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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Cesar
Hello, I received a call from this number 2182085161, is this a scam number stating that they are social security officials. please help
R.F.
Hello Cesar. 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 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. Thanks!
Blake P.
I just received a call about my S.S. and was wondering if it was a scam. the number was 800-842-0588 Ext. 34574 from Il. I am waiting for a call out S.S retirement but this call asked questions that they should know. should I be worried about his #.
Thank You
Blake
R.F.
Hello Jake. 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 report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!
Joshua D.
Dear social security department,
i recieved a threatening phone call from 210 666 9654 and when i questioned what it was in ragard to they hung up on me 4 different times. I wanted you to be aware and ask if you contacted me at my bumber 917 741 3802. Please email to let me know. Thank you for your time.
Joshua
Ana m.
Hi . My name is Ana , and I received a phone call from 1916 226 4410 , saying something about my ss number.. I’m calling back to this number but , they said can’t receive call at this time, I would like to know what going on..
thank
R.F.
Hello Ana. 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, 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). Thanks!
Michelle M.
Thank you for this blog. I received a call today from a recording, regarding my social securing card, demanding I call a number and provide personal information or I will “get arrested.” It sounded fishy. (240) 900-0922
V.V.
Hello Michelle. 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, 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). Individuals may also report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Elliander E.
Whenever I call social security, I am asked if I want a call back. I say yes, then over an hour later I get a call back from the number 1-800-772-1213 and then I hear a phone sound like someone picked it up then set it down on a table and then silence. I’m on the phone right now, sitting in silence as someone is paid to not take calls at the social security administration.
V.V.
Hi Elliander. We’re sorry that you are having difficulties reaching someone by phone.
Remember, many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, requesting a replacement Medicare card, or reporting a change of address are conveniently available anytime at our website. In your personal my Social Security account, you can click on “Get Help” to “Ask a Question” or “Talk to an Expert” for a call back. Plus, a new “Click to Chat” feature, providing individuals in their my Social Security account an opportunity to chat with a Social Security representative, is coming soon. Also, through our Blog we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask it here. But remember; never post personal information on social media.
Albert B.
I recieved a call from (425) 689-0464
message
We need to talk to you as soon as possible. Again this call is from Social Security Administration. Number to reach department is 425-689-0464. I repeat it’s 425-689-0464. Thank you. I know this is not SSA. Just wanted you all to know
V.V.
Thank you for sharing, Albert. 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 is pending. 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. Thanks!
Javier O.
I received a phone call for one person from the SSA asked me for me SS # and personal information due to my SS# was involved on money laundry and he wanted all my personal information when I said no he started to threaded me and he was to call the sheriff`s department after I hang on I check the phone number and it was from the SSA. after that I received other phone call where they toll me that I have 24 hrs. to verify my identity.
on this case what do I have to do
V.V.
Javier, thank you for checking in with us. 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 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 you have questions about any communication — email, letter, text or phone call — that claims to be from SSA, 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). You may also report the information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
mojo
I received a call today and I could tell that it was recorded also it sounded like a threat ie. “don’t disregard this notice” sic. or else.
Amy
I received a call from… 240-627-6170., a man left a message asking me to call back that number. He also said his badge number I D # was .. GA5012. Said that my ss # was being used for illegal activities. I called back, he answered right away … He knew my name and asked me to give my ss #… To verify I was the person because he had sensitive information to discuss with me. I told him I don’t give that kind of information over the phone. He seemed irritated and said if I didn’t verify then he would wipe my information from the system. I should have hung up, but I told him to go right ahead and try it… And that it would be impossible for him to do that because then I would be a non existent person on this planet. Then he tried to make appt with me to come down to Baltimore. I sais why the heck would I want to do that ?.. I have a social security office right up the street from me. He then hung up the phone. Just wanted to share with people… To be aware. Thanks.
R.F.
Thank you for sharing this information, Amy. 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 receives a suspicious call from someone alleging 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 that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.