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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Jose C.
I answered a call from a Texas number and they tried to scare me by having an automated message tell me my social security number has been compromised and being used to commit crimes with it like fraud. It then prompted me to press the #1 on my keypad to speak to a representative. A man with an Indian accent says he is a federal agent and proceeds to give me his name (Wesley Smith) and badge number (SNV7193N) and continues to feed me information about me after I gave him my first and last name. He knew my middle initial and my home address, and says either a collogue or relative is using my social security number to commit crimes and asks me to give him my social security number so he take a look at my account. I absolutely refused to give him my SSN and when I told him he should have it because he’s calling my about the claims, he hung up on me. Background noise sounded legit like it was an office full of people talking on phones like a call center. I called the Texas number back (430-200-4999) and got the same “Wesley Smith” to answer, coincidence? Not! People do not fall for this scam!
Alan G.
1-800-529-3402 scam saying your soc sec number has been suspended .
Paul M.
Social Security calls I received yesterday.
SS# suspended – arrest warrant issued.
Sarasota 941 444 9794
Cellular 941 769 6172
800 Service 800 917 3994
800 Service 800 911 1234
K.O.
Hello Paul. Thanks for checking with us. You may report suspicious calls 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 site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Anne S.
Just received a call from 206-502-4261, Bainbridge Island, WA — almost word for what was said above as a scam…
Barbara B.
I received a phone call today from a ss scammer. His phone number is 941-271-9001
Laura S.
+14432275919 watch this number, they are claiming to be the social security agency.
e w.
No name given , robo call….told to press 1.
claim SS# was recently used in S. Texas border in fraud case….number that called from is below
1-214-283-6010
Beverly R.
Received phone call from 209-488-6896 claiming to be Social Security telling me my information has been used and to call them for help.
A.C.
Hi, Beverly. 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.
Christi
Recent call received saying they were social security deputy inspector general
888-550-9510 8/23/2019 10:24 am
“Your name due to a legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number for frozen activities to get more information about this case and the arrest warrant from federal database please call on 680-888-9510 I repeat 680-888-9510 Social Security deputy inspector waiting for your call back…”
I can’t find a site where I can report this. But I think someone should know. Social security site has a list of what complaints they will take, but not this situation. I appreciate the ipreventative info, but doesn’t someone actually want to catch the people? If you know who, I Hope this is helpful
A.C.
Hi, Christi. Thanks for checking in with us. 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 site specific to Social Security scams, here. We hope this helps.
Don H.
Just received a call from 1-888-792-9063 claiming my SS number has been suspended because of suspicious activity and I need to call back in response. 3:34 P.M.
A.C.
Hi, Don. 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. We hope this helps.