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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Yudhira S.
I just received a call from 1800-167-2284 saying me SS number will be cancel immediately. I believe this is a scam.
L.A.
Hi Yudhira. Thanks for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Patricia S.
I received a call from Social Security stating that there was a warrant for my arrest becsuse of fraudulent actuvity with them.
L.A.
Hi Patricia. Thank you for checking in with us. Keep in mind that 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 online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
carole k.
Received 2 phone messages today from 210-463-4802 claiming a legal enforcement action filed on my SS# for fraudulent activity, so they want me to call them back to resolve before I am arrested!
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Carole. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
timothy l.
I just received one of these, a few mments ago.
Karen C.
I received a call from 1-888-854-3332 that said they were Social Security and had noticed fraud and wanted to talk to me. I just hang up on these calls but would like to report them.
L.A.
Hi Karen. Thank you for checking in with us. K Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams here. Thanks also for helping us fight fraud.
Sharmila M.
I have been getting phone call from scammers
Please the folliwing numbers
800 5452953
800 8709975
800 4573469
800 2530062
800 6433650
L.A.
Thank you for letting us know, Sharmila. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
William B.
received a scam call from 832-529-4894 claiming that my SS number is being compromised.
Friday morning Oct 11 call id Texas Call
quote “you will be arrested”
please pass this on to authorities
A.C.
Hi, William. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Marcia P.
I got a call from 512-808-4158 that said my ss card would be canceled if I didn’t call back right away. Out of curiosity I called. The person that answered could just about speak English and said I needed to give him my phone number and social security number. I did not. Itold him I would to speak to the office in the morning. I hung up I just wanted someone to know. I gave him nothing. Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Marcia. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Paul B.
I would like to feel the Federal Government is doing something more than alert people about government agency’s being used by scammers. How about tracing the callers telephone number 1-844 477 1601, but that isn’t going to happen because Area Code 844, isn’t assigned.
Maybe I should ask one of the Democrat committees investigating all the Republicans in America.
Maybe these scammers are terrorists garnering information and funds for a nefarious deed and the intelligent services should be alerted.
Charles P.
On 10/10/2019 at 10:50AM I got a robocall from
866-112-8418. The recorded voice claimed to be from SSA, so I hung up.
A.C.
Hi, Charles. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.