calls from this number 202-450-3005 saying my Social Security was suspended.
I did’t answer the calls because I suspected they were scam calls
V.V.
Hi Laura. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here.
Victor E.
Apr. 17, 2019 12:48pm. I received a call from 484-971-486 stating a problem with my ss # and that it was suspended.
V.V.
Hi Victor. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here.
L.A.
Hi Victor. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
Kelly S.
stating that they suspended my ss card due to suspicious activity. # 888-810-0851 888-810-0857
V.V.
Hi Kelly. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here.