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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Selena W.
I just received a scam SSN call from (240) 345-9825. They left a voice message advising that my social security number had been suspended due to fraudulent activity. I did not answer the call because I did not know the caller, but I did listen to the message.
A.C.
Hi, Selena. 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.
Rob R.
Great – but what is being done to stop this? I get a call a day about this and a similar scam where they try to get my credit card number. On occasion I try to just keep them on the phone to waste.l their time so they aren’t calling someone else – they get quite obscene when they figure out you’re on to them. Surely this is a crime that needs to be addressed.
Dawn
I’ve been getting different calls from numbers that say United States or USA and Washington,today it was Canada,, they say that my ss number has been cancelled or something fraud,then they want me to stay on line an push a button to fix or find out what’s going on.now I know theye don’t cancel as numbers each person gets one for life,so I’m tired of all these calls. Could I please tell me if there are any scansnow? Just thought I’d report. It. Thanks
A.C.
Hi, Dawn. 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.
Ellen K.
Received a call at 8:00 AM accented man asked if this is Ellen. I of course responded “Yes”,He then asked if I lived at some unintelligible address, which sounded nothing like mine and said that I “Might ” be eligible for a new SS card. I said “What?”. he repeated himself, that I “might” be eligible for a new SS card. I told him I thought he was full of shit, hung up and blocked the number.
Nanette
just had a second call from an individual stating from SSA this one from 844-222-9655, when I asked for their ID number with the agency the individual ended the call, the first call today came from 833-252-1136, same scenario, but at that time I mentioned it was a recorded line and how could I assist them, the individual terminated the call
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Nanette. 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.
Tana G.
Got an obvious scam call today that said my SS number had been cancelled. They said to call 903-371-0338. You can call them, I won’t.
Sandra S.
Receiving these calls regularly from 800-851-4789
A.C.
Hi, Sandra. 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. We hope this helps.
Pamela S.
I just received mail from PO Box 2910, Kennesaw, GA 30156–9843 says open immediately important information enclosed and it’s asking me to give them my name address phone number email address that they want to send me Medicare information and that if I don’t request it by May 23 something about that is this legit or is this something that’s coming from somewhere else other than the Social Security office my name is Pamela Sue Hammond please respond as soon as possible to let me know
A.C.
Hi, Pamela. 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.
Robin B.
I received a robo call today which left a voice mail saying:
“This call is from Social Security department. We need to talk to you as soon as possible. Number to reach department is (321)607-7101.”
L.A.
Hi Benjamin. 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.
dee
Just received a scam SSI call inquiry from 603-968-5459.
L.A.
Hi Dee. 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.
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