Growing wave of Social Security imposters overtakes IRS scam

How it works

You receive a robocall claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The message says your Social Security number is suspended and urges you to press 1 to speak with a government representative. The caller ID is spoofed to look like the real SSA. The scammer asks you to confirm your Social Security number and personal details, then tells you to withdraw money from your bank and put it on gift cards or send it via Bitcoin ATM for safekeeping. They create urgency by saying your accounts will be frozen if you do not act immediately.

Red flags to watch for

• Robocall claims to be from Social Security Administration
• Caller ID shows SSA number but you did not initiate contact
• Urgent demand to act today or accounts will be seized
• Request to move money to gift cards or Bitcoin ATMs
• Asks for your full Social Security number over the phone
• Threatens that your number has been suspended or involved in crime

What to do

Do not give any personal information to callers, even if the caller ID looks legitimate. Hang up and call the real Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 using a number you find yourself (not from the caller). The real SSA will not contact you out of the blue or ask you to buy gift cards. If you already gave out your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA to protect your identity. Report the scam to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint.