The Federal Communications Commission Helps Consumers Avoid Scam Calls
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: June 20, 2019
You know those robocalls from scammers that you keep getting on your phones? We get them at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), too.
Scammers use a technique known as spoofing to mask their caller ID on your phone and disguise their identities to steal valuable personal information, including your bank account passwords and Social Security number. In one recent case, the toll-free number of the FCC’s Consumer Center was used to disguise the actual incoming call number.
We’ve alerted the public to the problem and have taken measures to prevent this from happening again. We’re aware that the same thing happens with Social Security’s phone number. Some callers may pressure you for personal information or immediate payment; others offer deals that seem too good to be true. The number of calls is daunting, but we are taking action to turn the tide against spoofed robocalls.
The first line of defense is consumer awareness. The FCC provides guidance about spoofing scams and robocalls, including consumer resources for call-blocking apps and other services. We also post timely articles on the FCC Consumer Help Center website to alert you to the latest scams and amplify consumer warnings from Social Security and other government agencies. Consumers can keep track of these alerts by following @FCC on Twitter.
We recommend the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of a call scam:
- Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
- If the caller is not who you were expecting, hang up immediately.
- Never give out personal information such as account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, or other identifying information if a call seems suspicious.
In its continuing efforts to help stifle malicious phone scams, the FCC empowered phone companies to aggressively block by default unwanted and illegal robocalls before they reach consumers.
It’s all about safeguarding the American public. We’ll continue to partner with Social Security, the Federal Trade Commission, and other federal agencies to get the job done.
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About the Author
Patrick Webre, Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
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Janet L.
Got a call for this number (826) 875-8798, women’s voice. Claimed there was problem with my social security account, and a warrant had been issued for my arrest. I hung up, and now am reporting this scam to you. Some people are really going to be shaken by this type of call. Please put this perps behind bars.
Ann C.
Hi, Janet. 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.
Carol H.
I received a scam call anout my Social Security benefits from this number: 1-469-257-4254 from Italy TX. I did not answer the call; they left a VM which I deleted
karen
The scammers just called me and left a call back number of 315-257-9102…..I wish I had time to mess with them and burn their time etc.!!
Ann C.
Hi, Karen. 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.
Karen G.
I received a call stating my SS Number was being deactivated for suspected fraud activity.
Ann C.
Hi, Karen. 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.
Gloria L.
Received phone calls from a person identifying as Officer Amanda Barnes. Advising me in regards to a use of my SS# out of South Texas. Is this person employed by SS. I have received several messages. The phone number is 304562 6131.
Ann C.
Thanks for letting us know, Gloria. 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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Jessica D.
I received a call from a number saying I am being sued by social security. The woman was Indian (from India). When I asked her to prove she was social security she hung up the phone on me. I have the number 1-206-415-6179. If someone can contact me regarding this I would greatly appreciate your help.
Toni L.
I did not answer this call on August 28. Message only stated that they were the Social Security Administration in Wingate, MD at 1-410-397-7599
Ann C.
Thanks for letting us know, Toni. 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.
Avis A.
I am getting calls from my own phone number! it’s a robot call from microsoft! How do I address this? They use my phone number and it comes up in my caller ID !
Wilma S.
I have received two calls saying they were from S.C. saying my acct hard something wrong and they sere suspending my S.C. payment because there was something wrong on the acct. I did not speak to them. Is this something to worry about?
Kenny O.
Hello Wilma. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not make random calls claiming “something is wrong with your account”. If you received such a call from someone claiming 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.