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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Cynthia G.
On February 13th I received two recorded scam calls on my cell phone , at different times of that day, saying they were from Social Security, that I had a problem with my account. Wanted me to press a certain number which I did not. Friends have had the same scam calls. Instead, I took down the calling number left on the screen. It is:
855 547-5874 I trust you can find who this scammer is from the number and punish them.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Gail Croucher
11059 E. Ocaso Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85212
949 680-9694
Chuck C.
SSA PHISHING PHONE NUMBER9 :
980 270. 4783
Ann C.
Thanks for letting us know, Chuck. 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.
Judith O.
I received a call at 5:09 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 12, from 315 535-0385. The beginning of the message was cut off by my outgoing message, but I heard that there had been fraudulent activity using my Social Security number. I hung up.
Ann C.
Thanks for letting us know, Judith. 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.
Jessica G.
I think ppl should stop going around scamming ppl that need their money and i also think that these ppl need to be put behind bars for this activity because i then had a person called me like this twice and now this make the third time they calling from a 1(888)885- 1595 talking about they are the social security administration employer and they said if i dont take action my account to social security will be suspended if no action take place so i hung up the phone.
Jessica G.
I have just receive this call from a 1(888) 885 – 1595 and i said hello and then I listen to the record and it said this is social security administration we had expected suspicious infornation on ur record ur account will be suspended if action is not taken taken place.
Ann C.
Hi, Jessica. 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.
cindy t.
thank you
John K.
Received several calls from 1-228-641-0194 saying they are social security. They are calling from Mississippi. They speak with broken English.
Ann C.
Hi, John. 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.
Janice A.
Letter from social security office great Lakes program service center. Wrong ss#, wanting me to tell them how much money I receive. Envelope address goes to Harold Washington social security center. Has forward to: on envelope. 600 w. Madison st, Chicago IL, 60661-6833
Ann C.
Hi, Janice. We appreciate your concern. Please take the paperwork to your local office or mail it in as soon as possible. Thanks!
Leigh J.
I am receiving robo scammers leaving messages on my answering machine in a super scare tactic. Several calls this past week has mentioned that I need to call them to speak to an agent because someone has stolen my identity and a car registered to me has been found in criminal activity at the border. After 3 or 4 of these, I am fed up. Can the government do something ?????? Please !
Norma S.
Phone scam number 888-744-1732. 3 calls to my cell in2 days