When the SSA Will NEVER Call You
The Social Security Administration does occasionally call people for follow-ups on applications or existing cases. However, there are very specific things the SSA will never do by phone, and these are exactly what scammers threaten.
The SSA will NEVER call to:
- ✗Threaten to suspend or cancel your Social Security number
- ✗Demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- ✗Threaten arrest by police or immigration officials for unpaid debts
- ✗Promise to increase your benefits in exchange for personal information
- ✗Ask you to wire money to protect your assets from a criminal investigation
- ✗Request your complete Social Security number over an unsolicited call
Common SSA Scam Tactics in 2025
#1 The SSN Suspension Threat
MOST COMMONA robocall or live agent claims your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity or criminal use. They say you must verify your identity and pay fees immediately to unlock it. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended.
#2 The Arrest Warrant Scam
HIGH RISKThe caller claims a warrant has been issued for your arrest for tax fraud, money laundering, or drug trafficking linked to your SSN. They say paying an immediate fine will stop the arrest. They often stay on the phone while you buy gift cards or wire money.
#3 The Benefits Increase Scam
GROWINGScammers call claiming you are entitled to an increase in your Social Security benefits, but must verify your identity and bank account to receive the increase. They collect your banking details and drain your account within hours.
#4 The Safe Account Scam
SOPHISTICATEDThe scammer says your SSN was used in crimes and your money is at risk. They instruct you to move your savings to a safe government account. The account belongs to the scammer. Victims have lost entire retirement savings this way.
#5 The Callback Robocall
COMMONYou receive a robocall with an urgent message about your SSN and a number to call back. The callback number often starts with 844, 833, or 877. When you call, a live scammer is ready to continue the fraud and collect payment or personal information.
Reported SSA Scam Phone Numbers
These numbers have been reported as SSA impersonation lines. Click to view community warnings:
Note: Scammers frequently rotate numbers. Treat any call matching the above tactics as suspicious.
How to Protect Yourself from SSA Scams
- ✓Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to monitor your benefits and SSN status online.
- ✓Know that SSA cannot suspend your Social Security number — any such claim is a scam.
- ✓Never pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency in response to any government-related call.
- ✓If you receive an unexpected SSA call, hang up and call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
- ✓Report SSA impersonation scams to the SSA OIG at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.
- ✓Use call-blocking apps like Hiya or Nomorobo to filter known scam numbers automatically.
- ✓Tell elderly relatives — SSA scams disproportionately target people aged 60 and over.
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