Frauds & Scams

Protecting What’s Important to You

September 30, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last 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:

  1. Inspector General Warns Public About Social Security Advisory Board-Related Scam
  2. Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
  3. 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

Comments

  1. Robert S.

    I have received fraudulent , phone calls . the number from the call 1 701 997-0391. They left a message. when i try to call them back no one would pick the phone up.

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for letting us know, Robert. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. Thanks, again.

  2. Mel P.

    It is obvious that Congress needs to do something, now about these calls, They make them because they steal lots and lots of money. The people that believe are from other countries and think a phone call from a government entity has to be followed and people who are falling into dementia, of various types, and people who can’t or don’t read. It may help to run announcements on television and chase some of the callers down, like on 60 minutes.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mel. Thanks for your concern. We are informing the public about these calls through TV and radio commercials, our website, our toll free number, as well as our Social Media sites. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  3. Mike

    how do I know what day to expect my check every month thanks Mike Reid

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mike. In May 1997, SSA started delivering Social Security on the 3rd of the month and on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The three new payment dates are assigned based on the beneficiary’s day of birth. Beneficiaries entitled to Social Security benefits prior to May 1997 continue to receive their benefits on the 3rd of each month. For future pay dates, you may find our Schedule of Social Security Payments useful. Thanks!

  4. LINDA C.

    Had message on my cell phone that my Social Security benefits had been suspended and to call 916-407-1481. It was a recorded message. I assumed it was a scam and did not return the call. Just reporting for your information only.

    • Luis A.

      Hi Linda. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  5. Mike T.

    I get calls daily claiming to be from SSA about my benefits are in jedardy! I will cut off! I never answer! Today I called back! I could hear in the background it sounded like a scammer headquarters!
    This is the #+15302036655
    I hope u can do something!

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mike. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  6. MK S.

    Calls coming from 704-703-9848 and 443-219-0660 are bogus calls claiming to be Social Security. Claiming that your SS# has been hijacked and has criminal fraudulent activity attached to it. They are threatening.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, MK. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  7. Kelly B.

    Hi I just received a phone call that my social security number was gonna be suspended if I don’t call back is this some kind of scam did not mention my name or any personal info

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for checking in with us, Kelly. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  8. Hugo E.

    I have been received phone calls from numbers 18000669853 and 18002209580, originated in California and claiming to be from SSA Administration. I didn’t answer but they left a Message identifying themselves as SSA Administration, saying that my SSA number has been blocked because suspicious activity and asking me to press #1 if I want to speak with a SSA representative.
    I erased the messages but kept the phone numbers.
    The most recent calls were yesterday Oct 2, 2019 and today Oct 3, 2019. The person speaking in both messages was the same woman speaking in English but with a very strong accent.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Hugo. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. Thanks, again.

  9. Richard E.

    Just received a call from ph.#: 866-772-6325 w/ a recorded message saying that there was an arrest warrant out in my name from SSA. At the end of the recording it was stated to speak w/ an agent press 1. I did not do so. Just an FYI.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Richard. Thanks for checking in with us. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

  10. Stuart F.

    Hello,
    Repeated CALLS from 202-657-4613
    claiming to be the social sec. admin.
    Asking for money , DEMANDING MONEY.
    STOP THE FRAUD!!!! NOW.

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for letting us know, Stuart. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.

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