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Social Security Scams
Callers claiming to be the SSA say your Social Security number has been suspended due to criminal activity — pay now or face arrest.
$19M (2023, SSA OIG)
Annual losses (US)
718,000+ reports annually
Reported victims/year
Report Now
FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
🎭 How Scammers Do It: Tactics
- ▸ Spoof Social Security Administration phone number on caller ID
- ▸ Claim your SSN has been used in drug trafficking or money laundering
- ▸ Threaten immediate arrest unless you "secure" your assets by buying gift cards
- ▸ Ask you to confirm your SSN to "clear" your record
- ▸ Claim you have unclaimed benefits that require verification
- ▸ Keep victims on the phone for hours, coaching them at stores
🚩 Red Flags: Stop If You See These
⚠ Caller claims your Social Security number is "suspended"
⚠ Threats of arrest for crimes linked to your SSN
⚠ Request to purchase gift cards to protect your assets
⚠ Demand for your SSN or other personal information by phone
⚠ Caller instructs you to keep the call secret
⚠ Urgency — must pay now before police arrive
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
1. Know that the SSA never suspends Social Security numbers
2. The SSA never demands gift cards or wire transfers
3. Hang up on threatening SSA callers
4. Verify by calling SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213
5. Create a my Social Security account to monitor your record
6. Report suspicious SSA calls before taking any action
📋 How to Report This Scam
Report to SSA OIG at oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271.