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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vikram c.
Please reports this fraud company
https://www.d3dsecurity.com/
They are stealing the personal information of their x employes and misuse them for their benifts.
J.Y.
Thanks for letting us know. Social Security takes reports of fraud very seriously. If you suspect fraud, you may find our fraud website useful: http://oig.ssa.gov/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse.
Angelica
I have recently received a call from thos number as well stating that my ssn# was suspended due to suspicious illegal activity and that my assests could be seized. It also stated that I needed to contact my assigned paralegal at 1-804-556-1709.
TIna
I received a suspcus call from a man at 804 556 1709 stating he is head of the SSN office and will freeze my assets. I tried to report it but the wait time was 40 minutes so I am hoping you receive this message.
Billie P.
I received two calls neither of which I answered they left these messages from this number 281-944-5524
The first one from Nancy Sullivan, Head Office, Social Security Administration Office telling me that my card had been suspended.
The second call was from George, Head Office, Social Security Office, informing me that this was my final reminder and that my card had been compromised and being used for illegal activity and that failing to call could result in freezing and forfeiting my assets.
R.F.
Please be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls. If an unknown individual claims to be from a legitimate organization, try to verify his or her identity directly with the company. Avoid providing personal information unless you are certain of a person’s authority to have the information.
SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes.
An SSA employees 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.
If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call — that claims to be from SSA, 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 (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Thanks.
Janeslie
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Patricia P.
FRAUD, HARRASSMENT! I am getting calls from 412-313-0822, claiming to be from DISABILITY. Trying to get important personal INFORMATION. I’ve received about 20 calls within 2 hours it’s constant harassment and I’m expecting important phone calls. I would like to file a fraud complaint! Also to prevent them from targeting anyone else. Thank You
R.F.
Hello Patricia. SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees 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. If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA, 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. Thanks!
Ethel S.
i received 2 calls today from someone claiming to be with Social Security. He claimed a letter had been sent to me stating that my direct deposit would be discontinued as of January 3rd. The more he talked, with a heavy accent, the more suspicious I became. He didn’t get far enough to ask for a telephone number or social security number or bank account information.
R.F.
Hi Ethel, SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employees 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.
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 (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Thanks.
Edward M.
Got a call saying my SS was suspended today and I was to call 254-863-8099 and talk to Maria Garcia . Still have that message and another on my phone. Said that my name and SS number was used to rent a toyota in El Paso TX and the car was wrecked and had 20 lbs of Cocaine in it, plus I was wanted on money laundering. The Sharif, SS agent, and someone else was going to show up at my house tonight. wanted me to go to my bank and draw out money. Much more to the story cant seem to find a fraud report line Not sure you guys really care
Tim L.
Robb-Call left voicemail that SSN was going to be suspended for suspicious activity in Texas (current state of residence) and to call 254-236-6149.
Deleted message and did not call.
Paul A.
Hi, my wife applied for spousal benefits. She’s retired, I’m still working. She checked the status of her application and saw that her request was denied. Why was her request denied? Thanks.
R.F.
Hi Paul. Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be able to get benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving or eligible for retirement or disability benefits. Social Security wants to be sure that the decision made about your claim is correct. Your wife can request an appeal if she does not agree with our decision. She must make a request within 60 days from the date she received the notice of denial.
Unfortunately and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide your wife with an explanation and answer her questions about this matter. She can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or visit her local Social Security office. Please visit our Retirement Planner: Benefits For Your Spouse for more information. Thanks!