Frauds & Scams, Guest Bloggers

Inspector General Warns Public about Phone Calls from OIG “Imposters”

March 6, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

woman looking at cell phone 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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About the Author

Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director

Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director

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Comments

  1. Doris

    Someone called me, (the same person), from these two numbers, stating that they were a social security benefits advisor and they wanted my social security information to see if I qualify for benefits.
    5592050195
    5592069487

  2. Anthony N.

    I recently tried to use my social security number to open a bank account where I live and could not. I believe someone is pretending to be me in the USA while using my social security number. How can I check this? Who do I call as I’m disabled housebound and living abroad at my family’s home in the United Kingdom and I don’t have access to the internet.?

    • R.F.

      Hello Anthony. If you think someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information on this topic.
      We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefit Unit or U.S. embassy in their area, for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks.

  3. Frederick W.

    Have received a couple of calls stating that there is a problem with my social security acct. The person calling states that my social security number is going to be canceled due to suspicious and criminal activity. They also urge me to call to avoid disciplinary actions. The number they use is 202-750-5091. I know it’s not legitimate but I’m sure they a preying on others.

  4. Cynthia Z.

    I have been getting calls from 931-9222139 It is a social security scam

  5. Dorcas

    I just received a call regarding my SS number being cancelled if I do not call this number…..202-697-6144 I did NOT call the number, but want you to know there is a new phone number to call. The voice was a middle eastern voice. Thank you.

  6. Maureen O.

    Today, 12/04/2018, at 8:57 AM, I received a voice message in a heavily accented male voice, saying he worked for the SSA, and that they had detected criminal and suspicious activity on my account, that they suspected identity theft; therefore, they had cancelled my SS account (really? does SS cancel accounts? I’ve never heard of that), so I must call this number immediately: 202 697-6144. I called it from another anonymous phone, it rang 5 times, then went to a constant busy signal. Obviously they didn’t answer since they didn’t recognize the number as one they had called. Just letting you know, that’s the latest “scam”

  7. Robert P.

    recorded call claims social security number is stolen and to call 4123771168

  8. Anna

    Hello,
    I am reporting a Scam using social security stating they are federal. I called the number back and spoke with a representative twice by asking what do they do and they hung up on me. Also I tried calling back 3 more times because I knew it was a scam as soon as I heard the message. Here is the number that I received 1-956-205-0965. A message was left but I couldn’t make out the number that was left. Voice was automatic robot. Thank you.

  9. Charles L.

    I received a call today. It was a recorded message saying my SSN had been “suspended”. I hung up on them thinking it was a phishing scam. When I looked at the caller ID later, it said it was from Social Security, and had you 800 number. I know it’s not hard to spoof caller ID, but now I’m wondering if this was a scam or not.

  10. Kim

    On 11/29/18 i received a robocall from 570-218-8721 telling me that my social has been found suspicious and that I needs to call to prevent suspension of my social and assets. I previously received a similar call from 22-869-3049 on 10/29/18. I am on the do not call list. Please stop these jerks!

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