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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EVERETT P.
2 to 3 times a day get calls about social security scams the use a 9 digit number number so you cant block them.
the numbers are 888256278—–888356041— i hope this helps you stop this or catch them
thank you
A.C.
Hi, Everett. Thanks for checking in with us. 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.
John K.
Received a call from a New York, NY number (646) 461-1828 on my mobile phone voicemail stating “suspend your Social Security number because we found suspicious activities so if you want to know about this case just press one. Thank you”
Appeared to be suspicious and did not reply in any way and want to report as a possible scam.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, John. 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.
Vernon C.
Getting calls from 18338888107 says they are from S S and threating legal action
A.C.
Hi, Vernon. Keep in mind 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 for checking in with us.
Ryan K.
I have been receiving those scam calls. I have a lawyer buddy of mine listen to the voicemail. I called the official number and couldn’t get ahold of anyone. Lesson: if the SS OFFICE WANTS TO GET AHOLD OF YOU. THEY WONT CALL THEY WILL MAIL AND THEN COME TO YOUR HOUSE. So don’t fall for it, every govnmt agency has a 800 # or 888 or website with a . Gov on the end. Hope this helps.
Mike w.
Why can’t SS go on cnn abc cbs and tell about these phone scammers its is very scary? Notified aver one.
Judy
I’ve had 4 calls stating I was going to be arrested for fraud on social security. What do I do
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Judy. 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.
Irene R.
So the call I received saying my SS# was being suspended is false. Is there anyway you can check? they left a phone number but was not able to right it down in time. And they did not ask for any information other than giving me that phone number. So I should assume this is fake.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Irene. 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.
Terry S.
you all need to change your approach to helping people understand this. I did not give any information to them but they are calling from this Number and actual very close to yours 800-772-1235 so they are only using one number different from you. It is abit much and have no idea what to do because I was not able to file complain or anything. disappointed in the second and third representatives I spoke to. you acted like it no big deal when it is scary to the person
A.C.
Hi, Terry. We are sorry to hear about your experience. Keep in mind 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.
Claire P.
just received a phone message from 281-845-3539 about my social security, I am reporting this, so I need to do anything?
A.C.
Hi, Claire. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
jackie w.
fraud call/ 740-639-2022
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Jackie. 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.