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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David M.
Is a voice mail on my cell phone indicating it is Social Security calling about a security issue regarding my social security number from 1 (805) 307-8820 (Oxnard, CA) a scam? Thanks.
A.C.
Hi, David. 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.
Deborah L.
can a person receive disability on ther own earnings if they already receive survivors benefits from a deceased spouse?
Avery S.
A scam call me which took down my information.
Dennis M.
Please report these numbers that just left voicemails claiming to be from SSA:
888-208-2476
866-659-5770
Thank you.
Mark
800-059-8000 – I have received 3 phone calls just today. The robotic script being read is (kind of) We have locked you Social Security account because we suspect some faulty activities.
I don’t know if it’s a scam but if there is an issue I am sure I will get an email,
Mark – Not yet Retired.
Karen M.
I received a phone call that left a message: …”from the Social Security Administration, you have received this phone call from our our department to inform you – suspend your Social Security # because we found some suspicious activity. So, if you want to know more, press 1.” This was at 2:40 isa PM July 23, 2019.
Sydni N.
it is extremely difficult to report a phone caller claiming that I would lose SS benefits.
I received a call today from 1.800.022.4213 stating that my SS number is being discontinued and asked me to press 1 to find out more. I did, and I talked to a real person. I stated that someone called and said I’d lose benefits and they hung up. I realize I should not have pressed 1, but I did.
I’d like to report the number that called: 1.800.022.4213
I tried calling it again 3 times and the number is not valid. I’m not sure you can do anything but I wanted to report it.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Sydni. 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.
Sheila
Received a call from 202-854-0399, didn’t answer. Called back from a landline that they couldn’t trace to me, and when answered they answered “social security department can I help you”, in a heavily accented voice.
A.C.
Hi, Sheila. 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.
Gayle T.
Received scam call 7/18 @ 7pm from (805) 064`7833 re suspending my SS #
Vy L.
I got call 2 times, one at 7/16/2019 from (940)539-4250, one at 7/17/2019 from (415) 524-7175. I didn’t pick up and they leave the same message:
“Social Security number by the federal crime and investigation department we need to talk to you as soon as possible again this call is from Social Security administration number to reach department is 415-524-7175 I repeat it 415-524-7175 thank you”.