Is this “Social Security suspended” call a scam?

Yes. The Social Security Administration does not suspend your Social Security number, and it will never call to say your SSN was “used in a crime” or is “about to be suspended.” That recorded or live call — often threatening arrest and demanding you “verify” your number or move money to a “safe account” — is a well-known impersonation scam. Your SSN cannot actually be suspended, so the entire premise is fake.

The real SSA communicates mostly by mail, doesn't threaten immediate arrest, and never asks for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto. It won't demand you confirm your full SSN over the phone. If you're worried, hang up and call the SSA directly at its official published number. If the call pointed you to a website, check that link before you enter anything.