Most of the things that chill us to the bone are works of pure fantasy.
Think about the terrors on the silver screen, or the spine-tingling scenes in the pages of great books. Most of what fears us is the unknown, or more specifically, the seemingly impossible.
As we’ve discussed, scammers love to use fear to prey on people. So when you get a call or an email saying your Social Security number is suspended, feel safe in knowing this is another fantasy created to scare you, and not a legitimate communication.
Why Suspended Social Security Number Scams Are Effective
Think about how many ways we use our Social Security number. This crucial data point comes up again and again in life and work.
A Social Security number is key for identity verification. It’s key in us receiving the retirement benefits we’ve fairly earned. There’s also its use in tax purposes, security clearances, and more.
As discussed here, this type of scam is all too common. It takes people by surprise, and this state of shock can render them vulnerable. It’s then the scammer on the other end of the line will tell the fearful target that they can “reinstate” the number by verifying it, paying money, or sharing other personal information.
While these scams are real, the concept of your number being suspended is false. If you are targeted by a scam like this, cease all communication with the other party. Contact the Social Security Administration directly and tell them about what happened.
This way, you can report the fraud to protect others You can even put a flag on your number if you believe it may be in danger.
For more facts about avoiding Social Security scams like suspended numbers and more, follow our page.