There is a specific phrase that should make you hang up immediately: "Your Social Security number has been suspended." Social Security numbers cannot be suspended. This call is always, without exception, a scam.

What they say

The call — usually a robocall — claims your Social Security number has been "temporarily suspended" due to suspicious activity, connection to drug trafficking, or identity theft. You must press 1 or call back to "reactivate" your number or avoid arrest. A real-sounding "SSA agent" then pressures you for personal information or payment.

What they want

These scammers are after two things: your Social Security number (to steal your identity) or money (paid by gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency to "clear your name"). Sometimes both.

How the Social Security Administration actually works

What the SSA actually does
  • The SSA primarily communicates by mail
  • The SSA will never threaten arrest or police action
  • The SSA will never demand immediate payment to avoid legal consequences
  • The SSA will never ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
  • Your Social Security number cannot be "suspended"

If you receive this call

What to do
  • Hang up immediately
  • Do not press 1, do not engage, do not call back
  • Report to the SSA's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271
  • Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • If you gave personal information, place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus immediately

Written by Garland A. Hurt, Founder & Information Security Officer, ProtectMyCircle.

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