Someone called claiming to be from the Social Security Administration threatening to suspend my number - what should I do?
Hang up. Government agencies never suspend Social Security or National Insurance numbers, and they never threaten arrest over the phone.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Explanation
This scam preys on fear by claiming your Social Security number (or equivalent national ID number) has been linked to a crime, is being 'suspended,' or will be frozen unless you act immediately. The caller may claim to be transferring you to 'law enforcement' or a supposed government investigator, and will pressure you to withdraw cash, buy gift cards, or move money to a 'safe account' to protect it.
There is no such thing as a suspended Social Security or National Insurance number - the concept does not exist in how these systems work, and agencies do not call out of the blue demanding immediate payment or fund transfers to resolve a supposed problem. Caller ID can also be spoofed to display the agency's real phone number, so seeing a familiar number on your screen proves nothing.
If you receive a call like this, hang up without engaging further. Callbacks to any number the caller provides will simply reconnect you to the scammer or an accomplice, not a real government office.
Common red flags
- Claims your Social Security or National Insurance number is 'suspended' or linked to a crime
- Threatens immediate arrest or legal action
- Instructs you to withdraw cash or buy gift cards to 'protect' your funds
- Asks you to stay on the line and not tell family members
- Caller ID shows a government agency name or number that seems official
- Pressures you to act within minutes or hours
What to do now
- Hang up immediately without providing any information
- Do not call back any number the caller gave you
- Look up the agency's official number independently and call to verify if you're worried
- Never withdraw cash, buy gift cards, or wire money based on a phone call like this
- Report the call to your national fraud reporting center
- Warn family members, especially older relatives, that this scam exists
Frequently asked questions
Can my Social Security number really be suspended?
No - this is not a real function of the system. Any call claiming this is a scam.
Why did the caller ID show the real agency name?
Scammers use caller ID spoofing technology to display any name or number they choose, including genuine government agency numbers.