SCAM AWARENESSSocial Security threats
In a Social Security impostor scam, someone pretends to work for the Social Security Administration or its Inspector General. They say your number has been suspended, used in a crime, or that your benefits will stop. The goal is to scare you into paying money or giving up your Social Security number and bank details.
How this scam works
The scam often starts with a robocall or text saying there is a serious problem with your Social Security number. When you call back or press a key, an "agent" says your number was found at a crime scene or used for money laundering and is being suspended. They may give a fake badge number or send a photo of an ID.
Next, they say the only way to protect yourself is to confirm your number and move your money or pay a fine. They ask for gift cards, cash, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment app transfers. They may tell you to stay on the line and not talk to anyone. Some versions promise a benefit increase if you pay a fee first.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGE"This is a call from the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Press 1 now to speak with an agent, or legal action will be taken and your benefits will stop."
Warning signs
- A claim that your Social Security number is "suspended" or "blocked"
- Threats of arrest or legal action unless you pay right away
- Demands for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or cash by mail
- Being told to move money to protect it
- A promise of more benefits if you pay a fee
- Pressure to stay on the line and keep it secret
How to protect yourself
- Know that Social Security's Inspector General says your number will not be suspended because someone else used it in a crime.
- Never give your Social Security number to someone who contacted you first.
- Hang up and use the official Social Security website or your local office to check on benefits.
- Never pay a government agency with gift cards, cryptocurrency or cash in the mail.
- Let unknown calls go to voicemail and don't press keys in robocalls.
If you already responded
- If you paid with gift cards, call the card company right away using the number on the card.
- If you sent money from your bank or a payment app, contact them now and ask to stop or reverse it.
- If you gave your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov and consider a free credit freeze.
- If you gave bank details, ask your bank to watch for fraud or close the account.
- Report the scam to Social Security's Office of the Inspector General and to the FTC.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
- Social Security OIG: report the scam ↗
- Report fraud to the FTC ↗
- Report identity theft and get a recovery plan ↗
Common questions
Can my Social Security number be suspended?
No. Social Security's Office of the Inspector General says your number will not be suspended because someone else used it in a crime. A caller who says your number is suspended or blocked is a scammer. Hang up and don't give them any information.
Does Social Security ever call people?
Social Security may sometimes call, for example if you have ongoing business with the agency. But it will not threaten arrest, demand immediate payment, or ask for gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. If you're unsure, hang up and contact Social Security using information from its official website.
What should I do if I gave a scammer my Social Security number?
Go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a step-by-step recovery plan. Consider placing a free credit freeze with all three credit bureaus so no one can open new credit in your name. Watch your bank accounts, credit reports and benefit statements for anything unusual.