Scam Awareness
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
Social Security is committed to protecting the information and resources entrusted to us, including your personal information and investment. However, scam artists might try to trick you into sharing your personal information or money. We’re here to help you identify and report these kinds of schemes.
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has a new web page with tips on how to protect yourself from theft schemes, how to report scams, and recent fraud advisories. This is in response to an ongoing phone scheme, where individuals receive a call with a recorded message claiming to be from the OIG.
The message states the individual’s Social Security account, Social Security number, frand/or benefits are suspended, and that they should call a non-Social Security phone number to resolve the issue. When the individual calls this number, an unknown person pressures them into providing money or gift cards to resolve a fabricated issue, such as a warrant for the individuals’ arrest. Social Security does not solicit your personal information over the phone or by email, or request advance fees for services in the form of wire transfers or gift cards. If anyone pressures you to provide personal information or money over the phone, just hang up.
If you suspect fraud, report it to the OIG on their website or by calling the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
For more than 80 years, Social Security has secured today and tomorrow by protecting what’s important to you. You can learn more about the tools we use to identify, prevent, and fight fraud here.
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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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Josephine S.
I had a call from a scammer named Mr. Thomas Duncan (if that was his real name) from a fake Publishers Clearing House. He wanted my social security number so he could deposit some money that he claimed I won in my account at my credit union. I found out from the real Publishers Clearing House that they would never send a letter to your home. They would show up at your house and present this information to you in person.
L.A.
Hi Josephine. 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 at 1-800-269-0271 or 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.
NOT O.
I just realized I left my name and address on this site. Won’t do that again either. Dumb me!
E.E. M.
I received a call through my cell phone just now (9/16/19 at 11:05a.m. from Texas -indicated on my phone when I picked up) . The number was 3254530729. The voice accent was Pakastani or Indian. Told me there was legal action being made on my SSN. There was a related number on my phone: 4407747270. I hung up. Tried to call the number back , an announcement said the number was no longer in service.
A.C.
Hi, E.E. 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 at 1-800-269-0271 or 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.
Sylvia C.
When I applied for Apple app, my full Social Security number was required, Is it safe to provide it?
Brenda L.
YES My Name is Brenda Lee Wilson
I Have Been Getting These Phone Call’s Say that they are my From the Social Security Administration They told me that my Socail Security Number is Being Use frautly And there is a Warrant for my Arrest I Know they are not from the Social Security Administration Here is the Number they have been Calling me from it is a Florida Number 1-813-701-2529 They have called me twice from the same number I guess they tbi k I am Stupid because they are calling me from A Florida Number And Iive in North Caroline I know that Socail Security Administration Would Send me a letter through the Mail they would not be calling me at all I Just wanted to report this Awful Crime what they are doing Thank you Sincerely Brenda Lee Wilson
L.A.
Hi Brenda. 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 at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
William M.
I received a call from the said social say there fraud and are cancel my social security the number was 866 050 6773
Thomas B.
I have received 4 calls from someone claiming to be Officer David Walks from SSA wanting me to call back to 833-683-2229 to keep from being arrested. I have checked with all law enforcement agencies locally and they can find no arrest warrants for me.
K.O.
Hello Thomas. Thanks for checking with us. You may report suspicious calls to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or 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.
Donald M.
Received a recorded message from telephone # 1-214-294-9878 indicating my SSN was compromised. Call transferred to investigating officer of name Kevin Jones providing me a ID # of 417J2741. In our conversation, Kevin asked me for name and address. I refused to provide personal information, but did confirm last 4 digits of SSN. They then asked for bank account information, when I refused to provide. Agent terminated call.
L.A.
Hi Donald. 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 at 1-800-269-0271 or 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.
Robert P.
Continuation, the caller purported to be the SSA.
Robert P.
Have been receiving phone calls threatening legal action against me, and to call 888 537-4285 to resolve problem. I know it’s a scam and do not call. This is just a heads up notification.