Frauds & Scams

Scam Awareness

August 21, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

A couple sitting on a couch while using a laptopSocial 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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Comments

  1. Tom M.

    I received a call this Morn. which I am sure was fraud I want to thank you for posting these threats and how to know them and the security in which you use to protect us. Just a thanks

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for your feedback, Tom! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and your satisfaction is our reward.

  2. Christine

    Why do you ask for my SS number?

  3. Grace M.

    215-234-1056 Scam call stating something about calling about Social Security arrest warrant. I thought I would report call to protect other who might be fooled.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Grace. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If 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 find additional information here. Thanks, again!

  4. Joyce A.

    Yesterday my bank informed me that my Social Security card was compromised. I get my monthly SS benefits by direct deposit. Do I need to get a new number?

    • Vonda V.

      Hello Joyce, if you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page about this topic. Thanks!

  5. Margaret O.

    I received a phone call today—legal complaint against my social security and drivers license. They will block my s.s. card. call–210-880-4814. Can some one block my card? I did not call that number. What should I do?? Thank you for your info.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Margaret: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

      If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.

      Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.

  6. Betsy S.

    I just received a call from Pima, AZ phone number 928 485 4429 . They claimed it was from Social Security and that there was a legal action taken against my social Security Account. I think it is a scam. I think that if it were true I would receive a letter and/or a phone call
    Thank You.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Betsy: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

      If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.

      Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.

  7. Mary B.

    Yesterday at 9:37 am, I received a message from 229.261.2285 (in Georgia) from the Social Security Office. They left a message stating I needed to return the call ASAP. When I returned the call at 3:14 pm, I heard several voices and other people talking, along with a lot of other noise, like in a bull pen. I knew it was not the Social Security Office. I said “Hello”, and the man asked me for my SSN. I told him I don’t give that number out to just anyone. If he works for the SS, he should have it on file. He got upset upset with me and told me I could be sued in court.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Mary: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

      If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.

      Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.

  8. Joe

    Received This call. Hi this is Officer Ryan Smith calling you from the Department of social security administration the reason you have received his phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for criminal activities so when you get this message kind a call as soon as possible _⁠_ our number that is 209-813-0462 I repeat 209-813-0462 before we begin with the legal proceedings thank you…” This is a scam

  9. Carolyn D.

    I received a call this morning saying they were Social Security regarding a possible fraudulent use of our Social Security number. I was asked to call 929-446-4112. I believe this was a scam.

  10. LOURDES V.

    I been receiving several call for almost a week that my social is cancel . This is the number they call from .‭+1 (800) 772-1313‬
    Please send me a letter Keri g me know if this is real .

Comments are closed.