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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Simeon A.
I am receiving suspicious calls from
510-112-7263,
510-112-7273, and
510-112-7283
Claiming to be social security administration. Saying my social security number has been cancelled.
A.C.
Hi, Simeon. 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.
Richard A.
Getting call from TWINCITES MN #1-612-517-1206 Say they are Social Security…and that I own money!
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Richard. 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.
Gloria
ssa call from 716-496-3051 number. said my ssn had suspicious activity.i.!…not true…
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Gloria. 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.
Julius T.
Hello I just received a phone call from one, Nathan Johnson, claiming to be a representative of the Social Security Administration ( ID # 101979) telling me a car was found abandoned on the southern border of Texas. In that car drugs, money was found that was linked to drug trafficking. And that I would be arrested by the U.S. Marshal for money laundering. My accounts would be frozen.
Paulette M.
I received a notification by text message that I qualify for a grant that doesn’t need to be paid back…due to a parent passing away. His name is Larry David and he is requesting that I pay him by Amazon gift cards. Please confirm the legitimacy.
A.C.
Hi, Paulette. Thank you for your comment. If you believe the company may not be legitimate, you may find our publication useful here. We hope this helps.
Patricia H.
I got a call from 518-638-5250 saying that my social security account has been suspended.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Patricia. 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.
Jack H.
Just received a scam attempt on my phone asking for SS# and license #. This came from Texas. 940-324-4043 @ 11:20 on 06/13/2019. Thanks.
A.C.
Hi, Jack. 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. We hope this helps.
Kurt M.
Sorry but our Indio, CA office is unconcerned with the people. They were going to arrest my wheelchair bound wife because an unknown male used her social security number to work. When we got it straightened out the office refused to file the complaint by my wife or investigate the fraud further.
Laura M.
Why not add a hyperlink to the email address to report suspected fraud?
Neil F.
received a call saying my SSN has been suspended because they found some suspicious activity phone number 877-876-9345
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Neil. 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.