A call about your Social Security number — real or scam?
A call — sometimes a recording — says your Social Security number has been suspended, or linked to a crime, or that your benefits will stop. It may threaten arrest. It sounds official and serious. But Social Security does not work this way, and knowing that keeps you safe.
“This is the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Press 1 immediately to speak with an officer and avoid legal action.”
Social Security numbers are never "suspended," and the real agency does not call to threaten you.
How to tell
A claim that your Social Security number is suspended or blocked. That never happens — numbers aren't suspended.
Threats of arrest, or of losing your benefits, unless you act now.
They ask you to confirm your Social Security number, or to pay to "fix" it, often with gift cards or a wire.
A recorded voice asking you to press a number, or pressure to stay on the line.
What to do
1Hang up. Don't press any numbers, and don't call back the number they used.
2The real Social Security Administration is 1-800-772-1213. If you're worried, call that number yourself.
3Never give your Social Security number, or pay anyone, over a phone call like this.
If you already clicked or paid
First: don’t blame yourself, and don’t hide it. Acting quickly matters more than anything else.
If you shared your Social Security number, you can place a free fraud alert with the credit bureaus and watch your accounts.
If you paid, contact your bank or the gift card company right away, and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
These calls are designed to frighten. Feeling scared by an official-sounding threat is human, not foolish.
Worth remembering: Social Security numbers are never suspended, and the agency never calls to threaten you. Any call like that is a scam. Hang up.