According to a recent U.S. News & World Report article, “Don’t Fall for This Social Security Scam,” more than 330,000 people reported business impersonation scams in 2023. Every time one type of scam gets squashed, another five pop up. This is especially true when it comes to scams trying to get Social Security accounts. Beck, Lenox & Stolzer Estate Planning and Elder Law, LLC, has received reports from some of our own clients about identity theft and other scam attempts. Here’s information on how to avoid the latest Social Security scam.
If you receive a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, feel free to be rude and hang up, even if the caller ID says Social Security or another government agency name. It’s very easy for thieves to change the display on caller ID.
This scam usually starts with a call from a person or a robocall. When you answer, you’ll hear the message in a frightening tone telling you your Social Security number has been suspended. The Social Security Administration doesn’t suspend numbers. Once you’re assigned a Social Security identification number, it’s yours for life.
The next point of contact will be with someone who will tell you the number was suspended because you committed a crime or the government has filed a lawsuit against you. A scared victim is instructed to call a particular number where they will be asked to provide personal information and told they need to pay a fine and make arrangements for payment.
Some victims are told their Social Security number has been suspended because of “suspicious activity,” and they need to speak with a representative to reinstate the number. They’ll need to tell the alleged agent their Social Security number to have this happen. They may also be asked for information like a bank account number, home address, or critical personal information.
If you receive a call about your Social Security number being suspended, rest assured this is false. Not only does the Social Security Administration never “suspend” a Social Security number, but they don’t call local police to arrest citizens for crimes either.
What should you do if you receive this kind of scam call? Experts say hang up. If you are concerned, look up the phone number of your local Social Security office and call them directly. You can also look at your phone and see if you can block the number the scammer used to contact you.
Finally, never, ever share your Social Security number with anyone who calls and asks for it. Hang up. No matter how threatening they sound or how friendly they seem. Hang up and congratulate yourself: you’ve just avoided becoming a victim.
Reference: U.S. News & World Report (Jan. 22, 2025) “Don’t Fall for the Suspended Social Security Number Scam”
