Scam guides › Social Security (SSA) scam
"Your Social Security number is suspended": the Social Security scam
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Short answer: It's a scam. The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General says Social Security will never threaten you with arrest or legal action, say your number is suspended, demand immediate payment, or ask for gift cards, cash, wire transfers, prepaid cards or cryptocurrency.
What it looks like
This is the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity. Press 1 now or a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
A made-up robocall in the usual style.
How the scam works
- A robocall or caller claims your Social Security number was used in a crime or is "suspended".
- They threaten arrest or loss of benefits.
- They ask you to "protect" your money by moving it, buying gift cards or using a Bitcoin ATM.
Red flags
- "Your Social Security number is suspended"
- Threats of arrest or legal action
- Requests for gift cards, cash, wires, prepaid cards or crypto
- Pressure to act right now
What to do now
- Hang up. Don't press any buttons.
- Don't share your Social Security number or bank information.
- Report it to the SSA Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report and to the FTC.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.
Report it
Questions
Can a Social Security number be suspended?
The SSA Inspector General lists "your number is suspended" as a scam tactic. If you're worried about your benefits, call Social Security using the number on ssa.gov.
Sources
- SSA OIG: Identify the scam
- SSA OIG: Warning issued for widespread Social Security phone scams (Jul 2025)
- SSA: Protect yourself from Social Security scams
- FTC: How to avoid a government impersonation scam
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
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