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Social Security Administration scams

Last updated September 18, 2026

The short answer

Social Security scams involve phone calls or letters claiming your Social Security number has been suspended, compromised, or linked to criminal activity. The SSA will never call to threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask you to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency. Your Social Security number cannot be "suspended."

Social Security Administration impersonation is one of the most reported scams in the United States. Scammers call claiming your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity or linked to a crime. They demand payment or personal information under threat of arrest. These calls are particularly effective against older adults and immigrants.

How Social Security Administration scams work

  1. 1

    Threatening robocall about your SSN

    A robocall says your Social Security number has been "suspended" or "compromised" due to suspicious or criminal activity. Press 1 to speak with an agent. The caller ID may show the real SSA phone number (spoofed).

  2. 2

    Fake SSA agent demands payment

    The "agent" says your SSN was used in crimes and there's a warrant for your arrest. You can resolve it by paying a fine immediately via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

  3. 3

    Identity verification phishing

    An email or letter from the "SSA" asks you to verify your identity online by entering your Social Security number, date of birth, and other personal details. The information is used for identity theft.

  4. 4

    Benefit suspension threat

    A caller says your Social Security benefits will be suspended unless you confirm your personal details. They ask for your SSN, bank account number, and date of birth.

Warning signs

  • A caller says your Social Security number has been "suspended" (this is not a real thing)
  • Someone threatens arrest unless you pay immediately
  • They demand payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
  • The caller tells you not to tell anyone about the call
  • An email or text asks you to verify your SSN by clicking a link
  • A letter from the "SSA" has grammatical errors or asks you to call a non-government number

Examples

"Your SSN has been suspended" robocall

A robocall says: "This is the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Press 1 to speak with a federal agent." The "agent" says you owe $4,200 and must pay with Target gift cards within 2 hours to avoid arrest.

Fake SSA letter requesting verification

A letter on official-looking SSA letterhead says your benefits are being reviewed and you must call a toll-free number to verify your identity. The number connects to a scammer who asks for your full SSN, bank routing number, and date of birth.

What to do

  • Hang up immediately. The SSA will not call to threaten you or demand payment.
  • If you're concerned about your SSN, contact the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
  • Report SSA impersonation scams at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.
  • If you shared your SSN, place a fraud alert with all three credit bureaus and file an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov.
  • Check your Social Security statement at ssa.gov for unauthorized activity.

Report it to Social Security Administration

Report impersonation at oig.ssa.gov/report. Your benefits are never suspended over the phone.

Our step-by-step guide: Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG)

Getting your money back

If you gave scammers your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Check your Social Security statement at my Social Security (ssa.gov) for unauthorized earnings or claims. File IRS Form 14039 to prevent tax return fraud.

Frequently asked questions

Can the SSA suspend my Social Security number?

No. The Social Security Administration will never suspend your Social Security number. This is a completely fabricated threat used by scammers. Your SSN is yours for life and cannot be suspended, revoked, or deactivated.

Does the SSA call people on the phone?

The SSA may call in limited situations, such as if you recently applied for benefits. However, they will never threaten you, demand immediate payment, ask for gift cards, or tell you not to talk to anyone. If in doubt, hang up and call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.

What should I do if I gave a scammer my Social Security number?

Act quickly: place a fraud alert or credit freeze with all three credit bureaus, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, check your credit reports for unauthorized accounts, file IRS Form 14039 to prevent tax fraud, and monitor your Social Security statement at ssa.gov.

Other companies scammers impersonate

Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about Social Security Administration, these are the guides worth reading next.

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