Social Security Scam

Your Social Security Number cannot be "suspended" or "blocked" — that's the core of why this scam is a lie. The Social Security Administration almost never calls; when it does, it never threatens. Anyone calling to tell you otherwise is committing fraud.

Warning signs

• Robocall claiming your SSN has been suspended for suspicious activity.
• Instructions to press 1 to "speak to your case agent".
• Demands to confirm your full SSN to "verify your identity".
• Requests to move money to a "safe federal account".

Real-world scripts

• "Your Social Security Number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Press 1 to resolve."
• "To prevent legal action, you must verify your SSN immediately."
• "Your benefits will be cut off unless you withdraw your savings and place them in a secure federal vault."

If you receive this call

• Hang up. SSNs are not suspended. Ever.
• If you're unsure, verify directly: 1-800-772-1213 (SSA national number).
• Report at oig.ssa.gov.
• File at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

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