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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ANN R.
Call received today 8/16. ID on phone was
14432275740.
Instructed to call (443)227-500 (missed a digit here–sorry).
Robo call threatening indictment in court if do not respond.
Amanda
I just wanted to report that I received a social security imposter call telling me my SSN is suspended LOL due to investigation of fraudulent activity and if I do not make a claim now to deny these accusations then they will file a law suit against me !! Scary. Luckily, I know better but I am sure there are tons of people who fall for this scam and I wanted to report the phone number in hopes it helps you shut them down (301) 264-7644
A.C.
Hi, Amanda. 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.
P F.
Voicemail received from number:
724-670-2011 claiming that my social security number has been involved in a crime and that I need to respond or I would have to appear before a magistrate or supreme court. Just thought I would report the number. Thanks.
A A.
This just happened to me although the number it came from was different than in this article. This is the number my message to call back came from (1-838-787-8787). Thankfully I knew better as it sounds ludicrous that a social security number can be suspended. So I googled it and found your article. Thank You for confirming that this is a SCAM.
Margaret W.
Today I received 2 calls which I believe are scams. They came from the following phone numbers:
858-371-6724
910-252-6402
They both had the same recorded msg saying that there has been fraudulent activity re. my social security in Texas.
Timothy L.
Two phone calls from imposters telling me my ssn has been suspended, the phone numbers they called from are as follows. 281-231-9672, and 610-628-6312.
Alexis
I keep getting a spam call from people claiming to be from SSA saying my social has been compromised- this is the phone # they keep calling from (844) 296-0686 and this is the # they say to call 210-728-3901 – I humored them and called back the 844 to see if anyone would answer and they did- they told me I needed to go to the police and give them my case # CF547 to clear my name.
L.A.
Thank you for checking in with us, Alexis. 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.
mary g.
ewwivws voice mail social security card suspended due to suspicious activity number is201-243-5845
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Mary. 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.
Duane N.
I keep getting calls stating they are from the Social Security Administration and they leave a number to call back to, which is the same number that shows when call is being received. 720-770-5755. I received two calls yesterday and four calls so far today, it is approximately 3:44 pm.
Lawrence B.
I received a call from 513-375-4204, saying my social security number had been used in California. I’m sure this was probably a scam but wanted to check,my # is
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Lawrence. 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.