Suspicious call from SSA agent about changing my Social Security start date - is this legit?

BE CAREFUL!!! Social Security almost NEVER calls people about their applications! They usually send letters or communicate through your mySocialSecurity account. This sounds like a scam to me. The scammer is trying to get you to call back, and THEN they'll probably ask for your personal info. DON'T CALL THAT NUMBER!!!

While the SSA does occasionally make outbound calls in limited circumstances, it's relatively rare. When they do call, they should identify themselves clearly and provide a way for you to verify they're legitimate. You should call the main SSA number (1-800-772-1213) directly to verify if this was a legitimate contact. Don't use the callback number they provided until you've confirmed it's legitimate. They might actually be reaching out about your application, but it's always best to verify independently.

No, I haven't spoken to anyone at SSA since I filed online. That's part of why it seemed suspicious to me.

This is concerning. What you described has several red flags: 1. SSA representatives typically won't suggest specific filing dates (like changing from March to November) - that's a personal financial decision they leave to you 2. The callback number format is unusual - SSA employees typically don't have direct extensions like that 3. The lack of identity verification is concerning - legitimate SSA employees would verify who they're speaking with first I recommend: - Don't call the provided number - Contact SSA directly through the official 800 number (1-800-772-1213) - Report this potential scam to the SSA's Office of the Inspector General - Review your mySocialSecurity account for any unauthorized changes On a separate note, there are legitimate financial considerations between starting benefits at FRA vs. delaying, but that advice should come from a financial advisor, not an unsolicited SSA "employee."

Omg I got almost the exact same call last week!!! But mine was about disability not retirement. They asked for my bank info to "verify my payment method" and I hung up. Total scam!!

I worked through this exact issue last month when trying to reach SSA about my benefit application. After getting suspicious calls, I tried calling the main SSA line and waited for HOURS just to verify if the call was real (it wasn't). I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that connected me to a real SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. The agent confirmed that SSA rarely makes outbound calls like you described, and we were able to check that my application was processing correctly. Worth checking out if you're struggling to get through on the main line.

I got a call from SSA last year that was actually legitimate! But they verified my identity first by asking for the last 4 digits of my SSN and my birthdate. And they were calling about an appointment I had scheduled, not suggesting changes to my benefit choices. Your situation sounds different.

One important thing to consider - there can be financial implications to your start date choice. If you were born in 1960 or later, your FRA is 67. For each month you delay beyond FRA (up to age 70), you get an additional 8% per year in benefits (about 0.67% per month). If your FRA was November 2024 and you were planning to start in March 2025, that's 4 months of delayed retirement credits, which would increase your monthly benefit by about 2.67%. So if a caller was suggesting you change from March 2025 back to November 2024 (your FRA), they would essentially be suggesting you forego that increase - which is unusual advice from SSA, as they typically just present options rather than making recommendations. This is another reason to be suspicious of the call.

what about that first phone number he called from? has anyone tried googling it??

After seeing your updates, I'm convinced this was a scam attempt. Here's what likely happened: 1. The scammer somehow obtained partial information about your application (could be from data breaches or public records) 2. They're laying groundwork for a more elaborate scam where they'll eventually try to get your personal information or redirect your benefits 3. The lack of identity verification is the biggest red flag - genuine SSA representatives are required to verify identity You're making the right move by contacting SSA directly. When you do, be sure to: - Report this suspicious call with all details (both phone numbers) - Verify your current application status and start date - Consider adding an extra security step to your mySocialSecurity account if available - Confirm no unauthorized changes have been made Glad you were cautious enough to question this!