'Email Is Threatening To Do Bad Things....If He Didn't Pay $2,000 In Bitcoin' – Teen Looks for Help After Father's SSN Is Used For Blackmail

In a recent Reddit post, a 17-year-old shared a disturbing story: his father received an email that included his full Social Security number and demanded $2,000 in bitcoin. The email claimed to have compromising video footage of the father and threatened to take action if payment wasn't made. The teen wrote that the email used strange characters to avoid detection by spam filters and that his father confirmed the SSN listed was accurate.

Although the father reportedly denied the claims made in the email, he was hesitant to take action. Instead of contacting authorities or freezing his credit, he told his son he would just “watch his credit cards closely.”

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"He doesn't seem to want to do anything just yet unless something actually happens, which I think is a bad move," the son wrote.

Reddit users were quick to weigh in:

• "It's almost certainly a scam," wrote one commenter.
• Another added, "It doesn't matter if your dad is telling the truth or not…Report the federal SS scam to the FBI."

This post has drawn attention to a growing concern: scammers are getting bolder and more personal, and Social Security numbers are at the center of many attacks.

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Social Security Scams Are Becoming More Sophisticated

The Social Security Administration warns that fraudsters often use personal information like Social Security numbers to intimidate victims. According to the SSA Office of Inspector General, over $126 million was lost to Social Security-related scams in 2023 alone, and the number of reported scams continues to rise.

Here are just a few scam alerts issued by the OIG in 2025:

• June 3: Fake SSA remote job offers
• April 1: Scam emails requesting you to download statements
• February 11: Links to claim SSA benefits — all fake

These scams often follow a similar pattern: a sense of urgency, a demand for payment – often via bitcoin or gift cards – and a threat of legal or reputational harm.

What To Do If You Receive a Threatening Message

If you receive an email or message that includes your Social Security number or other personal details, don't panic — and don't respond. Instead, take the following steps:

• Report the scam: You can file a report with the SSA Office of the Inspector General online at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.
• Freeze your credit: Contact the major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
• Monitor your financial accounts: Watch for unauthorized charges or new accounts.
• Visit IdentityTheft.gov: If you think your SSN has been misused, the Federal Trade Commission can help you create a recovery plan.

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Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The SSA emphasizes that their employees will never call, text, or email you to demand immediate payment or threaten arrest. They also won't ask for payment in the form of bitcoin, gift cards, or money transfers.

To protect your Social Security number:

• Never carry your card in your wallet.
• Don't share your SSN over the phone or online unless absolutely necessary.
• Set up a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to monitor your personal information.

For more information on current scams, visit the SSA Scam Alerts page.

Final Thoughts

This teen's concern for his father is justified. Scams involving Social Security numbers are becoming more targeted and more personal. Whether you’re 17 or 70, staying alert and taking action early can make all the difference. If you or someone you love receives a threatening message, don't ignore it — report it.

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