Frauds & Scams

Is that Phone Call From Us?

October 30, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

woman talking on the phone 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Nicolette s.

    Is 855-249-4340 a legitimate phone number from SSA?

  2. Mary M.

    Here is the content of the fraud call I got:
    “Sean _⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_ _⁠_⁠_ from the Department of Social Security Administration the reason you have received this phone call from our department and is just to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed against _⁠_⁠_ your Social Security number for criminal activities so when you get this message kindly call as soon as possible long our number that is 210-460-1179 again that is 210-460-1179 before we proceed with the legal procedure thank you…”

  3. James C.

    I received a phone call recording today from 800-772-6311 claiming my SS # has been frozen or deactivated. I was prompted to respond by pressing 1 on my phone for further action. I hung up. Please advise. Jim Costello

  4. Alvin F.

    Got a call from 707-271-6143 claiming to be from Social Security – suspect scam.

  5. Ed B.

    Is 866-431-3875 a valid Social Security Administration phone number ?

  6. Edwards

    Just received two calls from (800) 772-8956 about my number being suspended due to suspicious activity. Reported to SSA.

  7. Steven B.

    Hi,
    I have been getting robo calls from someone saying they are from the Department of Social Security and my SSN has been revoked and pending investigation. 800-772-1778 please advise. Thank you!

  8. Peter D.

    I have received 2 phone calls saying they are social security and legal actions have been filed on my social security number for faudulent activities and I need to call 845-419-3075 before they take further action.

    Can you tel me if this is a scam.

    Thank you for your assistance,

    Peter DePalma

  9. Louis P.

    I am getting bombarded by 877 calls saying they are SSA and my SSN is blocked. I figured there was nothing not right as this is not the first time something like this has happened to me, but it does raise your blood pressure and you start the think what may have happened… I appreciate the publication explaining exactly what is happening to me as these calls continue.

  10. Pam P.

    I received a scam phone call & went to report it on the OIG site. It is asking if it’s a business & an address, etc. I have no idea. I tried to Google, but it wasn’t a known scam number. I just received 2 phone calls & automated voice messages within 30 minutes. The number is 4106094293. Is there a different site to report only phone numbers?

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