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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Liza
Just got a call from this number +1 (262) 235-2359 telling me that my social security account has been suspended. I know it’s a scam so I hang up.
Ronald W.
Today I received at least 8 Social Security telephone fraud ca;lls. Increasing agressive threats to freeze my Social Security benefits, due to “criminal activity”.
A callback number was given – 703-662-0264. The caller ID indicated the calls were coming frim 703-662-02634. No answer athe 0234 number. The 0264 resulted in an oriental woman asking for personal information.There were 2 more calls (703-662-0234) while typing this message.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Ronald. 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.
Clifford J.
I got a call from 346-244-0001 (Texas) , they said my social security number was linked to criminal activity. They wanted me to call a phone #, I hung up.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Clifford. Keep in mind 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. Thanks, again.
Gail D.
I have received such a phone call and voicemail to return the call. I did not return the call. It was from Greensburg, PA. The phone number was +1(724) 237-5549.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Gail. Keep in mind 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.
Rich
281-786-4137. Same scam. Say my s.s.number being suspended by law enforcement. Wanted me to call that number.
A.C.
Hi, Rich. 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. Thanks, again.
Constance R.
I just received a call for number 209-210-2063 stating that my SS# had been suspended due to suspicious activity. I am just reporting this I did not call them
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Contance. 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. Thanks, again.
Roxana F.
I received a call from 800-118-0640 saying that they were the SS administration. When I said that I was going to report them the caller used extremely fowl language in a strong foreign accent and said that there was nothing I can do. Is there anyway to trace theses calls. I have received several.
A.C.
Hi, Roxana. Thanks for letting us know. Keep in mind 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.
Coralyn L.
I am getting a lot of calls from this IRS caller scam, I never answer it but they leave a message saying that “We cancel your SSN and press 1, thank you”
Here are the numbers :
1-800-393-8903
1-800-505-8896
1-800-191-7535
1-800-931-7075
Tricia S.
victor frank is the guy who said he was an officer of social security admin and i was going to jail due to identity fraud. he wanted my social and birthdate. i told him to fuck himself he was a scammer. either a unknown caller or 800-025-1697 and a texas number
Teresa L.
Received fraudulent call from 800-025-1697 saying to stay on line or call because my acct has fraudulent activity