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Social Security Scam Calls and Texts

Scam calls claim your number is suspended or used in a crime. That is not how the real agency works.

Step by step

  1. Do not give your number. Never.
  2. Hang up. Ignore threats.
  3. Sign in yourself. Use the official my Social Security website you type in.
  4. Tell someone. A friend or family member.
  5. Report it. To the agency's inspector general and the FTC.

What to expect

Expect a recorded or live voice saying your number was linked to a crime or will be suspended, followed by a request to press a key or call back. Some texts include a link to a lookalike site.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not confirm your number, bank details or date of birth. Do not trust caller ID. Do not move money to a safe account, which is always a scam.

A good next step

Create or check your own account on the official agency website, typing the address yourself, and set up alerts.

How this scam works

  1. A scary message. A recorded voice or a text says your Social Security number has been suspended, linked to crimes or used in another state. Another version says your benefits will be cut off.
  2. A way to "fix" it. You are told to press 1, call back a number or confirm your number. Sometimes you are told to move money to a "safe account" until the matter is resolved.
  3. A request for money or details. The caller wants your full number, bank details or a payment by gift card, wire or crypto.
  4. Isolation. You may be told to tell no one, because the case is "confidential." This is a warning sign in every scam.

What is true and what is not

  • Your Social Security number does not get suspended.
  • The agency will not threaten to arrest you or ask for payment by gift card.
  • If the agency needs something from you, it normally sends a letter.
  • Caller ID can be faked, so a call that appears to come from a government number may not.
  • No legitimate agency asks you to move your savings to a safe account.

Safe ways to check your own account

  1. Type the official address yourself. Do not use a link in a text or email.
  2. Create or sign in to your online account. Use a strong, unique password and two-step sign-in.
  3. Review your information. Check your earnings record and benefit estimates.
  4. Set up alerts. Many accounts offer email or text notices when something changes.
  5. Call the number printed on an official letter. If unsure, find the number on the agency website you typed in.

Reporting

  • Report the call to the agency's Office of the Inspector General through its website.
  • Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • If you gave your number, freeze your credit at the three bureaus and watch your accounts.
  • Tell your bank right away if you moved money.

A prompt you can copy

Type this into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini

Here is a text I got about my Social Security account: [paste]. Explain the signs this could be a scam and what I should do.

Good to know. Your Social Security number is not suspended. That is a common lie.

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Common questions

Can they call me?

They may in limited cases. When unsure, hang up and call the official line.

What if I gave my number?

Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and watch your accounts.

What if I pressed a button on the recording?

Pressing a key usually just tells scammers your number is active. Expect more calls. Block the number and do not answer unknown callers.

Is it safe to say yes during a call?

Avoid answering questions with yes. Hang up instead.

Can they steal my benefits?

Thieves sometimes try to redirect payments by pretending to be you. Setting up your own online account can make that harder. Check your account regularly.

Who can I ask for help?

Your local library, an Area Agency on Aging or a trusted family member can help you review your account.

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