# Does the Social Security Administration suspend people's SS #'s? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 13, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365 "2020-01-13T19:23:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/1 "2020-01-13T19:23:54Z")
I just got a robocall claiming to be from the Social Security Administration claiming that, due to “suspicious activity”, my SS # has been ‘suspended’, but helpfully added that I could press 1 for more information. I hit 1 and was connected to a heavily-accented fellow who said he needed my name before we could proceed. I was suspicious and did not want to tell him anything, and asked if I could just call the SS admin back at a better time. Sure! Then he called me by my first name and explained that I had to call the office in El Paso, TX because that is where the suspicious activity occurred. Yeah, in El Paso and also over my phone. Why would I need to contact a local office? Isn’t SS a federal program? Anyway, my question for the dope is: is suspending someone’s SS # for reasons like this even a thing? I have never heard of it, but don’t want to neglect myself into more problems if this actually turns out to be legit. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/2 "2020-01-13T19:25:25Z")
Oh, please. Of course it’s a scam. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/3 "2020-01-13T19:26:46Z")
HAHAHAHAHAHA. No. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/4 "2020-01-13T19:34:23Z")
I’ve gotten a bunch of these calls. It’s total nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/5 "2020-01-13T19:35:38Z")
2004 Toyota Corolla, southern border of The Taxas, blood stains, drug residue, 22 lbs of cocaine, rented under your nayme and social, arres waran pepper coming at your door, need to buy gift cards from (Walmart, Best Buy, Target, etc) to have the warrant canceled. Look up scambaiting on Youtube for a metric shitload of videos. IRS, Social Security, Microsoft refund/tech support. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/6 "2020-01-13T19:38:12Z")
The straight dope from the Federal Trade Commission. > **[Your Social Security number isn’t suspended. Ever.](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2018/09/your-social-security-number-isnt-suspended-ever)** > > A caller says that he’s from the government and your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended. He sounds very professional. So you should do exactly what he says to fix things…right? > [@](#): > > Thing is, Social Security numbers do not get suspended. This is just a variation of a government imposter scam that’s after your SSN, bank account number, or other personal information. ---
**Author:** ![Isosleepy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/isosleepy/32/479_2.png) [@Isosleepy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isosleepy)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/7 "2020-01-13T19:39:35Z")
“How many bank account you have? The Sheriff’s department may already on their way. In order to stop the arrest warrant out on you you must …” ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/8 "2020-01-13T19:48:00Z")
If your social was suspended, what would it even matter? Now, if someone else is using it, that can be a problem. but it’s not a problem that’s going to get you, the rightful user of that number, into any trouble. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/9 "2020-01-13T19:54:55Z")
> [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](#): > > If your social was suspended, what would it even matter? > > Now, if someone else is using it, that can be a problem. but it’s not a problem that’s going to get you, the rightful user of that number, into any trouble. The way the scam goes is the caller claims that not only will your SSN be suspended but all bank accounts will be frozen so they track down the real culprit (there’s also a claim of numerous bank accounts wiring 100s of thousands of dollars everywhere), you need to withdraw all your money, buy gift cards (“Safety locker”), give them the numbers to register your money and the next day, officials will arrive with your new SSN and a cashiers check for the full amount you “registered”. Needless to say, your money is long gone. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/10 "2020-01-13T20:07:54Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > The straight dope from the Federal Trade Commission. > [https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/09/your-social-security-number-isnt-suspended-ever](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/09/your-social-security-number-isnt-suspended-ever) > [@](#): > > Social Security numbers do not get suspended. My father’s was. But we had to send in a copy of his death certificate, and return the las check they had sent. Tell that phone caller you’ll send in a copy of your death certificate as soon as it’s available. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/11 "2020-01-13T20:36:12Z")
> [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](#): > > My father’s was. But we had to send in a copy of his death certificate, and return the las check they had sent. > > … Are you sure it was suspended? I think he changed his name to Pedro on his 105th birthday and went to work at the Hormel Meat Plant. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/12 "2020-01-13T20:48:13Z")
Thanks for the answers, folks. The question probably makes me look a little dumb, but better safe than sorry, and the dope really is the best place for something like this. Ok, who wants to buy a Gwenneth Paltow’s vagina scented candle? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/13 "2020-01-13T20:50:58Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > Ok, who wants to buy a Gwenneth Paltow’s vagina scented candle? So, does it specifically smell like Ms. Paltrow’s vagina? I’d be interested, but I’m broke, as I just bought a bunch of Apple gift cards to pay the IRS, since they had called the cops to come get me. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/14 "2020-01-13T20:54:28Z")
That’s how it’s advertised is all I can say. It might be a scam too, but the kind where you really do end up with an ostensibly vagina scented candle at the end. And who among us hasn’t been there? ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/15 "2020-01-13T20:57:42Z")
The SSA (and the IRS) will never contact you by phone. If they have any business with you, they will communicate with you by letter. If you get such a phone call, don’t answer it. If they leave a voicemail, delete it. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/16 "2020-01-13T21:09:23Z")
Mine has been cancelled several times. Also, some guy has video of me masturbating and is going to send them to my entire contact list if I don’t send him something called bitecones (something like that). And the police are going to knock down my door any moment if I don’t buy the “Federal Revenue Office” a bunch of gift cards. I should never have gotten out of bed this morning. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/17 "2020-01-13T21:15:23Z")
I’d like to contact those hackers too, buy their tech. Apparently they have videos of several people in our firm, even though they are on a Terminal server with no audio or camera services. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/18 "2020-01-13T21:35:51Z")
> [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](#): > > If your social was suspended, what would it even matter? **IF** it was suspended, wouldn’t that make it difficult to get your Social Security payments? > [@cochrane](#): > > The SSA (and the IRS) will never contact you by phone. If they have any business with you, they will communicate with you by letter. If you get such a phone call, don’t answer it. If they leave a voicemail, delete it. Besides isn’t someone tipping you off that the PD/sheriff/FBI/etc. are on their way to arrest you, giving you time to flee illegal in many places? ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/19 "2020-01-13T22:25:41Z")
> [@md2000](#): > > I’d like to contact those hackers too, buy their tech. Apparently they have videos of several people in our firm, even though they are on a Terminal server with no audio or camera services. Not as good as they claim. I asked a Windows company caller once what OS I was running and he hung up on me. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2020, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365/20 "2020-01-13T22:41:19Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Mine has been cancelled several times. Also, some guy has video of me masturbating and is going to send them to my entire contact list if I don’t send him something called bitecones (something like that). For a scam like that, I think it is something like bitcojones… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-social-security-administration-suspend-peoples-ss-s/846365.md?page=2)