Telephone Scam

INFORMATION from the FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION There is a rapidly growing scam that is being used to try and obtain your SSN. Scammers are saying your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or because it’s been involved in a crime. Sometimes, the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it. Sometimes, he’ll say your bank account is about to be seized – but he’ll tell you what to do to keep it safe. (Often, that involves putting your money on gift cards and giving him the codes – which, of course, means that your money is gone.)
Your caller ID may show the real SSA phone number (1-800-772-1213) when scammers call – but they’re faking that number. It’s not the real SSA calling.

Here’s what to know:

  • Your SSN is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who randomly calls. Your bank accounts are not about to be seized.
  • SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Every time.
  • The real SSA number is 1-800-772-1213, but scammers are putting that number in the caller ID. If you’re worried about what the caller says, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 to speak to the real SSA. Even if the wait time is long, confirm with the real SSA before responding to one of these calls.
  • Never give any part of your SSN, your bank account, or credit card number to anyone who contacts you.