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Does the Social Security Administration Call You?

Yes, but only in limited situations, and never with threats or demands for payment.

The Social Security Administration does sometimes call people, usually when there's already a case or claim in progress. What SSA never does is threaten you, claim your number is suspended, or demand payment. Phone scams impersonating SSA are one of the most common government-imposter frauds, so knowing the difference protects your money and your identity.

When SSA may call

  • You have a pending claim, appeal, or open case and a representative needs to follow up
  • You recently called SSA or requested a callback
  • You have ongoing business with the agency and gave them your number

What SSA never does

  • Threaten you with arrest, lawsuits, or deportation
  • Say your Social Security number is suspended, blocked, or about to be cancelled
  • Demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash
  • Ask you to keep the call secret or move money to “protect” it
  • Promise a benefit increase in exchange for personal information or a fee

Red flags of a Social Security phone scam

Red flag Why it's a scam
Pressure and urgency Real SSA staff give you time and put important matters in writing first.
Threats SSA does not threaten arrest or loss of benefits to force action.
Unusual payment Any request for gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or cash is a scam, full stop.
“Your SSN is suspended” Social Security numbers are never suspended. This line is always fraud.
Robocalls and spoofed numbers Scammers fake the real SSA number on caller ID. Don't trust the number shown.
Requests for your full SSN SSA already has your number; legitimate calls won't ask you to read it out to verify identity this way.

What to do about a suspicious call

  1. 1

    Hang up

    Don't give any personal or financial information, and don't trust the number on your caller ID, scammers spoof the real SSA line.

  2. 2

    Verify directly

    If you're worried SSA genuinely needs you, call them yourself at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local office. Don't use a number the caller gave you.

  3. 3

    Report it

    File a report with the SSA Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271, and with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently asked questions

Will Social Security ever call me?
Yes, in limited cases, usually if you have a pending claim or appeal, recently contacted SSA, or have ongoing business with them. These calls are routine and never involve threats or demands for payment.
How do I know if a Social Security call is a scam?
Treat it as a scam if the caller threatens arrest, says your SSN is suspended, demands payment by gift card or wire, pressures you to act immediately, or asks you to keep it secret. SSA does none of these.
Is “your Social Security number has been suspended” real?
No. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended or cancelled. Any call, text, or email claiming this is fraudulent, hang up and don't respond.
What should I do if I get a suspicious call?
Hang up without giving any information. Don't trust the caller ID, which can be faked. If you're unsure whether SSA needs you, call them directly at 1-800-772-1213. Report scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271.
I already gave a scammer my information, now what?
Report it at oig.ssa.gov and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, review your my Social Security account and bank statements, and consider freezing your credit. If money was sent, contact your bank or the payment provider right away.

To reach SSA safely, find your local office and call its verified number. Related: award letters.