Hang Up on Social Security Scam Calls (FTC Video Guide)

A caller says they are from the Social Security office, your number has been suspended, and there is a warrant for your arrest. It is frightening, and that is the point. In this FTC video, two older adults describe getting these calls, and an FTC attorney explains how the scam uses fear. Our guide covers what real Social Security contact looks like and what to do.

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Part of our Online Safety Video Library

What the video shows

An 83-year-old man describes being told a no-bail warrant had been issued for his arrest. Another man was told armed marshals would come to his door within a day. Both were frightened.

An FTC attorney explains that the goal is to create panic so you will follow instructions. One man was told to drive to a store, load money onto a gift card, and read out the numbers. Their advice: stop, take a breath, hang up, talk to someone you trust, and report it. Talking about it helps others recognize the scam too.

Key takeaways

• Social Security will not threaten you with arrest or legal action because of an unpaid fine or debt.
• Your Social Security number cannot be ‘suspended.’
• Social Security will not demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash by mail.
• Caller ID showing a government name or number can be faked.
• Fear and urgency are the scammer’s main tools. Slowing down takes them away.

How to take control of the call

1. Say, “Thank you, I’ll look into this,” and hang up. You do not owe the caller an explanation.
2. Do not press any buttons or call back the number they gave you.
3. Talk to a family member or friend about the call.
4. If you are worried about your benefits, contact Social Security directly using the number on its official website, ssa.gov, or on a letter you already received.
5. Report the call to Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Help an older parent prepare

Many people who get these calls are older adults. Share this video with a parent or grandparent and agree that any call about benefits, taxes, or arrest gets a callback to you first. Turning on spam call filtering on their phone also cuts down on how many of these calls get through; see Stop Scam Calls on a Parent’s Phone.

Common questions

Does Social Security ever call people?

Social Security may sometimes call people who already have business with the agency, but it will never threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask for gift cards. When in doubt, hang up and call the official number.

They knew the last four digits of my Social Security number. Are they real?

Not necessarily. Personal details can come from data breaches. Knowing them doesn’t make a caller legitimate.

I gave them my Social Security number. What should I do?

Visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan and consider a credit freeze at all three bureaus.

Related guides

• Stop Scam Calls on a Parent’s Phone
• Impersonation Scams: How to Spot Them
• Gift Cards Are Only for Gifts
• Credit Freeze Review: The Free Identity Theft Tool Every Adult Should Use

About this video

This video was produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency, and plays from the agency’s own channel. Juggling Chaos wrote this summary and guide; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the agency. Some details on screen, such as phone models or web addresses, may look dated, but the advice still applies. Checked October 7, 2026.

Social Security’s own scam guidance is at ssa.gov/scam.