Is that Phone Call From Us?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
It’s the morning of a busy day at home and you get a call from an unknown number. You answer only to find yourself on the receiving end of a threatening message saying your Social Security benefits will stop immediately unless you provide your personal information. It happens every day to thousands of Americans. And it’s not Social Security calling.
Scammers have many ways to lure their victims into providing information and then stealing their identities. Sometimes they call under a guise of helping you complete a disability application.
Protecting your information is an important part of Social Security’s mission to secure today and tomorrow. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. In only a few special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen confirm personal information over the phone. If you do receive a call from one of our representatives, they will provide you with a telephone number and extension.
The Acting Inspector General for Social Security, Gail Stallworth Stone, urges everyone to stay vigilant of impersonation schemes and to not be afraid to hang up.
You must always remember that you’re in control. Also remember that Social Security will never do any of the following:
- Call you to demand an immediate payment.
- Demand that you pay a debt without the ability to appeal the amount you owe.
- Require a specific means of payment, such as requiring you to pay with a prepaid debit card.
- Ask you for your personal information or credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
- Threaten you with arrest or deportation.
If you receive one of these scam calls or emails, do not provide them with any information. You should:
- Hang up immediately.
- For Social Security impersonations, contact Social Security’s Office of Inspector General at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
If you receive a notice from Social Security, please use the telephone numbers provided in the notice sent to you. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov for how to contact Social Security. Remember that scammers try to stay a step ahead of the curve. You can do the same by protecting your information.
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Ida G.
Also they claim to be the FBI, his name is Lee Parker badge number 971537, he is the assistant general of investigation. Please help me I have already been scammed before
Ida G.
I just received a phone call from this number, 601 882 9833. They said that my social security number is being used in another state. But they then asked me how much money I had in my bank. Is this a scam?
A.C.
Hi, Ida. If you receive a suspicious call: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls at: http://ow.ly/LkfN50xhr8Y. For more info on how to protect yourself, check out our FAQ: http://ow.ly/AwIc50xhrkd.
Wayne G.
I received a call last Wednesday from someone claiming to be from Social Security saying my beniffits are being suspended becouse the FBI was investigating a case in Texas Where an abandonned rental car was found on the side of the road with blood inside. and several credit card account were opened in my name and connected to drug trading (cocain).The accounts led to an address in Texas and the place was vacant but I never been in Texas my Whole life so I have no idea whats going on or if there’s a warrent out for my arres in Texas that I don’t know about. It’s things like this that keeps me awake at night, What is going on?
A.C.
Hi, Wayne. Thanks for checking in with us. 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.
Clara S.
Would Social Security call to notify that my # is being used in a Texas location?
A.C.
Hi, Clara. Thanks for checking in with us. 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.
Phong S.
I received a call from social security administration said they subspended, I did call the local office, they said no one will call on the phone and tell me to report a scam
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Phong. 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.
Ronald E.
Received call @11;15EST from a revording stating my SS# has been suspended. The # is 850-601-9762 which being suspicious I called on apay phone. Person answered with an Indian accent and I asked where their office was which he replied Texas. I then wanted to know what the recording was about and that I’d report it as a scam. So I hope someone’s doing something about this so poor old people don’t get scammed.
Angelina C.
I received a letter indicating a need to talk about my back payment. I was told to call 855-249-4342 EX 2085206. The BNC#: 20D1111B22785 LJMWSU
I was told to speak to a Lisa Moyer and that they will need proof of identification.
I am concerned as this phone number does not appear to be a SS phone number. However I realize with the COVID-19 issues it may be. Should I reply to the letter with my license?
V.V.
Hi Angelina, thanks for checking in with us. 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. To see if Social Security sent the letter, you would need to call your local office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Ronald E.
Yes it helped
Melinda F.
On8-7 from 2173042158@1:38 and 8-8 from 2173049897 .@ 4:24 pm. The comment is ” this is the soc.sec department and we have suspended your account due to what seems to be suspicious activity on your number. Please press 1 to continue ” AT THAT POINT I HANG UP. They do not say my name it just comes through on my phone.
James C.
I received a call similar to the described by the woman above on 8/7/20 at ~4:25 pm pacific time. Is it legit?
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Melinda. 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.
Cary S.
I keep getting phone calls representing the Social Security office asking for my SS number. I hang up.
Today I got a call from Brownsville TX 956-983-9268.
Go get their ass!
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Cary. 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.
Karen O.
Hello,
I received a e-mail from a Mary Bennett to call about when I can start my benefits.The number was 855-249-4342 ext.2085640 just verifying that is legit.
Thank you
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Karen. 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.