The phone rings. A recorded voice, or a very serious person, says your Social Security number has been “suspended” because of suspicious activity. Or it says your number was found at a crime scene, or that you owe back taxes and a warrant will be issued unless you pay right now. Your stomach drops. These calls are some of the most frightening scams out there, and they are designed to be. Here’s what’s true, what’s not, and what to do.
What the Scammers Say
“Your Social Security number has been suspended.”
“Your number is linked to a crime,” often a drug case or a bank account in another state.
“A warrant has been issued for your arrest.”
“Your benefits will stop” unless you “verify” your information.
“You owe back taxes to the IRS,” with a threat of a lawsuit, a seized bank account or arrest.
“Press 1 to speak with an officer.”
They may tell you to pay with gift cards, cash, a wire transfer, a payment app or cryptocurrency, or to move your money into a “safe” account.
What’s Actually True
About Social Security:
Social Security doesn’t suspend your number.
It won’t threaten you with arrest or legal action if you don’t pay or share information.
It won’t demand payment by gift card, cash, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
If you’ve applied for benefits or asked them to call, they may contact you, but they still won’t threaten you.
About the IRS:
The IRS generally contacts you first by mail, not by phone, text or email.
It doesn’t ask for personal or financial information by text, email or social media.
It doesn’t demand immediate payment by gift card or prepaid card, and it doesn’t threaten to have you arrested.
Why the Call Seems Real
Caller ID can be faked. The number on your screen can show the real Social Security or IRS number. It proves nothing.
They may know a little about you, like your name, or part of your Social Security number, from past data leaks.
They sound official, and they may give a “badge number” or send a fake letter or email with logos.
They use fear and urgency so you won’t stop to think.
Red Flags
A threat of arrest, a lawsuit, lost benefits or a frozen account
A demand for immediate payment
A request for gift cards, cash, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
A request for your Social Security number, birth date or bank details
A call that starts with a recording and tells you to press a button
A request to keep the call secret or to stay on the line while you pay
What To Do
Hang up. Don’t press any buttons, not even to “opt out.”
Don’t give any information.
If you’re worried, contact the agency yourself, using the phone number or website on its official site. The Social Security Administration’s main number is 1-800-772-1213, and the IRS’s individual help line is 1-800-829-1040. You can also check the official sites (ssa.gov and irs.gov) by typing them into your browser.
Tell a family member or friend. A second opinion helps.
Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Social Security scams can also be reported to the agency’s Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
Protect Yourself Before Something Happens
Create your own “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov, so that a criminal can’t create one in your name. You sign in with Login.gov or ID.me, and it’s smart to use a strong password and two-step verification. If you’d rather not have an online account, Social Security offers a way to block electronic access to your record.
Freeze your credit. It’s free, and it stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name. You contact each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Check your credit reports for free at annualcreditreport.com.
Talk with your family about these calls, so everyone knows what to do.
If You Shared Information or Paid
If you gave your Social Security number: freeze your credit, place a fraud alert, and go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan.
If you gave bank or card details: call your bank right away, using the number on your card.
If you paid with gift cards: contact the gift card company.
If you let someone connect to your computer, disconnect it from the internet, and get help before using it again.
Please don’t feel ashamed. These calls fool smart, careful people every day.
If you’d like help creating your Social Security account safely, or setting up call blocking on your phone, a Kendera Global session can go through it with you, step by step.
