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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

  1. Hang up immediately without providing any information
  2. Do not call back any number the caller gave you
  3. Look up the agency's official number independently and call to verify if you're worried
  4. Never withdraw cash, buy gift cards, or wire money based on a phone call like this
  5. Report the call to your national fraud reporting center
  6. 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.

Sources