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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
See Comments
About the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Brea
I received multiple calls from a Damian from Charles City, VA Ph#804-829-3886 stating that he is from the Social Security Administration and that my Social Security number is being used in an illegal operation and has been compromised. My benefits are being suspended today. Please contact your allotted Paralegal 804-569-5071. Is this a scam? Thoughts everyone?
Ray F.
This does not appear to be a legitimate number for Social Security, Brea. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees 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). Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Neil F.
i have questions about my accounti’d like to schedule a callback612-655-4746
Ray F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. We do not provide call-back services. One of our representatives should be able to assist you. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Neil F.
i have questions about my account
I’d need a to schedule call back 612655-4746
Mark
Received an email (see below) after applying online for retirement benefits, is this legitimate?
Dear MARK D CASEY
Please call our office before Friday, April 13, 2018 and ask for Ms. T. Wickett. The telephone number is 855-897-4927 ext.27707. We need to talk to you about:
The month you can begin receiving benefits.
Your Medicare entitlement.
When you call our office, please have this letter with you. It will help us to serve you more quickly.
Social Security Administration
Ray F.
The information appears to be legitimate, Mark. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees may contact 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!
Link to FO
Leonard R.
back in Feb I requested help via email in ref:my user name and password. As of 3/23/18 I have received NO HELP AT ALL. I can’t even find of get the local office for them to help OR their hours . Why is it SO HARD to navigate the ssa system????????? Len Diehl Northumberland Pa. 17857
Ray F.
We’re sorry that you’re having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account.
If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Thanks!
William H.
I received 2 calls today from 201-596-4527. The male voice left a message that my social security # has been compromised and to call the number above immediately due to my assets are being frozen. I called them back from a VOIP line with a different area code than what they called me at. They answered “Social Security Administration”. I immediately asked the woman that answered the phone what her name and badge # are. She hung up.
Ray F.
Thank you for sharing, William. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending.
As a reminder, 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).
Peter M.
Attempting to contact the SS office is about the most frustrating endeavor i have ever undertaken. i tried the 800 phone number 6 times and each time was told to wait over an hour which time i don’t have. finally i was told i could get a call-back. i did, and when the call came it went right to the survey and skipped the agent completely!!!!!
cannot use the online method of contact because in attempting to create an account my answers to all of the questions are rejected as incorrect. how ridiculous it is to tell me i don’t know the answers to personal questions!!!! would someone please call me at 813-996-2555
i must change the address for me and for my wife
Ray F.
We apologize for all of these inconveniences, Peter. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, please call our dedicated my Social Security Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213, at the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”. When calling our toll free number, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
You can also report your change of address by mail to your local Social Security office. You and your wife must submit the request individually. Please include your Social Security number or claim number in the request. We hope this helps.
patricia r.
I received a phone call fro SS??? threatening me with legal action if i dont call them back….FRAUD
The number is 1 210 762 6010
Ray F.
Thank you for sharing, Patricia. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending.
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).
Doug D.
Got a call today from a 210-374-8373 number claiming to be Social Security. Called back and a person in India answered claiming to be in Dallas when I asked what office she was in. I told her I was in FL and had no intention of talking with her.
Ray F.
Thanks for sharing, Doug. Just a reminder, 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!
barbara f.
Please call me to discuss medicare at 646 734-0083