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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Doug K.
Phony call on 3/1/19. Robot voice claimed my SS# would be suspended due to “irregular activity”. Call came from 866-404-5229.
A.C.
Hi, Doug. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If 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 at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
Bobbijo
hello my counselor has set an appointment for march 5th
and the phone number on that paper is wrong and on that appointment date she will not be able to call because the phone number is wrong today is now four days I have been trying to reach her many time each day and she never there to answer he phone and the letter gives 30 days for me to call or I will lose my ssi
this is not right why should I lose my ssi when I have been calling for four days now I need ot reach her before march 5th and I have heard warning of scamming on the phone about some one pretending to me some one else I ma warn out from trying to reach her why should I lose my ssi over this I am afraid to even shar this but who to I turn to
A.C.
Hi, Bobbijo. We are sorry you have had difficulty reaching us by telephone. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 1-800-772-1213. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this is resolved soon.
David L.
Thank you very much for a quick answer to this scam.
Robert h.
I just got a call saying my ssc # has been suspended I think this is a scam the call came from Texas area I did not give them any info I just hung up on them
A.C.
Hi, Robert. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If 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 at 1-800-269-0271 or online. We hope this helps.
Nancy A.
I just received a robo call from an officer at the Social Security Office stating that legal action will be taken if I don’t return the phone call. I am supposed to call 631-339-0562. I will not be returning the call.
A.C.
Hi, Nancy. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If 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 at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
Eric B.
Received a phone call from (609) 796-4249 claiming to be the social security administration. They left a message for me to call them back as my social security number was being suspended due to suspicious activity. I see on your website that the social security office rarely calls with information such as this so I have to believe it is a scam. Just thought you all should know.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Eric. We do not usually make random calls. If 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 at 1-800-269-0271 or online. Thanks, again.
Dorian G.
In 2019, the majority of the country is utilizing and in some cases abusing the internet and other online outlets for the conduction of business. This business could include online banking, online bill paying options and for the monitoring and maintenance of retirement accounts such as social security. Unfortunately, the elderly members of the population are often targeted in phishing scams and the social security administration has added some pertinent information to this site to prevent any users of Social Security from experiencing scams and identity theft. The site asks its users not to provide any personal information over the phone nor over the internet to strangers. The users have to protect their bank account information as well as their Social Security Numbers, because with this minimal amount of information a hacker can completely destroy the life of someone with the stroke a key. This is one of the reasons that is essential that this organization and all healthcare professional organizations ensure that all policies and procedures are up to date and possess the ability to counteract these negative actions on the part of criminals seeking to steal the valuable personal information of the user. The user can ask questions of the caller or online source and these entities are obligated to provide their name, business information, and the nature of the call. If the caller or online inquirer is unable to provide these small pieces of information to the user, then nine times out of ten they are trying to obtain this information for fraudulent purposes. The Social Security member should report any suspicious activities or inquires for information to their local office or through the website. They have provided the users with the phone number that the potential scammers may utilize to procure information from the elderly.
Buddy S.
Is this a phone number from social security 361 678-7006
V.V.
Hi Buddy: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. 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 they threaten 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.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.
Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.
Glen
Just got a call from (800)777- 2621, saying my social security number would be permanently blocked! Beware!
V.V.
Hi Glen: Thank you for letting us know. If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. 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 they threaten 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.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.
Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.
Janis
I received a scam call re my social security today from phone number 603-259-1107. Just reporting this number for investigation. I did not engage with the caller.
V.V.
Hi Janis: Thank you for letting us know. If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. 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 they threaten 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.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.
Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.