Social Security: what they say, how to spot it, what to do

What they say

These are typical approaches, written as examples. The wording and claimed sender can change.

• “Your Social Security number has been suspended.”
• “An officer found your number linked to a crime. Pay now to clear it.”
• “Move your savings to a protected account while we issue a new number.”

How to spot it

• An unexpected caller threatens arrest or demands immediate payment.
• They ask you to buy gift cards, wire money or transfer funds for protection.
• They demand your full Social Security number or account details during the incoming call.

What to do now

1. Hang up without giving more information. Do not send money to clear a threat or move savings at the caller’s direction. A claimed badge number is not independent verification.
2. Start from ssa.gov, not a link or number dictated by the caller. SSA’s published national number is 1-800-772-1213; check its official site for contact options and hours. Explain what the caller claimed.
3. Use the scam-reporting route linked from ssa.gov/scam. Save the message, call time and requested payment details. Do not call the suspect back to get a recording or ask for a supervisor.

If you already paid or shared details

1. If you disclosed your Social Security number, use IdentityTheft.gov for an identity recovery plan. Review affected accounts and ask the credit bureaus about a credit freeze through their genuine sites.
2. If you sent money, call the bank or card issuer immediately. Tell SSA through its official contact route if you shared benefit account information or were directed to change payment details.

Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. Recovery is not guaranteed. Change exposed passwords through the genuine service. Keep receipts and messages privately for your report.

Report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If identity details were exposed, start at IdentityTheft.gov. Verify SSA’s number through ssa.gov.

Sources

• SSA: recognize and report Social Security scams
• FTC: phone scams
• FTC: what to do if you were scammed

Questions people ask

Can a caller clear a suspended number for a fee?

Do not pay an incoming caller to resolve that claim. End the call and ask SSA through its official contact route about your own record.

Where can I verify the contact number?

Go directly to ssa.gov and follow its contact information. The national SSA number is 1-800-772-1213; do not rely on the incoming caller’s number.