Social Security Suspension Scams
The FTC received 1.4 million identity theft reports in 2024.
Quick Answer
Social Security suspension scams are a form of government imposter fraud where criminals falsely claim your Social Security Number (SSN) is suspended due to criminal activity, stealing over $126 million from victims in 2023.
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How It Works
1
You receive an unsolicited phone call, robocall, email, or text message from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The caller ID may be spoofed to look like an official government number.
2
The imposter informs you that your Social Security number has been suspended or linked to a crime, such as money laundering or drug trafficking. They create a sense of urgency and fear, threatening you with arrest, legal action, or freezing your assets if you do not cooperate.
3
The scammer demands you confirm your SSN and other personal information to "reactivate" it. They will then pressure you into making an immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash to resolve the fake issue.
Red Flags
- A threat that your Social Security number will be suspended or revoked.
- A demand for immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action.
- Instructions to pay using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash.
- Pressure to act immediately and a warning to keep the call secret.
- A promise to increase your benefits or resolve a problem in exchange for a fee or personal information.
- The caller ID displays "Social Security Administration" or its real phone number, which can be easily faked.
- You are told to move your money into a "protected" account for safekeeping.
What to Do If Targeted
- Hang up the phone immediately or delete the email or text. Do not respond.
- Never give out your Social Security number, bank account details, or other personal information to unsolicited callers.
- Do not trust your caller ID. Scammers can fake the name and number that appears.
- If you are concerned, contact the Social Security Administration directly at its official phone number (1-800-772-1213) or by visiting its official website ssa.gov to verify the communication.
- If you have already provided your information or lost money, report the identity theft immediately at identitytheft.gov.
- Talk about the experience with family or friends to warn them about the scam.
How to Report It
- FTC — File a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission, the primary agency for consumer complaints.
- FBI IC3 — Report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- SSA OIG — Report Social Security-specific scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General.
- IdentityTheft.gov — If you shared personal information, create a recovery plan with this official government resource.
- FCC — File a complaint about phone scams, robocalls, or unwanted calls with the Federal Communications Commission.
- AARP Fraud Helpline — Call 877-908-3360 for free support from trained fraud specialists. Available to anyone, not just AARP members.
Key Statistics
- Consumers reported losing over $126 million to Social Security-related scams in 2023. — National Council on Aging, citing FTC data (2024)
- Government imposter scams, including those impersonating the SSA, were the third most-reported fraud category to the FTC in 2023, with nearly 160,000 reports. — Federal Trade Commission (2024)
- Combined losses for government and business impersonation scams topped $1.1 billion in 2023, more than three times the amount reported in 2020. — Federal Trade Commission (2024)
- The SSA Office of the Inspector General reported a 22.1% increase in Social Security-related scam allegations from the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 to the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. — SSA Office of the Inspector General (2024)
- Social Security-related scams remain the most frequently reported type of government imposter scam submitted to the Federal Trade Commission. — SSA Office of the Inspector General (2024)
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will never suspend your Social Security number. The SSA does not call people to threaten them. Any claim that your SSN is suspended is a scam.
Scammers want your Social Security number to commit identity theft. They can use it to open new credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns to steal your refund, or steal your Social Security benefits.
The Social Security Administration's primary method of contact is through the U.S. Mail. While they may call you in some situations where you have ongoing business with them, they will never threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
Scammers often obtain some personal details from publicly available sources or data breaches to make their story more convincing. Do not confirm any information they provide or offer any new details. Hang up immediately, as any engagement confirms your number is active.
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