Protecting What’s Important to You
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: June 30, 2021
Unfortunately, scams are a part of our current reality. Scammers are always thinking of different ways to trick their targets, coming up with various ways to try to steal your information, identity, and benefits. They depend on you not knowing about their methods.
We always say that preparation begins with information. Being informed about the latest scams and knowing the signs can go a long way toward staying a step ahead of them. Check out our infographic to learn how you can help us protect your information.
Also, stay up to date by reading our blog series on scams:
- Inspector General Warns Public About Social Security Advisory Board-Related Scam
- Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
- How You Can Help Social Security Protect Your Information
Every day, people get tricked into sending money or giving out personal information. Don’t be one of them! Together, you and Social Security can thwart the scammers’ efforts.
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About the Author
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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T. S.
I have received at least 4 phone calls within about 2-2.5 hours this morning. All from 516-224-7792. I do not answer these calls, because I do not know the number. I have tried in vain to determine if this is a real number for the social security administration. Each time a pre-recorded (very robocall sounding) message. Essentially saying that they have been trying to get in touch with me. Please call the SSA at the following number as soon as possible. I’ve gone as far as blocking the number after the second call but am STILL getting voicemail. No clue as to what it is about because I’m not calling back a number that I don’t know, cannot verify, is no one that I know and it so generic. I call SCAM on this one.
L.A.
Hi. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Carol P.
Received a call from 908-223-5485 & 972-237-8790 saying that a warrent was issued and all my accounts have been frozen for an incident in Texas. I have never been to Texas. The person claims to be a police officer for the SSA by the name of Seth Cooper, badge # 131248. Is this a scam?
L.A.
Hi Carol. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Pascal
some called from 410-965-1234 to continue my claim
Is this a valid number?
L.A.
Hi Pascal. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Kristina
I just recieved a call stating that my social security will be canceled because there is legal actions against me, the phone number is (623) 471-6959
L.A.
Hi Kristina. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Pablo
Just receive a call from +1 800 921 1486 with a recording stating that my ssn will be cancelled and all benefits will be over due to suspicious activity, never went with the agent and was on muted mic.
L.A.
Hi Pablo. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Eugenia A.
I just received a call from “Social Security Administration” at 18006078910. I didn’t answer and they left a voicemail saying the “Federal crime and investigation department” needed to talk to me asap. They wanted me to call that number back. Sounded fishy to me. My SSA check is due; should I be worried?
L.A.
Hi Eugenia. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Janet
I got a recorded call today from 817-375-8430 saying that my SSN had been used fraudulently south of the border and to press one for an officer. I hung up.
Janet B.
I just got the call again, this time from 726-293-0829
L.A.
Hi Janet. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Elie
I had a missed call from tel#+16822358269
I called back and a woman with an accent answered, I didn’t quite understood her but she did say SSD, then I asked her why they called me and asked her name and she hang up, i called again and i got a man with an accent i explained the situation and he if they didn’t leave a message then it would be fine, I asked his name he said “John Webster”. I told him that I don’t think SSD calls people then he said something I didn’t quite understood due to his accent. I asked to provide their address and he said, “400 Dr East County apt 24, zip code 78759”.
Fraud and scam?
L.A.
Hi Elie. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Edgar S.
Dear SSA, wouldn’t it be more appropriate and soothing to tell consumers of the number of prosecutions undertaken, in progress, and convictions obtained by SSA? Might also deter the bad actors.
Priscilla
I received 3 calls today and they left an automated message on my answering machine. They claimed there had been criminal activity with my social security and to call them back before it was taken to court. The number was a Columbus Ohio # 614-398-4970. Scam ?
A.C.
Hi, Pricilla. 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.