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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
About the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Christine L.
I was called by a recording from California today 3/29/19 at 7:05 am. The recording mentioned something about taking legal action against me. I was taken by surprised so I didn’t get the full message. I tried calling the number back an hour later when I got to work but got a recording that it is not a complete number. I am going to treat it as a fraudulent call.
A.C.
Hi, Christine. 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. We hope this helps.
RAYMOND W.
Hello
Just a note to let you know that I received two calls within a couple hours of each other. They were claiming to be social security and they were going to cancel my number if I didn’t call them back. LOL. Here are the numbers they left with the exact same recording. 575-519-7132 and 512-566-7568. They were from New York and New Mexico. They left message on my voice mail because I don’t answer if I don’t know who’s calling. Hope this is some help.
Regards
L.A.
Thank you for letting us know, Raymond. 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.
Ina W.
After visiting the local social security office on March 25,2019 I received 8 spam calls, two of them left voice mail messages. I saved all numbers and messages. They called on my cell and landline.
PPlease investigate this at our local SS office
Ina Warren 336 893-5529
Dirk D.
3 fraudulent inquiries today.
914-592-9290
914-593-0884
914-590-8771
A.C.
Hi, Dirk. 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.
sandy
i received 2 this morn 1 went to voice mail other i answered said nothing and hung up
Mark F.
Received three calls in 2 days .recorded message of suspended number.
Caller number is 801-772-1213
A.C.
Hi, Mark. Thanks for letting us know. 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. We hope this helps.
Joseph V.
I just received a phone call from 832.856.7427, stating they were the SSA, can you please verify….
A.C.
Hi, Joseph. 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.
Barton G.
The caller called from 1-760-790-5143 which came up as California saying my ssn had been suspended and to call them back at this number .
A.C.
Hi, Barton. 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.
ita s.
Got voice mail today 3-27-19. Have received same message before. Speaker is a female robot voice from 9286085630 in Page, Arizona: “…inform you that a legal enforcement action has been filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity so when you get this message speak to our officer on our hotline number at 9286085630 I repeat 9286085630.”
Is there any other place to report this message. I got it this morning. But I have received same message in the past.
Bruce M.
I have been getting phone calls sometimes two a day.