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

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Comments

  1. Bambi B.

    I got 3 calls from “social security” this morning.

    The number they were calling from is 707 343 9567. Please get rid of them if you can. Very annoying, the first call was at 7am.

    Thanks,

    Bambi Bryant
    760 449 6959

    • Luis A.

      Hi Bambi. 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.

  2. John T.

    I’m getting calls saying my Social Security # has been suspended. And for me to return call to straighten it out. Also I got a call stating that my SS is going to be attached for some sort of suit and to call to straighten it out before this happens.
    I thought SS never calls and will send a letter first. What is the best way to deal with this. Thank You

    • Luis A.

      Hi John. 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.

  3. Marie r.

    Just received a message from you saying need to call this number#618-615-4259 or716-422-3027 immediately. I’m contacting you to see if this is a scam.

    • Luis A.

      Hi Marie. 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.

  4. CBThom

    I RECEIVED A CALL TODAY AND A VOICE MAIL WAS LEFT ON MY CELL PHONE. The transcription reads as follows: “cancelled until further clearance. In case you feel this is due to an error you may connect with legal Self social Security administration. In order to connect with a Social Security administration officer, Press one now. In case we did not hear from you, your social will be blocked permanently. To connect with the officer now press one and you will automatically be connected with the concern departments. We did not receive any input. Dear citizen. In order to speak with Social Security personal regarding your Social Security press one and this automated system will then connect you with the officials. Press one now to connect.

    • Luis A.

      Hi CBThom. 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. Oliva B.

    Got a call from 2812413100 this morning western time. I realized it’s a scam that’s why am reporting this number.
    Hope you can do something about this scammers. Publications and communications helps but a lot of senior citizens are not aware of this and they get scammed.
    Is there a way the FBI or another government agencies can act on this? It may not be eradicated completely but at least reading that something being done or measures implemented to protect senior citizens would be of great help.
    Thank you.

    • Luis A.

      Hi Olivia. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that 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 new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.

    • Luis A.

      Hi Olivia. 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. Rick T.

    We have gotten three recorded calls in the last two days claiming that our number is being used in south Texas.

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for checking in with us, Rick. 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.

  7. Alexandra A.

    I received a call from number 814-419-3256 starting that that legal actions were going to be started against me due to fraudulent actions on my social security number. I wanted to make sure and see if this was a scam or if it is real

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Alexandra. 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.

  8. Opal M.

    I need a Letter of budget

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Opal. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by setting up a personal my Social Security account online. For questions regarding your benefit verification letter, we ask that members in our Facebook community contact our offices. You can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call after later in the day. We hope this helps.

  9. CHRISTOPHER T.

    I just got a phone call saying that if I didn’t call back and respond then I would be penalize by SSA for this and they told me to call back right away and the number was 202 380 9658. I know this is a Washington DC area code

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Christopher. 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.

  10. Michael W.

    I received a call today from someone claiming my ss number had been deleted and wanted me to talk to a social officer. They called me from 1-254-797-4022

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for letting us know, Michael. 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.

Comments are closed.