The "Social Security or Medicare is suspended" threat call
This made-up caller claims to be from Social Security. The threats and gift-card demand make you feel rushed. Caller ID can be faked.
Step 1 See what it looks like
Hello, this is Officer Davis with the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. A warrant is out for your arrest. To avoid jail today, you must pay 2,000 dollars now. Buy gift cards from a store and read me the numbers. Do not hang up. Do not tell anyone, or you will be arrested.
This is a made-up example to teach you. We will never show you a real person’s message.
Step 2 Find the red flags
- 1
“Your Social Security number has been suspended”
Social Security does not suspend your number. This claim is a warning.
- 2
“To avoid jail today”
A threat of jail to make you pay this caller is part of the scam.
- 3
“Buy gift cards”
Social Security does not ask you to pay with gift card numbers.
- 4
“Do not tell anyone”
The caller wants to stop you checking with someone else.
- 5
“Do not hang up”
You can end the call and find the agency yourself.
Step 3 See why it works
A job title and caller ID can make a call seem real. Fear then pushes you to pay. Neither proves who is on the line.
- Do not send money or give this caller private details.
- End the call.
- Type ssa.gov yourself for Social Security. For Medicare, use medicare.gov.
- Use the contact details there to check a real notice.
- Tell someone you trust if you need help.
- Report the fake call at oig.ssa.gov. If you paid, call your bank or card company now.
Do not pay a threatening caller. Check a real issue through the agency site.