Frauds & Scams

Social Security Launches New Campaign to Fight Scammers

February 13, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

" "Recently, we launched a new Public Service Announcement* campaign as our latest step to caution you about the ongoing nationwide telephone impersonation scheme. The videos feature a message from our Commissioner, Andrew Saul. Along with our Office of the Inspector General, we continue to receive reports about fraudulent phone calls and emails from people falsely claiming they’re government employees. The scammers play on emotions like fear to convince people to provide personal information or money in cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Fraudsters are also emailing fake documents in attempts to get people to comply with their demands.

“I want every American to know that if a suspicious caller states there is a problem with their Social Security number or account, they should hang up and never give the caller money or personal information. People should then go online to report the scam call to Social Security,” said Commissioner Saul.

Commissioner Saul also addressed the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging on  January 29. He spoke frankly about these ongoing schemes and how we are educating the public about them.

You can watch the hearing or read the transcript at www.aging.senate.gov/hearings/thats-not-the-government-calling-protecting-seniors-from-the-social-security-impersonation-scam.

Learn to protect yourself and report any suspicious calls and emails right away. If you have already been a victim of one of these scams, do not be embarrassed, and please report it so we can stop these scammers and protect other people. Please share our new Public Service Announcement video with your family and friends.*

*Note: This video is no longer available.

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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. William

    Is this government # for ssa 1 800 772 1213.Because I gave information about my wife s so # ending 1163.
    Please advice or help if it isn’t.

  2. Chunilal B.

    While applying online job, care.com is asking to fill SSN in their application form as a requirement of Background Check. How can I know that this not a scam? please email me your suggestion, if possible. Thanks.

  3. Duane S.

    I just received a phone call claiming to be SSA to inform me my SSN was being used in Texas. The number on my caller ID was 904-874-5583. Is this one of your numbers or a scam?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Duane. 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.

  4. Kristin

    the reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there’s a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for fraudulent activity so before this matter goes to the state courthouse and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any question kindly call us back at 916-378-8810 thank
    This was sent 3 times this week.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Kristin. 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.

  5. Bonnie J.

    I have been getting calls that my SS number has been compromised and I will not be getting my benefits. I did not answer.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Bonnie. 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.

  6. Cathy A.

    I just got a phone call someone saying they are from Social Security wanting me to give them my SS number…..I told them first off Social Security does not call people….and how they are scamming people and they should be ashamed of themselves, and that person hung up.The phone number they called from is 1-830-216-8068

    • A.C.

      Thanks for letting us know, Cathy. 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.

  7. Linda T.

    I have had 3 phone calls today from Marie Gomez to call 855-971-1934 regarding my SSN being suspended. This is obviously a scam message. Please shut them down. Thank you.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Linda. 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.

  8. Sheila J.

    I get a phone call five minutes ago telling me that they are calling from social security office because they suspect illegal activities on my social security number so it has been suspended. I should press one to continue. I hang up call the social security administration number and I get a recording which direct me to the website online..

  9. Jacqueline T.

    I received 2 phone calls with the # 903-767-4363 telling me that my Social Security is in trouble. I hope this helps to catch whoever is doing this.

  10. Margie M.

    Someone has already tried to impersonate me on line about my SS account.

    margie k mcbryar

Comments are closed.