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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Lauren J.
Just received a robocall from the “Social Security Administration” from 214-612-6821 (Red Oak, TX)…….it was an automated call to let me know my account has fraud activity and I am currently being investigated for a felony and to …and then I hung up……
A.C.
Hi, Lauren. Thanks for checking in with us. 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 also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Tammy M.
Please please… Stop the calls that keep coming and coming…. They say they are from the SSA…The # they use is 877-324-0398 Thank you so very much… Please help… I have no way to block this # on my land line, and they call several times day, and night…
A.C.
Hi, Tammy. 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 also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Aletha A.
This blog post explains “the FCC is doing everything we can” can you explain what this is specifically? Thank you
Mrs D.
Thanks! I will continue deleting these calls
Mrs Tate
Francisco C.
I have been receiving calls stating that actions are been taken against my Social Security account or that I may be required to appear before a U S Magistrate. Are this legitimate calls?
Tonya s.
I Been getting scam scam calls saying i that I have a warrant out for my arrest and that I have to pay so much of money so there won’t be a warrant issue for my arrest and that I have to send money to social security to stop the warrant
A.C.
Hi, Tonya. Thanks for checking in with us. 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 also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. Thanks, again.
Rachel M.
I have been receiving scam calls on my social security account. Rachel Merrill at 317-679-2772. This has gone on for months. My card number is *** – ** – ***.
Thanks for your help with this matter.
Sincerely,
Rachel Merrill
A.C.
Hi, Rachel. Thanks for checking in with us. 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 also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Debbie K.
all the numbers I’m emailing you are scams calling my cell phone.
877 153-8608 510 112-7850 510 112-7847
510 112-7840 . I wish there was something we could do. I block them but a new one is always popping up.
J.Y.
Thanks for letting us know, Debbie. 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. Thanks also for helping us fight fraud.
john c.
I keep getting a message say they are legal dept ssa they leave no name tell me to hold line that a rep will be with me ssa does not have my phone # its new# i was told ssa does not call please advise i am retired on ss.
Randy L.
Are you going to protect us as well when the caller ID number is unrecognizable, but the caller is legitimate such as my doctor, social security, Medicare, a company we do business with?
Appointments not made, bills not paid, instructions not followed etc because I don’t recognize the number.
Stop spoofing now in its tracks. All callers should have unchangeable accurate caller id’s. The only option would be to hide your caller ID. The person receiving the call is not responsible for not answering a masked call. Absolutely no fake caller Id’s.
Elizabeth
Because I think the phone companies are selling the primary numbers and the numbers that phone receives and calls. That’s why the scammers start calling from a different state or from same state then if you don’t answer they will call from a place u call or receive calls from. The number will have the same area code and first 3 digits. In my case I will answer because what if it is my doctor etc.. just using another phone.