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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Sarah C.
I have received 2 phone calls today, 1/9/19, at 11:09 a.m. & 6:20 pm eastern time from 214-717-4612, caller ID showed # as Grand Prairie, TX. Caller left message that they were Social Security Administration and calling me about legal enforcement activities had been filed against my SS number for fraudulent activities and asked me to call the above number as soon as possible. I did not call the number but am reporting these calls.
Stephanie
SCAM CALLER is calling from (800) 727-1517 on January 9, 2019.
sabrina o.
some one called my phone number to say they were a cop with the social security office some bad things were happening to my acct to call them right away at 931 362 1214 call came in at 2:25 1/8/19 eastern standard time to my cell phone 770 998 7077 my name is Sabrina odonnell please stop this nonsense pleas someone will answer when you call that number back with accent not sure where they are from
A.C.
Hi, Sabrina. We do not usually make random calls or request your personal information. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to see whether we really need any information from you. We hope this helps.
Lisa M.
My aunt received a call from someone at 1-202-991-8178 claiming to be from the SSI office. They were telling here that there was fraudulent activity with her social security number. When I called them back and questioned them he hung up on me.
Pam L.
I got this call today (1/3/18), I called the number back (210) 880-9677 and a man answered, I could tell he had an island accent and guessed it was a scam, asked for his manager who also had an Island accent but said he worked for SS in Texas and needed to confirm my name, birth date and social security number. I told him I was calling the police and hung up. Here is my email address, but I see when I googled the phone number, that this is a pretty big problem right now. pamela.loch@moethennessy.com
R.F.
Hello Pam. 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!
Lisa H.
Emery Shelton doranda Shelton has been using my Social Security along with her mother and committing fraud since 19 98 AC Transit workers refuse this to pay me my unemployment Social Security my disability sending me to fraudulent doctors who cannot diagnose PTSD again AC Transit hires commercial drivers without the proper P endorsement and fingerprints along with felons
Mindy R.
I received a scam call from 202-886-3574 telling me that my SSN was going to be deleted
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Mindy. We do not usually make random calls or request your personal information. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to see whether we really need any information from you. We hope this helps.
Charlene
Received call Dec 2018 threatening enforcement action against me. Robotic computer voice. Claiming federal employment badge number SSA9165 and demanding I call 508-281-9570 or federal court action could be filed against me.
I live in Colorado.
Reporting this to appropriate SSA personnel is far too difficult.
Connie L.
reporting phishing scam called on 12/20/2018
1315-6363415. I did not answer the phone; they left a message saying my ss number has been compromised; immediately to call this number.
Melba R.
I received automated phone call today DEc.19,2018 pertaining to be from SS, telling me my ss check was suspended due to Illegal activities.And they it said to click on a certain number to talk to an administrator . Of course i didn’t. i checked the number they supposed to have called from it was 1 800 325 0778. and that number is the TTY number of SS.
Anything i should do? to report it?