"Social Security numbers do not get suspended," the Federal Trade Commission said. "This is just a variation of a government imposter scam that's after your SSN, bank account number, or other personal information.

Why would my Social Security number be suspended?

The reason of this call is to inform you that your Social Security number has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity. ... They state there is a problem with your Social Security number or account. They claim there has been suspicious or fraudulent activity and you could be arrested or face other legal action.

Is it possible to have your Social Security number suspended?

— No, your Social Security number cannot be suspended, revoked, frozen or blocked. ... But just to make sure it's truly the SSA calling you back, hang up and call SSA's main number at (800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Does Social Security ever contact you by phone?

Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money. Social Security may call you in some situations, but will never: Threaten you.

Can you verify a Social Security number?

If you want to verify SSNs for other than wage reporting purposes you must use our Consent Based SSN Verification Service (CBSV) which you can access from our website at If you want to verify your own SSN, you must have proof of identity and visit your local Social Security Field Office.

Scam alert: Your social security number isn't suspended

How do I freeze my Social Security number?

To lock your Social Security number, visit the U.S. government's myE-Verify website and complete the necessary steps online. “You'll need to enter your personal data, take a quiz, enter document data, and then get your results,” says Katie Gampietro Burke, CFP and founder of Wealth by Empowerment.

Can your social be blocked permanently?

In case we did not hear from you, your social will be blocked permanently. Similar robocalls claiming to be from the SSA may say things like, "your social security number is suspended because of suspicious activity." ... The SSA says to "look out" for automated calls asking you to connect with an operator.

How do I know if my Social Security number has been compromised?

at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit

Can Social Security number be changed?

You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.

What do I do if my Social Security number has been compromised?

1. File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report. ...
2. If you believe your identity has already been used, you can also contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

What happens if I accidentally give out my social security number?

No matter how or why it happened, if you give your SSN to someone you suspect might be a scammer—or think that your SSN has been stolen for any other reason—take action quickly. You could become a victim of identity theft. ... You can also invest in other identity theft protection products.

How do I get a CPN number?

Some experts say that you can speak with an attorney to obtain a legal CPN. The attorney can then contact the Social Security Administration Office on your behalf. However, others maintain that all CPNs are illegal. Generally, it seems that you cannot get a legal CPN unless you actually need one.

Can I sell my Social Security number back to the government?

You're told over and over again to keep your Social Security number safe. Don't give it out unnecessarily. When Congress passed the Privacy Act of 1974, it restricted the government's use of SSNs but left the private sector free to use them at will. ...

How do I get rid of my Social Security number?

You do have the right to no longer participate in the Social Security program, though the government has not made it easy to get rid of the number. In fact, it turns out, the easiest way to get your number out the government system is by avoiding use of it. Declare independence from the Social Security system.

How do I put an alert on my Social Security number?

1. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Equifax, or Experian). ...
2. After a few days, check with the other two credit bureaus to verify that they've received the fraud alert as well.

Can someone do something with the last 4 digits of SSN?

Scammers can use different ways and means to steal your identity by using the last 4 digits of SSN and DOB. With this information in their hands, they can steal your money, create credit card accounts, take away your hard-earned benefits, and use your name for illegal transactions.

How do I freeze my child's Social Security number?

Minors who are 16 or 17 may request their own security freeze, and can do so by phone or by mail. You must be 18 years old to create a myEquifax account, which enables you to manage your security freeze online.

Does Social Security call you to tell you your number is compromised?

Scammers play on emotion, generally fear, to get people to act without thinking. It's also important to know that the SSA will never call you about a problem with your Social Security number or email or text photos purporting to be official identification, said Social Security Inspector General Gail Ennis.

Can I put a pin on my child's Social Security number?

An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. ... Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can pass the identity verification process.

Does Social Security check your bank account?

For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the short answer is yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can check your bank accounts because you have to give them permission to do so.

How many US citizens do not have a Social Security number?

For 20 Million Americans, One Social Security Number's Not Enough - CBS News.

What is a 900 Social Security number?

AREA numbers 900-999 (no longer valid SSNs, but were used briefly for program purposes when state aid to the aged, blind and disabled was converted to a federal program administered by SSA)

How much does a CPN number cost?

A CPN number is completely free, which means you do not need to spend any money to get your very own CPN number.

Is a CPN illegal?

CPN schemes are illegal. Those who purchase a CPN and use it to establish a clean credit file are committing several crimes, including identity theft and making false statements on a loan or credit application.

Do CPN numbers really work?

The use of a CPN number with the sole purpose of hiding your credit profile could be construed as fraud, and therefore could be considered illegal. ... The CPN numbers they provide are often not legitimate. The numbers are typically random 9-digit numbers or social security numbers of children or deceased individuals.