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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V J.
Voice message received telling me I need to call them back with SS information.
The call back # is 347-352-3906.
J.Y.
Hi. 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.
William C.
I was left a voice mail message by the # (956) 174-9712. I was told to dial 1. The message said it had detected unusual activity on my account and I should push 1. I didn’t. I just called this number.
J.Y.
Hi, William. 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.
Kathleen M.
I have gotten several of these calls and I did report them. Now, I’ve again had three over the last 3 days – 2 on my cell phone and one on my landline. I do not answer these calls or respond in any way.
Two of the numbers are:
830-264-1587 (saying on “Christine, TX”)
206-745-9639 (Seattle, WA)
The most recent actually threatened there was a “warrant out for my arrest” due to “suspicious activity”…
A.C.
Hi, Kathleen. 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.
Sharon P.
I had someone call me at 1-205-583-6401 claiming that they are the Soc.Sec office in my social had been compromise through money laundering and drug traffic. They ask me a series of question the last four digits of my social, where I work,what banks that have accounts with,and how much money is in my account. Do not fall victim like I did.
Cecile S.
Social Security scam call. 762 585 7022 was the number it came from. I Called it right back and a live so called agent came on and I said to him you are a scam and he hung up on me. Maybe you could try the number.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Cecile. 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.
Ellie W.
Got a call from 616-747-7166. This was a recording sayin g there was fraud reported against my social security number to call the number back to take care of the matter. They called my work cell phone for Buchanan.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Ellie. 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.
Thomas B.
Have just received a phone call purportedly from SS Admin saying that my SS# has been cancelled, “Press 1 for further information.” Recorded female voice. Number was (877) 531-4699.
Johan w.
+1 (443) 247-5252 This number is a scammer please investigete
Doc
This call is from the Social Security Administration. The reason of this call is to notify you about the intonation to suspend your social security number. This is final attempt to reach you. To resolve this issue immediately. Please call us back on 903-765-0559 to speak with a federal agent. I repeat. It’s for 903-765-0559. Thank you.
Jeffie P.
Telephone call saying that my Social Security number has been compromised.