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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Philip C.
how in God’s name does a person report a phone scam, I found it literally impossible to do so, so, if you don’t care, neither do I. this is typical of Government red tape and BS. I give up.
I called the number back after hearing their message and there was actually someone there, I gave them no information, the number I called is:
210.742.3790, I also have the message they left me if you are interested
Ernest D.
Hello. I received a call from an entity calling themselves FSA (385-455-8328). The message they left said my Social Security number was fraudulently used, to contact them right away before the matter was sent to State Court, and that I could be arrested. I did some rsearch online and it appears the number exists in Lehi, Utah.It also appears other individuals were scammed by the same number (not necessarily someone saying they were from “FSA”). Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Ernest. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. Thanks also for helping us fight fraud.
John H.
I thought you would be interesred in this scam call that i received ;
To Therese to get more information about this case file and arrest warrant from federal database. Call immediately at our headquarters number 323-880-0265. I repeat 323-880-0265. Social Security deputy officer is waiting for your call back.
L.A.
Hi John. Thank you for letting us know. Keep in mind that we do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. We hope this helps.
Jeff M.
I got three Social Security scam phone calls today. I don’t remember ever having gotten any in the past.
+1 (409) 336-8161 Beaumont, TX
+1 (346) 715-6272 Houston, TX
+1 (346) 995-9918 Houston, TX/
I blocked them on my cell phone.
Please investigate them and stop them from this illegal activity.
L.A.
Hi Jeff. Thank you for letting us know. Keep in mind that we do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General online. We hope this helps.
cynthia g.
Received phone call that my social security number has been cancelled because of alleged fraud.
L.A.
Hi Cynthia. Thanks for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General 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.
Mary A.
Both my husband and I have received several calls each day from different phone numbers saying our social security numbers have been suspended due to fraudulent activity. We did not answer but the calls keep on coming. I checked on line to see if there was a scam and so told my husband not to answer.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Mary Ann. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General 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.
L.A.
Hi Mary. Thanks for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General 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.
Roger D.
I keep getting phone calls (5 today already) from 304-461-6462 claiming to be from the Social Security Administration…I did not return the calls but they keep coming. In doing a reverse look-up, it is a cell phone number from Beckley, WV.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Roger. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General 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.
Marilyn M.
I received a call (scam?) where the person told me to call them or my S.S. income would be reduced (garnished?). I did not answer this call, but received a request to call on my answering machine. The number that they left was: 516-666-7349.
A.C.
Hi, Marilyn. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General 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.
William D.
Received two call from 18009643239, 18009897548 claming to be with SSA, claiming my ss# will be deactivated.
A.C.
Thank for letting us know, William. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General 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.
Tony B.
I’m receiving a scam calls into our cell phones for a caller who claim that he is working with the social security Department in Atlanta. telling us that someone apply on our Social security number for a credit loan and he can help us to assist if we knew about this application
Phone numbers used for calling me and my wife as follows:
1-888-485-0608 & 1-888483-4364
we want to report such scam numbers enabling you to follow up and catch such individual
A.C.
Hi, Tony. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General 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.