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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Rebecca H.
Just wanted to leave the phone number of a
Scammer claiming a problem with my ss acct. Call came from Jamaica at 214 pst number 876 675 9209.
Cheri L.
I received a call from “mainland China” on 07/29/2019. The caller said my SSN had been canceled due to suspicious activity. The number is 8660117255. I told the asian lady I was reporting her to the US government.
L. Z.
Subject: Social Security Fraud
In the last couple of days I have received two voice messages from 1-833-323-0383 saying I need to call to verify my social security number or I will have a warrant out for my arrest and will get arrested. This happened a week ago as well.
Thank you.
Michael D.
8557502351 claiming my ss# was suspended!!!
L.A.
Hi Michael, and 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.
susan h.
I just got a Social Security scam call from 206 463 4865. Confronted them with getting a real phone number so I could report the scam and they told me I called them and never to call the number again. Just FYI
George R.
caller of 432-207-3210 said lies about my ss
Cindy
I have received 3 of these calls on my cell phone in 24 hours. I did not answer any, but this number is now blocked on my phone…
Transcription Beta
“_________number and stop your benefits call us back as soon as possible again this call is from Social Security administration and number to reach department is 844-309-6002 I repeat it’s 844-309-6002 thank you…”
L.A.
Hi Cindy. Thanks for letting us know. 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.
Michael P.
We received a call on our cell and landline stating “This Call is from Department of Social Security to inform you that we just suspended your number because we found some suspicious activity, so if you want to know about this case just press one..”
Norita L.
Rec’d call from number threatening my soc. sec. number. They gave me a number to straighten out whatever the problem was. That number is 877-842-4745.
L.A.
Hi Norita. 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. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number, you should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). In addition, you can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union). To order your credit report go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps
R H.
While I was working, I got a call from 1-805-228-1338 saying that my ssn had been compromised and I needed to call. I called my wife gave her the number. She checked on the computer. The number is from Oxnard, CA . When she called the number it was just a busy signal. Is there any way you can check the number to get more information? Hope this helps to stop these people.