Frauds & Scams

Inspector General Warns Public About Caller-ID “Spoofing” Scheme Misusing SSA Customer Service Number

October 22, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: October 22, 2018

woman looking on phoneThe Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is warning citizens about an ongoing caller-ID “spoofing” scheme misusing the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) national customer service phone number. SSA has received numerous reports of questionable phone calls displaying SSA’s 1-800 number on a caller-ID screen. This is a scam; citizens should not engage with those calls or provide any personal information.

These reports indicate the calls display the 1-800-772-1213, SSA’s national customer service number, as the incoming number on caller ID. People who have accepted the calls said the caller identifies as an SSA employee. In some cases, the caller states that SSA does not have all of the person’s personal information, such as their Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim SSA needs additional information so the agency can increase the person’s benefit payment, or that SSA will terminate the person’s benefits if they do not confirm their information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from citizens across the country.

SSA employees do contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes, and in some situations, an SSA employee may request the citizen confirm personal information over the phone. However, SSA employees will never threaten you for information 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.

“This caller-ID spoofing scheme exploits SSA’s trusted reputation, and it shows that scammers will try anything to mislead and harm innocent people,” Stone said. “I  encourage everyone to remain watchful of these schemes and to alert family members and friends of their prevalence. We will continue to track these scams and warn citizens, so that they can stay several steps ahead of these thieves.”

The Acting Inspector General urges citizens to be extremely cautious, and to avoid providing information such as your SSN or bank account numbers to unknown persons over the phone or internet unless you are certain of who is receiving it. If you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, you should report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report

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About the Author

Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director

Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director

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Comments

  1. Suzanne S.

    Received a phone call from 866-404-2350d saying that my social security number has been terminated due to suspicious activity. Is this a current scam? Or do I need to follow up on this?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Suzanne. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls or request your personal information. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Check out our latest blog on this topic for Social Security tips, including how to find out if the call was from us. We hope this helps.

  2. LARRY W.

    Received ‘2’ robot phone calls from a ?? number listed from Texas 1 (512)564-8526 Stating my SSN was being investigated in a illegal activity and I needed to call immediately.
    I do not answer robot calls
    I am not under any investigation unless my wife is looking for me to do chores for her Ha Ha

    • A.C.

      Thanks for letting us know, Larry. We do not usually make random calls or request your personal information. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Check out our latest blog on this topic for Social Security tips, including how to find out if the call was from us. We hope this helps.

  3. phoebie

    just received call from 800 772 9128 as well

  4. Kathie

    I just received a call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Dept.I didn’t answer the call– I kept the number (702-963-0089) I have an account online and time to time I do check to see if there are any messages from the department..

  5. robert r.

    ive lost my 1099 form, can u mail another

    • A.C.

      Hi, Robert. Thanks for your question. You can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2018 by using your personal my Social Security account. You can also contact or visit your local office. They can assist with a replacement 1099. We hope this helps.

  6. Holly R.

    I received a scam phone call from 800-772-3179 saying my SS# has been suspended. Of course when you press 1 and reach them they are requesting your name and other information. There are numerous people in the household so it could be for anyone. They would not answer my questions without my information. Definitely a scam. These phone calls did not start until I registered with SSA.gov.

  7. Luci

    I have received (2) phone calls & text messages saying my SSN has been suspended… Press 1 to talk to a SS Employee… The numbers are 1-800-772-5464 & 1-800-772-9617 I blocked the 1st number & then they called me back with the 2nd number…

  8. Dollie T.

    Where do I send my W-4V form

  9. Danilo A.

    I received a call fro 800-771-1212, is it this a scam?

  10. Francine r.

    CIA analyst

Comments are closed.