Social Security suspension call

What it looks like

Example scam message

“Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Press 1 to speak with an officer now, or a warrant will be issued for your arrest.”

Details like names, amounts, and links change — the pattern stays the same.

Red flags to watch for

• ⚠Any claim that your Social Security number is 'suspended,' 'blocked,' or 'linked to a crime.'
• ⚠A request to confirm your Social Security number over the phone.
• ⚠Instructions to move your money — sometimes into gift cards or a cryptocurrency ATM — to 'protect' it.
• ⚠Threats that police will come to your home if you hang up.

What to do

1. Hang up. Your Social Security number cannot be suspended.
2. Never confirm your Social Security number to someone who called you.
3. If you have a real question, call Social Security using the number listed on ssa.gov.
4. Report the call to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

Where to report it

• •oig.ssa.gov
• •ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• •IC3.gov

Related scams

• IRS impersonationA caller, text, or email claims to be the IRS collecting back taxes and threatens arrest, a lawsuit, or license trouble unless you pay today.
• Medicare card and enrollment callsCallers claim to be from Medicare offering a 'new card,' a plan upgrade, or free medical equipment or genetic testing — they just need to 'verify' your Medicare number.
• Jury duty warrant callA caller claiming to be a sheriff's deputy or court officer says you missed jury duty and there is a warrant for your arrest — but you can clear it right now by paying a fine over the phone, usually with gift cards or a prepaid card.

ShieldGuard provides informational guidance to help you spot likely scams. It is not legal or financial advice and not a guarantee — no tool catches every scam. When money is involved, slow down and talk to someone you trust before acting.