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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Donna T.
I received an automated voicemail today from the number (240) 766-7591 Oxon Hill, MD and it said that my social sec. number had been used in illegal activity. The message said for me to call back but I didn’t. Please let me know how I can legitimately check to see if my ssn has been used illegally. Thanks
R.F.
Hello Donna. 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, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!
JANIS B.
If you get a call from 210-405-9786 from Brownsville ,TX or leave a cell phone message it says: call this number (above) saying before legal action is filed of you social security number for criminal activity, DON’T CALL BACK, report it to your local police station and let Social Security know your getting these phone calls so they can put it in their report to fraud department. ITS A SCAM TO GET NEW INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY along with who you are.
Dorothy O.
Message left on my telephone, saying my SS number had been flagged, and accounts could be frozen. I did not return the call, number given 469-414-8256. I took this to be a scam.
R.F.
Thank you for sharing this information, Dorothy. 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.
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 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, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Citizens may -also- report this information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Jeffrey J.
is this phone number from a social security office in Philadelphia 866 431 3875
Sandra D.
I have not received my new Medicare card. I moved over a year ago and am sure they have my new address.
Celia K.
I will need a new card with the information towards my Medicare Card (Health Insurance) through Social Security
R.F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you in this matter. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Thanks!
Judith M.
I received a call from 240-366-6360 stating that they were from Social Security. The man went on to say that he needed my social security number. I immediately hung up.
Joyce A.
I received a call stating that I was under Federal Investigation. To consider this call top priority and call back immediately or this could affect my Social Security check being held. I didn’t call back. Could this be legit. I cannot imagine anything I could possibly done to be under investigation.
Mary C.
I called again and a wonderful lady said I see you called in July and the 1st of August I see they did not call you back. Well we should try to get you signed up for Medicare together. Happy dance!!!! Joy!!! Let’s do that! And we did. Oh how good this feels. No more waiting for a phone call! No need to go into SS Office. Thank you for being hopeful for me when I almost gave up. Your email response inspired me to try again. Thank you, Mary
R.F.
Thank you for your comment, Mary! We’re pleased we can help. We will continue our efforts to meet your requirements and expectations in the years to come.
Mary K.
I tried to open an account online, but got a message that I needed to go into the social security office near me. I realize they will not be calling me back. How many times should I try? I think I will go in. I’ll take a sick day off work. It is hard to trust all of you know.