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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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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June W.
Dear Sir/ Madam:
Since 9/5/2020 I’ve been receiving on average about 2 calls per day from the following numbers telling me the SSA is putting me and my family in jail because of money laundering and SSA legal enforcement have taken out arrest warrant against me. Then, while listening to recording, it further indicates that I should hit #1 on my phone to download information.
I have not answered the calls and I immediately blocked them so the caller or callers are getting persistent.
I’m getting very concerned because these calls are coming too frequent. I’m a good law abiding citizen who works hard and pay my dues to society. I’m not sure why I’m targeted. Below are the numbers from which the calls came from: 301-979-9658, 301-979-6042, 301.979-1122, 301-979-3878 and 301-979-1358.
The first 6 digits of my phone number is 301-979 so I find it interesting that all the calls impersonating the SSA are close to my first 6 digits.
I will be changing my phone number over this weekend.
Many thanks for looking into this matter for me.
Sincerely,
June Williams
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, June. 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.
Marg T.
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Rebecca b.
I have been receiving calls telling me my social security card is inactive. I have since read on the website about the fraud. Thanks for the info.
stuart m.
Had a call, stating my SS number was being used to fund drug money and money laundering. Request information, which I did not supply. Stated I would have my SS number frozen and should withdraw all my funds from existing accounts, which I did not commit to.
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Stuart. 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.
Diane L.
I just received another call from a scammer saying they are with ss office and there is suspicious activity with my ss number. They were asking my name and last 4 numbers of my ss number. That raised a red flag for me so I reported it.
Cynthia W.
I received an email asking me to click on their link saying my ss status was updated and to clink on link to check on it. I’m not sure it was legit. The email address subscription.service@subscriptions.ssa.gov
Does SSA send emails like this?
V.V.
Hi Cynthia, thanks for checking in with us. Most emails from Social Security will come from a “.gov” email address. If an email address does not end in “.gov”, use caution before opening attachments or clicking on pictures or links in the email. Currently, Social Security sends emails from no-reply@ssa.gov, subscription.service@subscriptions.ssa.gov and ThankYou@ssa.gov. We hope this helps!
Namita T.
Yeah right, most of the people also try to scam the people by being someone that they are not. One of my friends was conned in the same way. He got a email from Facebook requesting to change the password of his account and then vola. They sent him a phishing phase. I want all you guys to stay safe. You can find the guide on Next Z Tech blog for free of cost.
Eliana N.
I just got a call from the number (806) 642-4519, saying that there is a problem with my ss. Where can I report those incidents?
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Eliana. 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.
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Robert H.
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