Scam Alert: Social Security Suspension

Received a call saying your social security number has been suspended recently? That’s not a thing. It’s – wait for it – a scam.

Consumers around the US have reported calls from scammers claiming their SSN has been suspended because their number has a connection to fraud or other criminal activity. All you have to do to “reactivate” your number is call and give over your personal information. All super legit and by the books. Just kidding! That’s all a lie, and you’re actually being conned out of your personal info.

This scam is a version of a government imposter scam and is extremely illegal. Even the Better Business Bureau has been warning consumers of this scam. First of all, the government will never call you. Second, social security numbers are never “suspended.” So if someone calls you claiming this, hang up immediately, and report it to the FTC.

Here are a few tips from the FTC and BBB to protect yourself:

• Never give out or confirm personal information over the phone, via email or on a website until you’ve checked out whoever is asking you for it.
• Do not trust a name, phone number, or email address just because it seems to be connected with the government. Con artists use official-sounding names and may fake caller ID or email address information to make you trust them.
• Government agencies DO NOT call unsolicited; rather, they send letters if they need to contact a citizen.
• Contact the government agency using a number or website you know to be correct. SSA has stated that you can contact them if you receive a call from someone who claims to be an SSA employee at 1-800-772-1213 to verify.

Also, protect yourself from known scammers by downloading PrivacyStar for free today on iOS and Android!