How to identify legitimate Social Security calls without falling for scams?

You're being smart about this! Social Security will typically leave a voicemail identifying themselves with a callback number. You can verify any number by calling SSA's main number (1-800-772-1213) and asking if the call was legitimate. Always do this instead of calling back directly. When SSA calls, they'll have some info already (like your name and application details) but they should NEVER ask for your full SSN over the phone. They might ask you to verify the last 4 digits, though. Also, they'll never threaten to suspend your number or benefits if you don't provide information immediately - that's a major red flag for scams.

Thank you! That's exactly what I needed to know. I'll make sure to let any call go to voicemail first, then verify through the official number before returning calls. Glad to know they don't need my full SSN over the phone - that was my biggest worry.

omg i got a call last month saying my ssn was suspended for suspicious activity!! they wanted me to verify all this stuff but i hung up. good thing i did right? sounds like that was def a scam from what the other person said

Absolutely a scam! Social Security will NEVER call to tell you your number is suspended. Good job hanging up!

I had a similar concern when I applied for my benefits last year. The SSA rep who called me actually started by saying \

That's good to know they're being careful too! My daughter keeps telling me to be careful about these things. My neighbor got scammed last year and lost almost $5000 to someone pretending to be from Medicare. These scammers are getting so sophisticated now.

The PROBLEM with SSA is they make it SO HARD to reach them that when they DO call, we're all suspicious!!! I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through on their 800 number last month. Constant busy signals or disconnects after waiting 45+ minutes! The system is BROKEN and it forces seniors to make difficult choices about which calls to trust. Maybe if they had a functional phone system, this wouldn't be such an issue!!!

I know this is frustrating! I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to SSA without the endless waiting. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. I used it when I needed to discuss my spousal benefits and got through in under 30 minutes instead of spending days calling.

Really? That sounds helpful. I might look into that if I need to call them. Is it difficult to use? I'm not very tech savvy.

Not difficult at all! You just enter your phone number and they call you when they've got an agent on the line. Much simpler than spending hours hitting redial.

my ss claim took 3 months to process and they never called me once lol so you might not even get a call. i had to keep checking my online account to see any updates

That's interesting... I wonder if they only call in certain situations? I'll keep an eye on my online account too. Thanks for sharing your experience!

One specific tip: When Social Security calls, they should be able to tell you details about when you applied and what you applied for, but they should NOT ask you to provide this information to them. If they start by asking you to

omg gift cards! my uncle almost sent $2000 in target gift cards to someone claiming to be from ssa last year!! they said his benefits would be cancelled if he didnt pay a \

To summarize the advice here for identifying legitimate SSA calls:1. Let unknown calls go to voicemail2. A legitimate SSA caller will identify themselves and leave a callback number3. NEVER call back directly - instead call the official SSA number (1-800-772-1213) to verify4. SSA representatives will know details about your application5. They won't ask for your full SSN, only last 4 digits at most6. They'll never request payments, especially via gift cards or wire transfers7. No legitimate SSA call will involve threats or creating urgency8. When in doubt, visit your local SSA office in personYou're doing the right thing by being cautious!

This is incredibly helpful - thank you for putting together this summary! I'm going to save this information for reference. I feel much more prepared now if/when I get a call.

I don't think they called me when I filed for my retirement benefits but they did call when I had that issue with my Medicare Part B last fall. The funny thing was the call came from a blocked number so I didn't answer it at first! They called again the next day and left a message that time. You know what's strange is they called at like 7:30pm which seemed odd to me. But it was a real call.

they called me at 8pm once! I guess they work late sometimes lol

The REAL problem is that SSA doesn't have a consistent way to identify themselves! Some calls come from visible numbers, others from BLOCKED numbers. Sometimes they leave messages, sometimes they don't. The SSA needs to GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER and create a secure verification system - maybe a personalized code in your online account that a legitimate caller would know? Until then, WE'RE ALL AT RISK!

that code idea is actually really smart!! someone should tell ssa about that lol

Good luck getting ANYONE at SSA to listen to suggestions from actual beneficiaries! The whole system is BROKEN!!!