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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Barbara A.
I had a phone call on my cell phone from 206 452 9335 today. He said he was someone from the Social Security and that they were doing an investigation. I was told to push 1 to speak to an investigator.
I hung up and wrote down the number that was showing on the screen.
This occurred on May 2, 2019.
L.A.
Hello Barbara. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
scooter
Still a challenge to find good site to report obvious fraud. Following number wanted me to call back 1 May 2019 re soc sec number:206 237 7655.
Fake “Geek Squad” support 15 March 2019 told me my credit card had been charged more than $300. Ph number: 786 656 0171
A.C.
Hi, Scooter. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Michele
i received a call from a person named Officer Richard Martin stating there was “some fraudulent activities under my name. Phone # 234249-5887
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Michele. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Carla W.
I received a call from 214-556-6518 agent claims he was from social security and my number was being flagged for fraud. I told him ssn doesn’t make phone calls and he hung up. The call came in after 5pm. Be careful.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Carla. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
marjorie a.
There are new calls with 803 756 4550 as of 4/30/2019
L.A.
Hi Marjorie. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
Myrna J.
I got a phone call saying it was social security and there was legal action taken against me
the phone number was (915) 228 3780
A.C.
Hi, Myrna. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
Sung y.
got a call from 702-605-4199 with exact comment. asked them their address but they couldn’t provide where they are. told them I will make the report then they hung up.
V.V.
Hi Sun. Thank you for letting us know about the call. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here.
Kathleen M.
Today alone I have received 3 calls from 888-810-0363 from a Social Security person.informing me that my social security number has been suspended due to fraudulent use. I have received many calls to my land line and even more to my cell phone. I have not answered any of the calls, but it’s becoming very annoying.
V.V.
Hi Kathleen. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. See our most recent blog post:
Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams here.
Wilbur D.
Hi.
I was contacted by phone today and said to call back(I missed the call) they called from (475)207-3086 & I was to call (410)621-8646. I listened to the my voice mail, social security waiting for my call back. So i called the # that called me in the first place. talked to an officer (Watsos -bag #742609310). He pulled up my file(so he said)and started to ask a couple questions, I didn’t feel right about it and told him so and that i thought it was a fraud, to steal my ID.and hung up. Then after a couple minutes I called the #(410)621-8646 that they told me to call, The phone company couldn’t call that #.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Wilbur. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
Melanie B.
Phone call threatening to discontinue SS payments if I did not call this number 1-866–016-1213
A.C.
Hi, Melanie. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.