Social Security scam calls claim your Social Security Number has been suspended due to criminal activity, that your benefits will be cut, or that a warrant has been issued in your name. These calls are fraudulent — the real SSA does not suspend SSNs or call threatening arrest. 1,753 social security scam phone numbers reports have been filed by Chicago residents. In Illinois, residents filed 186,426 fraud reports last year totalling $318 million in losses (FTC Consumer Sentinel).
How this scam works in Chicago
Caller claims to be from the Social Security Administration
They say your SSN was used in criminal activity and has been 'suspended'
They demand verification of your SSN and date of birth to 'clear your record'
They may demand payment to resolve the 'case'
Red flags Chicago residents have reported
Claim that your SSN has been suspended or flagged
Request to verify or confirm your full SSN over the phone
Threats of arrest, deportation, or asset seizure
Demand for payment to resolve a case number
What to do if you get this call in Chicago
Hang up — the SSA does not call threatening suspension
Never provide your SSN to an incoming caller
Call the real SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if concerned
Report to the SSA Office of Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271