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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Sydney S.
Just got a robo call from this number. It is a scam – 830-355-2263 Did not give any info! This is an fyi. Thanks
Lynn S.
Just received a phone call from 866-431-9985 automated and saying my social security number had been alerted to some form of problem and to hang on for someone to talk to…as my benefits on SS were being halted due to weird activity. FYI
Edward J.
I attempted to follow think to report the scam phone call I just received, but the link takes me to a page with no links that are apparently related.
I received a call on 502-727-3636 today, March 12 at 1:57 PM from 1-800-425-9010 saying that my Social Security account was suspended due to “suspicious activity” and indicating I could speak to someone about it. I was suspicious, hung up, and checked my account which is fine.
If you have a more direct link to report it please inform me.
Kelly Y.
i have recieved at least 5 calls from phone numbers 866-404-2345, 866-404–4178 to supicous activity with my SS card. Claiming roboticly the call is from the Dept. of Social Security. Thank-you, Kelly Nelson.
J.Y.
Hi Kelly. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone. If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA or the OIG, please contact your local Social Security office. You may also call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Thanks.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which receives and analyzes public complaints related to identity theft, recently reported to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) an increase in reports of suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be SSA employees.
If a person receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Gen
I just received two phone calls, which I did not pick up because only pick up numbers I know, so they left voicemails. It was automated and said “This call is from the Department of Social Security Administration, the reason you have received this phone call from our department to inform you that we just suspend your SS# because we found some suspicious activity, so if you want to know about this case just press one thank you.” I know that this has to be a scam because the grammar is wrong and the automated person seems to be speaking with breaks in speech and talking pattern. I just wanted to put this up here. The numbers I received this from is 800-467-5499 and 866-114-2038.
Christine
I’ve gotten 6 calls in the last 3 hours from someone claiming to be from the “social security department” – they’ve left 5 voicemails asking me to call about my social security number. Needless to say I haven’t called since they don’t even have the name of the agency correct! the calls are coming from an 866 area code.
A.C.
Hi, Christine. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. We hope this helps.
Diana
I just received a call from 1-866-404-5578, it went to VM, but they are claiming to be the SS Administration. They said my SS# will be suspended due to some suspicious activity. I figured a scam…but wanted to make others aware.
Sherry M.
I got 3 messages claiming there was a problem with my social security number. They were recordings sent to my cell phone. I assumed they were scams. The numbers were 866 404-3569 and 866 404- 2872
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Sherry. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. We hope this helps.
ROBERT M.
Received the following fraud calls: 3/1/19 827 am ct from 707 502 2951 Eureka CA / 3/5/19 840 am ct from 979 446 0610 Bryan TX / 3/5/19 1128 am ct 979 446 0610 Bryan TX
A.C.
Hi, Robert. Thanks for checking in with us. 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.
Sheila h.
I just received a call from a social security agent wanting to know my full name and social security number. They said they had a legal issue and was going to proceed with legal steps. When i told him that I don’t give out my social security number to someone I don’t know, he became angry and told me to kiss his ass!
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Sheila. We have been warning the public. Keep in mind 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.