Frauds & Scams

Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Social Security

January 17, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last 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

Comments

  1. George F.

    I had a scam call this morning from a phone number 707-375-4178. They even suggested I call that number.
    Of course, I did NOT.

  2. Bernard S.

    Social Security scammers are now calling from 1-800 366-7322

    My second call received in two days – They are leaving messages to scare people and have you call them back !

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Bernard. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

      If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  3. William P.

    I received a message to call Anne Marie Livingstone at SSA at phone number (855) 249-4342 ext. 2085376 regarding processing of my benefits claim. Is this phone number in fact for SSA and is it legitimate?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, William. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

      If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  4. lynn.bruun@outlook.com

    these people said we were being sued 864-985-4640
    used 920-567-8401,0920-56-3701 all scam

    • Luis A.

      Hi Lynn. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
      If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  5. I.Cloud

    12/31/2019
    After calling about my Medicare on A letter received saying we will take out $144.00 out of check.
    I inform the call back lady I have Medicaid Why do I
    want Medicare..you should see that. on file.

    So I call SSA. I Look up 1-800-772-1213/Said if you do not want to wait. Some one will call you back give number and name say it in voice mail. A call back 45min arrive by number 349- said need to verify SS# full number and the mailing address we have on file and verify Mom name.

  6. S.Montgomery

    Call Back#Social Sec.469-656-6039

    12-31-2019 I call the SSA 800-772-1213 said 45min
    wait time if you want some one call back leave name and
    you will know it SSA. Once on phone she ask for my SSA number my son mother maid name.to verify.
    Where was I was born. I was SSA about My Medicare account on My Son whom is disability.

    • Ann C.

      Hi. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

      If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  7. patti

    keep getting calls about my disability ss case- that I never have asked for!!

  8. Hun K.

    I have received a notice form the SSA to call the number in NW for verification of my application for benefits. (855)257-0067 with EX numbers.

    Can someone please, verify if this is a SSA number before I call in to give personal information ?

    Thanks you

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Hun. Thanks for checking in with us. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

      If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  9. Susan P.

    I received a call 12/19/19 from 979-269-8954 saying my ss check was being suspended for fradulent activity and to call this number. The male caller seemed to have a southern accent. I checked the number and it appears to be from Fayette, Texas. We don’t answer our phone anymore unless we know the person calling.

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