SCAM LIBRARY · IMPERSONATION

The Social Security 'suspended' call

Scammers call pretending to be from Social Security, claiming your account is suspended or has a problem, and pressure you to act immediately.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-06

How it works

You receive a call from someone claiming to work for Social Security or a related agency. They tell you your Social Security number has been suspended, locked, or involved in fraud, and they create urgency by saying you must act right now or face arrest or loss of benefits. They then try to get you to confirm personal information, send money, or download software to 'verify' your account.

Red flags

• A caller claims Social Security has suspended or locked your account—Social Security does not call people this way.
• They demand immediate action and threaten arrest, loss of benefits, or legal trouble if you don't comply.
• They ask you to confirm your Social Security number, date of birth, bank details, or to send money or buy gift cards.

What to do

• Hang up immediately. Do not give any information or stay on the line to argue.
• Call Social Security directly using the official number on your Social Security card or official government website to verify whether there is any real issue with your account.
• Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov—include the phone number that called you and any details you remember.