Social Security Number Scams
Updated on September 12, 2025
Published by
Reviewed by
Sparsh Ganeriwala, an IRS Enrolled Agent with over 12 years of expat tax experience, specializes in filing US taxes for Americans living in Canada, US/Foreign Trusts, and GILTI Tax.
Table of Contents
What are Social Security number (SSN) scams?
Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of the most valuable pieces of personal information you have. Scammers know that. That’s why SSN scams are still so common, they’re a way for people to steal your identity, commit tax fraud, or even collect government benefits under your name.
If you’re living abroad, it might feel like you’re out of reach, but that’s not really the case. Scammers can still target you by phone, email, text, or even mail. A lot of these messages pretend to come from the Social Security Administration (SSA), and they can look or sound convincing.
Phone, email, text, and mail: How SSN scams unfold
- Phone scams (vishing): These calls often show up on your phone as “Social Security” or even local police. The person might say your SSN has been suspended or linked to criminal activity. They’ll try to scare you with threats of arrest or benefit suspension unless you act right away. None of that is real, but it can feel urgent in the moment.
- Phishing emails and texts: These look like official messages from the SSA. They might say you need to verify your number or fix a problem with your benefits. They’ll usually include a link to click or a form to fill out. Don’t do it—these are almost always fake, and the goal is to collect your personal data.
- Fraudulent letters: In some cases, scammers send letters through the mail. These might promise a Social Security benefit increase or claim you need to respond to avoid penalties. The SSA may mail letters about your case, but it will not ask for bank information, full SSN, or immediate payment to ‘avoid penalties..
No matter how the scam comes in, the main goal is always the same: to get access to your SSN and use it for something it shouldn’t be used for.
Red flags that signal a scam is at play
- Scare tactics or urgent demands: If someone says you need to act right now or pay immediately with gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer, it’s not legit. The SSA never asks for payment that way.
- Caller ID trickery: Just because it says “Social Security Administration” or shows a familiar number doesn’t mean it’s real. Scammers can fake caller ID to make it look official.
- Requests for personal info: If you’re being asked for your full SSN, bank info, or other sensitive data through a call, text, or email you didn’t expect, that’s a problem. The SSA won’t contact you like that out of the blue.
- Emails or texts out of nowhere: If you get an email or message from “SSA” and you weren’t expecting it, slow down. Double-check the sender and don’t click anything unless you’re sure it’s safe.
- Weird email addresses or web links: Real SSA websites (https://www.ssa.gov/) end in .gov. If you see anything different, or something that just feels off, that’s another clue it might be a scam.
How to protect your SSN and personal data effectively
Keeping your Social Security number safe is one of the most important steps you can take to guard against identity theft and financial fraud. If you’re living overseas, this becomes even more important since you’re often dealing with US systems remotely.
Here are a few simple but effective ways to reduce your risk:
- Only share your SSN when absolutely necessary.
Don’t give out your Social Security number unless you yourself contacted the agency directly and know you’re speaking with someone official. Be especially careful with emails, websites, and phone calls asking for your number. Most legitimate services won’t need it unless it’s for tax or benefit-related matters. - Store documents securely.
Avoid carrying your Social Security card or any paperwork that includes your SSN unless it’s truly necessary. At home, keep these documents locked away. If someone asks for your SSN, like for a loan or service, ask why they need it and how they plan to protect it. - Protect your devices and online accounts.
Use antivirus software and make sure it stays up to date. Use firewalls and be cautious when clicking on links in emails or texts. Phishing scams are one of the fastest ways scammers can gain access to your personal info, including your SSN.
Worried about SSN scams? Learn how to protect yourself.
Chat with an expert today.
What to do immediately if you suspect you’ve been targeted
Hang up or delete the message.
If a call feels threatening or a message seems fishy, it probably is. Don’t reply. Don’t try to challenge the person or get more info. Just hang up or delete the message.
Report it.
You can report Social Security-related scams to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (https://oig.ssa.gov/). It’s quick, and it helps the agency keep track of scam trends.
Check your credit and take action if needed.
If you think your SSN might have been compromised, review your credit reports for anything unfamiliar. If necessary, you can place a fraud alert or a credit freeze to stop new accounts from being opened in your name.
Don’t send money or respond under pressure.
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to get you to act without thinking. Whether they ask for money, personal info, or anything else, don’t respond to threats. Take a step back and confirm what’s real.
Emerging threats and how to stay one step ahead
Social Security number scams aren’t staying the same, they’re getting smarter. Scammers have started using artificial intelligence to make their calls, emails, and texts seem more convincing.
One of the newer tactics involves voice deepfakes. These are recordings that sound like real people, sometimes even copying official SSA agents or familiar voices. They use them to build trust fast and pressure people into handing over their SSNs or other sensitive info.
At the same time, support from the Social Security Administration has changed. With fewer in-person services available, scammers are filling the gap by pretending to offer help.
This change has especially impacted seniors and others who may not be as used to managing everything online.
For those living abroad, it’s even easier to second-guess what’s real and what’s not when you can’t walk into a US government office and ask.
Also, talk to the people around you. A quick conversation with a parent, neighbor, or friend about the latest scams can go a long way. These criminals rely on people being caught off guard. The more aware we are, the harder it becomes for them to succeed.
Even if you’ve been living overseas for years, your SSN is still a target. Staying alert and cautious is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people you care about.
FAQs
-
Can someone steal my identity just by knowing my SSN?
Yes. If scammers get your SSN, it means they have access to your other important information. They can use it to open credit accounts, file false tax returns, or claim government benefits in your name.
-
How can I tell if someone is using my SSN fraudulently?
-
What should I do if I gave my SSN to a scammer?
-
Will the real Social Security Administration ever call or email me?
-
Do SSN scams affect me if I live outside the US?
Prefer to talk it through?
Schedule your free callback today.
Spread the word. Please share… 👉
