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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Wallace J.
August 2,2019. 2nd time I received a call from someone claiming to be a Social Security investigator. This caller ID showed Washington DC as the caller at phone number 202-844-0675. Said there was a problem and I am to call them at 210-955-0309 to clear the problem. I hung up after the message. Is this not identity theft using someone’s name other than your own for fraudulent use?
Richard H.
Just had a call saying my SS account was about to be suspended and I should call (315) 284-2910, Adams Center NY, which I did and the speaker identified himself as an SSA officer. I asked him what my name was and he demurred to the original call which was a recording. I then gave him my name. He told me there was some identity theft/fraud associated with my name and SS number. I asked what my SS number was for verification purposes and was told that SS could not give me my own number. The call went no further because I told him that I do not speak with anyone without being certain of identity. I do not know his purpose was but I have recieved a si. Other milar call conerning suspension and have recieved other calls threating arrest because of unpaid taxes.
These calls are annoying and easily recognized as fraudulent. Other people may not be aware.
Clinton H.
The following phone numbers used by the scammers are the following –
830-770-8515
830-848-5778
Thanks,
Clint
L.A.
Thank you for letting us know about these calls, Clinton. 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.
mary b.
i have gotten calls from 888 336 0686 and i have not been able to answer them but when i call they say there from social security. i told them i did not believe them and they hung up. so a believe it is fraud.
L.A.
Thank you for letting us know about these calls, Mary. 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.
Louise C.
I keep on receiving phone calls from NJ numbers and it’s s recording saying there’s a problem with my SS# and they want me to push a button. I hang up and block. Four different calls today from Four different numbers.
973-504-6200, 856-384-3792, 856-219-2654, 856-374-7774.
Will you please check this out?
Thank you,
Louise Carpino
215-740-9695
L.A.
Thank you for letting us know about these calls, Louise. 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.
Kim K.
I got just such a call from number 800-269-0271.
2 days ago, got another call from a LOCAL number posing as an Agent of National Disability to discuss my claim for social security disabililty. When I responded that I did not have such a claim, they hung up. When I called them today (520341-8265)to ask them who they were, she said the objective is to assist me with my disability claim with social security – when I told her I was not disabled, she hung up.
Kim K.
I got just such a call from number 800-269-0271.
2 days ago, got another call from a LOCAL number posing as an Agent of National Disability to discuss my claim for social security disabililty. When I responded that I did not have such a claim, they hung up. When I called them today to ask them who they were, she said the objective is to assist me with my disability claim with social security – when I told her I was not disabled, she hung up.
Janet E.
I receive a telephone call from (540) 512-1880 last week. They left a message for me to call back about my son’s SSA disability. I called back and left my cell phone number for them to call me back. I never got a call back from them, but received a letter this week, stating I had to get back to them AT ONCE is what the letter said, for more information. I feel like to is a scam. I have been receiving voice messages on my cell phone number every since I left them my number. SSA said they did not send out a letter to me, in reference to my son’s disability. I wish I could attach the letter and the envelope, but I can’t. The letter and envelope show it is from Commonwealth of Virginia. Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Service.SSA.S0L RO VA DSS EST.PO Box 9061.
London KY 40742-9061
Telephone: 540-512-1880 Fax: 877-280-2101 Toll Free: 1-877-892-6871 TTY: 800-464-9950
I can be reached at (410) 233-2030
Thank you for your assistance
HL
Got a call from 877 349-1447 that said my ss# was suspended due to ‘problems’. At 10:58 am mt time.
If you are collecting theses spam numbers, add that one.
Of course, I did not reply.
Darius
I was contacted in regards to Social Security benefits, the phone number is from Maryland 433-259-9911