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. Kasseyy S.

    Even if the phone call seems genuine, we shouldn’t reveal confidential https://testmyspeed.onl/ information about us.

  2. Kim

    Call from 802 244 7058 said that my ssa# has been compromised. Hung up when I asked if it was really the SSA!

    • V.V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Kim. 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. Kals

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  4. Tina H.

    I just got a call from 915-615-4805 El Paso, Tx
    saying my Social Security was no longer active to call this number.

    • V.V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Tina. 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. Sandra B.

    So how can I stop this

  6. Sandra B.

    How do I stop chase bank

  7. Sandra B.

    I have a Tesla in my name my son only checked my credit score once and then this Tesla came in my name however I think Experian was paying this claim it looks like when I go to the bank it said your profile has changed all kinds of stuff but I am very concerned about chase bank in NY and they what to bill me 400,000 dollars and I had no reason why they ate doing this

  8. Pat V.

    I got a call stating they wanted me to get my social security while they waited for me. I hung up and they called back and said they would block my card. (336)328-4187 and (336)714-8104. That is when I call social security. Thank you for letting me know this was a scam.

  9. Paul D.

    We received a call from 917-429-0013 saying our card would be suspended, and press 1 to be connected. At this point we hung up.

    Then I go to the oig.ssa.gov page to report a scam, and the form THERE asks for my name, address, and SS#! Web pages can be spoofed too, so I didn’t.

    • V.V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Paul. 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.

Comments are closed.