Inspector General Warns Public about Phone Calls from OIG “Imposters”
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
The Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is warning citizens about a nationwide telephone “imposter phishing” scheme. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have received several reports from citizens across the country about persons receiving phone calls from individuals posing as OIG investigators. The caller indicates an issue exists pertaining to the person’s Social Security account or Social Security number (SSN) and directs the person call a non-SSA telephone number to address the issue.
The reports indicate the calls include a recording from a caller stating she is “Nancy Jones,” an “officer with the Inspector General of Social Security.” The recording goes on to say the person’s Social Security account, SSN, and/or benefits are suspended, and that he or she should call 806-680-2373 to resolve the issue. Citizens should be aware that the scheme’s details may vary; however, citizens should avoid calling the number provided, as the unknown caller might attempt to acquire personal information.
OIG investigators occasionally contact citizens by telephone for investigative purposes, but they will not request sensitive personal information from a citizen over the phone. If a person receives a similar suspicious call from someone alleging to be from the OIG, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Acting Inspector General Stone said, “This phishing scheme is targeting unsuspecting persons for the purpose of Social Security benefit theft or identity theft.” She warns citizens to be cautious, and to avoid providing personal information such as your SSN or bank account numbers to unknown persons over the phone or internet unless you are certain of who is receiving it. “You must be very confident that the source is the correct business party, and that your information will be secure after you release it,” Stone said.
If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA or the OIG, please contact your local Social Security office, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy. (Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call Social Security’s TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)
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Tags: Office of the Inspector General, OIG, SSN
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Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
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Tonya B.
Hello this number 14066861817 keeps calling after I have blocked them. Saying my SSN is going to be stoped. Someone did answer when I called. An I told them I new this was scam an hung up.please check this number.
R.F.
Thank you for sharing this information, Tonya.
Just a reminder — If a person receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Rosalind G.
I received a voicemail saying Mark Brown of Social Security Admin needef to talk to Mr. Mark Brown 518-977-6988. The message said Where we take this matter to the courthouse kindlly call us back at 528-977-6988
John
this number keeps calling me telling me that my social security number is being used in fraud and to call them right away. They have called me 5 times in 3hrs. 785-292-3190
R.F.
Hello John. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which receives and analyzes public complaints related to identity theft, recently reported to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) an increase in reports of suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be SSA employees.
If a person receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!
pat
We have been getting calls for a couple of days about our SS being suspended.
luaoo
XXX-XX-XXXX Christopher Keegan Mahr 555 7th
Grand Rapids, MI
Daniel H.
Received a phone call from a “Officer Jones” with the SSA. Stated that we have a record pending with them regarding a scam we were conducting. Also stated that we were to call the number they called from, 210-399-3498 to talk to a rep. REALLY!!! SSA now calls you??? Actually said they were Officer Jones and they were with SSA.
R.F.
Hello Daniel. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone. If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA or the OIG, please report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!
Gavin N.
I received a phone call on October 23,2018 @4:00 pm in regards to criminal activities on my social security number the voice message was left by Victor Frank the telephone number 401 929-7827 please track this person down.
Kurtis M.
Recieved a recorded voicemail stating my “social” has been flagged for illegal activity and to call 760 890 1390 where an individual with an Indian accent attempted to collect my information. I did not comply but he did state he was calling from the Social Security Administration.
R.F.
Hello Kurtis. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen to confirm personal information over the phone.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which receives and analyzes public complaints related to identity theft, recently reported to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) an increase in reports of suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be SSA employees.
If a person receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!
If a person receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
kevin c.
I received phone call from deputy com.samantha diaz my social was in used the number they used is 240-342-4243 out of sandy spring md is this leget
Erika F.
I am getting calls from number 786-600-1760 saying they have my soc. sec. number and will have to suspend it if I do not call back. They say there has been a lot of activity on my soc. sec. number, but do not say the number. They is getting very annoying. I do not call back, of course.
R.F.
Thank you for sharing this information, Erika. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen confirm personal information over the phone.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which receives and analyzes public complaints related to identity theft, recently reported to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) an increase in reports of suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be SSA employees.
If a person receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens may report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.