The 2026 tactics
- Fake transfers (SSA OIG, July 29, 2026): a "bank" or "retailer" says it is transferring you to Social Security. The OIG says legitimate companies cannot transfer calls to SSA or OIG, so any such transfer is a scam (SSA OIG).
- Real names, fake badges (SSA OIG, April 28, 2026): scammers use the names of real SSA and OIG employees and send badge images (SSA OIG).
- "Verify your SSN" offers: a caller offers to check your record for fraud as a pretext to collect your number.
Look up the number that contacted you
Carrier, line type and location are free. Private: nobody is notified.
What SSA will not do
- Suspend your Social Security number.
- Threaten arrest or legal action unless you pay.
- Demand payment by gift card, wire, crypto or cash by mail.
- Ask you to keep a call secret.
What to do
- Hang up without pressing keys. Do not trust caller ID or names.
- Call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 if you are worried.
- Report at oig.ssa.gov or ssa.gov/scam, and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.