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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joseph g.
fake social security phone call leaving a number to call back. 515-446-2834 catch thses crooks
Ann C.
Hi, Joseph. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
sharlene
Fake SS Call
817-785-8437
A legal enforcement action filed on your Social Security number of fraudulent activity
Robert K.
Just got a call from 1 855 679 1542 and my T mobil phone said likely scam call. I answered and it was a scam call. I’m wondering why the authorities don’t go after these jerks. since they know the number. It must be in somebody name.
James H.
+1 (800) 852-2357
This number is calling non stop claiming to be ss
Holly C.
I received a call from 855-997-0506 saying there is an issue with my social security number and I need to call that number before it is blocked.
Joshua M.
I have received one of the fraudulent calls numerous times. The number I’m asked to call is (518) 293-2991 for committing suspicious activity in the state of Texas and before moving forward with leagal procedure call the number.
Bradley P.
I got a call several times now from (800) 341-5434 which ends up being a robo call pretending to be Social Security Office and claiming my Social Security Number is blocked and that I must press 1 to begin the process of unblocking it. I assume they will want me to enter my social after I press 1, but it is obviously a scam. Please forward this info to whatever department looks into SSA scams like this.
Betty P.
My husband and I received phone calls in the last week from a supposed SSA person saying our SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
Teri Q.
I have received three phone calls this morning regarding the “call you have a problem with your social security number”.
The number they are asking to call back is: 530-379-7946
Please investigate. Thank you
Glenn D.
ALERT
Received a call from this #
+1-210-888-8371
Saying my SS account is in need of update.
And asking for my personal info.