How to Recognize Social Security Scams

Scammers call claiming your Social Security number was "suspended" or linked to crime. This is always a scam — Social Security numbers cannot be suspended.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Know that Social Security numbers cannot be suspended
2.Do not confirm your SSN over the phone
3.Hang up and call the real SSA directly
4.Do not move your money
5.Report the call to the SSA and FTC

Know that Social Security numbers cannot be suspended

~15s

This is the single most important fact to remember. Your SSN can never be "suspended," "cancelled," or "frozen." Anyone claiming otherwise is lying. Hang up.

Do not confirm your SSN over the phone

~23s

Never read your full Social Security number to an unsolicited caller, regardless of who they claim to be. The SSA already has your number — a real SSA agent would never need you to confirm it.

Warning

Partial confirmation is also risky. A scammer may say "Is your number ending in 1234?" — confirming the last four digits helps them complete a stolen record. Do not confirm any portion.

Hang up and call the real SSA directly

~15s

If you are worried about your Social Security account, hang up and call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213. You can also check your account online at SSA.gov/myaccount.

Do not move your money

~15s

Scammers will say your money is at risk and needs to be "protected" by moving it to a new account, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate government agencies never ask you to do this.

Report the call to the SSA and FTC

~15s

Report SSA impersonation calls to the SSA Office of Inspector General at OIG.SSA.gov or 1-800-269-0271. Also report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Social Security impersonation scams are among the most reported frauds in America. The FTC consistently ranks them as the number one government impersonation scam by reported losses — over $1 billion per year.

The most common version

: You receive a robocall or live call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They say your Social Security number has been "suspended" because it was linked to drug trafficking, money laundering, or another crime. They warn that you will be arrested unless you verify your information or transfer your money to a "safe government account."

The truth

: Social Security numbers cannot be suspended. The Social Security Administration does not call people to tell them their number is under investigation. If there is a real issue with your Social Security account, you receive a letter in the mail.

Scammers use caller ID spoofing to make the call appear to come from the SSA's real number (1-800-772-1213). Even if the number looks official, it does not mean the call is real.

Other variants

: - Saying your benefits will stop unless you confirm your number - Claiming there are "suspicious transactions" linked to your SSN - Asking you to "protect your money" by withdrawing it or converting it to gift cards or cryptocurrency

The real SSA will never threaten you, demand immediate action, or ask for payment to restore benefits.

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