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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Penny A.
I received the following phone call. They left the following message: Hi, this is Officer (name not clear) calling from Social Security administration department. We found some suspicious activities done on your social security number and there is an arrest warrant has been issued on your name. Kindly give us a call back as soon as possible. Our callback number is 785) 571-9323. I repeat, it’s 785) 571-9323. Thank you, and have a blessed day. Thank you for your response. We would not like to transfer you to a full taker for just a few more questions. Please stay on the line.” I did not respond as I recognized it as a scam. The number they actually called from seems to be 310) 912-7426. I did try to call this number just to check it out but got a busy signal.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Penny. 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.
Susan F.
I have gotten a number of scam calls recently telling me my social security number has been terminated.
A.C.
Hi, Susan. 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.
Mike P.
They just called me from 401-801-7560 say they were from ssa and my number was suspended. What a bunch of bull.
A.C.
Hi, Mike. 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 helping us fight fraud.
Laurie m.
I receive a phone call a recording…stateing this is social security and. There’s a warrant out for your arrest ..for fraudulent activity….this call says if you want more info press one. And I did ….
It automatically hangs up on you …and the call comes from unknown number….
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Laurie. 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.
Gary L.
I am trying to report numbers that have been calling my cell phone. They start out saying they are from the Social Security Admin. I hang up immediately but they continue to call back. On Friday, July 5th I was called 5 times every 8 minutes for at least an hour. that number was (510) 112-7904. Today I received 3 calls every 2 minutes for 5 minutes. the number was (243) 105-3733. I had to put my phone on vibrate to keep from being annoyed. It is a voice recording and I don’t know any more if there is a prompt to push or not. It is also very difficult to report this type of behavior to you because your web site is not user friendly to an older person.
A.C.
Hi, Gary. We are sorry to hear about your frustration. 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.
Carlene L.
I just got a call saying my ssc # has been suspended. The phone number came from New York: 646-358-4338. This phone number is similar to ones I’ve received previously but with a different area code.
A.C.
Hi, Carlene. Thanks for letting us know. 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, again.
Kris L.
804-207-4959
This number just called me and then hung up when I questioned them about their claim to be social security administration of the United States. I called back they claimed it once again I told him they were lying and I would be immediately reporting them. Based out of Richmond Virginia.
A.C.
Hi, Kris. 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.
John
There are so many scams nowadays 🙁 Thanks to the fact that the government exists to stop these practices!
My Home: https://www.bearddude.com/
ML
I received two robotic calls out of New York and Washington saying I must call SSA ASAP. I called the numbers back to see and it said person not available. I know better but want you to be aware. The numbers calling were Floral Park, NY 516-209-3570 and Bainbrisge Island, Washington 206-899-1868
A.C.
Hi, ML. 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.
Teri N.
I dont understand the point of reporting this I got caught in this scam back in FebI had to call them back in June and that’s when I realized the February call was a scam so hung up dialed the number for Social security direct again and when I told him what had happened he said oh yeah we have thousands of those complaints and took my information and still not sure I wasn’t talking to another scammer since they use the Actual Social security number listed? Now just have to wait n see what happens no clue what they did with info and I do have Experian but not sure that protects either ?