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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Christine B.
1-833-888-8107 called me and told me they were from Social Security and there was a warrant for my arrest if I did not call them back thought you needed to know
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Christine. 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.
Jamie S.
I received a scam call from 18005003608 claiming “due to suspicious activity your SSN will be blocked.” This sounds exactly like the post on your front page but I wanted to provide the number they were coming from in case it’s of use. I did not provide them any information.
Thanks,
–Jamie
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Jamie. 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.
Heather E.
Is social security filer a scam?
Gwen L.
Im more frustrated with the Social Security department. They want us to report the calls to them, but sure dont make it very simple by any means. Its like they know they’re out there, so are just trying to appease us. Im just going to continue to ignore the calls, but am tired of trying to report it, and not being able to talk to a human, but hear a computer telling me to go to a website to report. Then wa hy even give us a number?? Other than to infuriate us, of couese!?! Anyone interested, another # they are using, is, 936-209-2638. They even say to call that # back!
J.Y.
Hi Gwen. Thank you for your comment. Thanks for letting us know. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may be experiencing higher than normal call volume.
You can report suspicious calls to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. Thanks also for helping us fight fraud.
Gloria R.
this person keeps calling my house about my social security when i refuse to give out any information he will cruse me out and threaten me the phone number is 1214-238 4457 this is the the that shows up on my caller id
Bill D.
I just received this call. A robotic man’s voice said that my Social Security number had been used in suspicious activity and to press #1. I hung up. The call came from a (718) area code which is New York, NY to my mobile phone which has a (917) area code — also New York, NY. I assume the caller used a spoofed phone number. The robotic voice sounded familiar. Then, I realize that it is similar to the voice that breaks into television shows for a local emergency such as a tornado warning that reports the neighborhoods that need to be vigilant.
S B.
Received a phone call today from US Government
866-931-7075. Message was left saying my Social Security number had been compromised. SCAM
William W.
I like to report I’m receiving fake calls from the Social Security Administration saying my account is being placed on hold and asking for my SS number to confirm. In the last week I’ve had 2 calls the number they call from is 1-716-241-1688.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, William. 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.
Kathy M.
I keep receiving threatening phone calls claiming they are from Social Security. The numbers are always 202 area codes. Here are 2 of the numbers – (202) 746-8112, (202) 736-1630.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Kathy. 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.
JAY B.
Tried to report fraud call, but got runaround by the phone number above. Why can’t we get s person to talk to. 615 428 2993