Received their call today. Just sent forms a few weeks ago. Questions like them asking for ss# is fishy to me. Never asked for bank info. Never would give. These reviews if legimate need to be changed.
By calling 1-800-772-1213, you can use our automated telephone services to get recorded information and conduct some business 24 hours a day. If you cannot handle your business through our automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
By calling 1-800-772-1213, you can use our automated telephone services to get recorded information and conduct some business 24 hours a day. If you cannot handle your business through our automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
We absolutely DO ask for your identifying information, including your SSN if we are contacting you about a Social Security matter that requires us to access your records. You always have the right to refuse to give it. You will then be told to visit your nearest office in person for further assistance.
The data center absolutely calls people to clear up errors on forms or to follow up on applications. They work from 7amEST to 1am EST. They can call customers as late as 9:00 in their own time zone. They will normally make 3 attempts to contact a person. If they are unable to reach them, they will send a letter or forward a report a local social security office. They can also do this if you don't want to give them your identifying information when they call you. It will significantly delay processing of your issue, but the option is available if you don't want to give them your SSN and other information needed to verify that they have reached the correct person.
As a reply to the person who earlier said it must be a scam because the National 800# operator couldn't confirm they had been called, I work on the National 800#. We can't always tell if someone from an internal department is trying to reach you. If you have a name and/or phone number, we can verify if they work for SSA, but that's about it.
It's good to be cautious about giving out your information, but you can generally tell if we are legit. You know if you've filed any applications or forms with us. If we say we are calling about (whatever), and you did start to conduct that type of business with us, or send in that kind of form, there's a good chance we are trying to help you. If you still don't feel comfortable, ask the caller to send you a letter instead.
FYI - the number that started this is legitimate. Debby is a friend of mine. She's worked for Social Security for 15years.