Government
Social Security Impersonation
Someone claims to be from Social Security saying your number is suspended and you must act now.
How it works
You get a call, text, or recorded message saying your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity or a crime. They say your benefits will stop unless you confirm your number or move your money to a safe account. Social Security will never suspend your number or call to threaten you.
Warning signs
- Says your Social Security number is suspended or blocked
- Threatens loss of benefits or arrest
- Demands you confirm your full SSN
- Asks you to move money to keep it safe
- Wants payment by gift card or wire
- Caller ID shows a government number
The newer AI trick
AI voice tools can make the recorded warnings sound more natural and urgent, and AI can generate official-looking texts with fewer spelling mistakes.
What to do
- Hang up without pressing any buttons.
- Do not confirm your Social Security number.
- Call Social Security yourself at 1-800-772-1213 to check.
- Tell a family member or friend what happened.
If they are still on the line: Do not engage or confirm any information. Hang up. Social Security will not call to threaten you.
How to report it
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357, and to the SSA Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov. For elder-specific help, call the DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.