Scam Alert: Suspension of Social Security Number

TrainMyParent.com
Nov 18
2 min read

A sample Social Security card. — Your SSN cannot be "suspended".

The Social Security Administration issued an alert last week about a new scam that has been spreading via email with the subject Alert: Social Security Account Issues Detected, along with a scam message that suggests the suspension of your social security number due to "criminal activities". Of course, the scammers insist that you call the phone number in the email, which is definitely NOT the Social Security Administration office.

As is typical of phishing scams like these, the criminals create a sense of urgency that require you to act immediately, or else your social security number will be suspended. The email also contains a letter with fake letterhead, but possibly with the name of an actual employee of the Social Security Administration, which help to make the letter look legitimate.

First of all, there is no such thing as suspending a social security number. SSNs are uniquely assigned to an individual, and do not get suspended, just like your name cannot get suspended. Second, the SSA would never send you an email like this.

The Social Security Administration Building in Baltimore.

When you see an email that requires you to take immediate action or there will be consequences, stop and think before you act. Never assume that the phone numbers, website links, or email addresses are legitimate. Instead, do your homework! If you do not know the correct web address, you can find it by using your trusty search engine. In this case, you could login to your account at the Social Security Administration website, and see if there are any account alerts. You can go to the SSA website and find a contact phone number, and call them directly. Or, if you suspect it is a scam, you can always perform a search for Social Security Administration scam, and see if there are reports of scams that look similar to what you received.

Learn how you can protect yourself or your family by enrolling in the Complete Internet Security Basics and Phishing Awareness Course for Parents on TrainMyParent.com

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