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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Barbara M.
The call mentioned previously was from Ashland, NH
603-968-5994
Barbara M.
Received an automated call from SS saying my number was suspended because of suspicious activity. It seemed HIGHLY UNLIKELY that SS would call me that way. But I pressed 1 when told, to see who would come up. When answered, it sounded like a woman with a slightly British accent, maybe an islander, was sitting in a noisy luncheonette or bar. She also sounded somewhat ditzy or drunk. She asked how she could help me ! I asked why did you call and she asked for my name. At that point I hung up.
L.A.
Hi Barbara. 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.
David W.
scam call from 603-968-5884 claiming my number was to be deactivated
V.V.
Hi David. Thank you for letting us know about the call. 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.
Ramona K.
Is 844 785-0068 an official Social Security phone number?
V.V.
Hi Ramona. Thank you for letting us know about the call. 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.
Donna
I received a call from 470-655-2460 saying that it was from social security – it was the last attempt (I’d never had any other attempt) to reach me, and that there would be litigation if I did not call the number back. I assume that it was not the social security administration and that I would have heard if there was any issue from a registered letter or so forth if this was really something that I needed to be concerned with.
A.C.
Hi, Donna. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If 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.
Caroline T.
got a letter stating an account for Social Security on line services was created on April 30, 2019.
i did not do that is it a hoax?
Charles r.
So I got a call said my ssa account will be deleted and so I call this number +1 (215) 597-5657 and non Also social security mid Atlantic they said
Matt
201-404-6700: computer generated voice saying the following: “The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that your social security number has been suspended because there’s a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. Kindly call back on our number before we begin with the legal proceedings. The number is 281-404-6700. Thank you.”
Sad thing is despite the obvious falsity of the message, it increases the stress unknown numbers cause lately.
A.C.
Hi, Matt. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If 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. Thanks, again.
James L.
I received a call from la La Trenda Caldwell stating she needed info about my ssa application, her tel # was 877-593-3955. Is this a scammer?
James R.
I received a call from SOC SEC ADMIN at this number
1-866-614-0032 telling me a warrant for me by Social Security and dial one (1) to speak to a representative.
I hung up.
V.V.
Hi James. Thank you for letting us know about the call. 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.
A.C.
Hi, James. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If 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. You can find additional information here. Thanks, again.