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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Pam H.
the following phone number has call regarding SS being compromised and a warrant out for arrest. 844-623-4526
Susan W.
Just received one of the above calls. hung up. Phone number was a local one, when the local phone number was called, it is disconnected.
Jean B.
Today 2/24/20 on my landline. A recorded female voice said they were from the Social Security administration. Caller did not use my name but said a legal complaint was filed against my Social Security number and driver’s license number. She said the my S.S. number would be legally “blocked” unless I called them back at 989-882-1453.
Jesus F.
We keep getting calls stating our SSN has been canceled. The call is from 409-522-1052. leaves recorded message Another # is from Ramon Gimenez, 919-553-0025. We receive many calls throughout the day and in the evening. We are Sr. citizens and they have become a nuisance. Wher do we report all these fraudulent calls we continue to receive daily?
Jean
Why don’t you have a link to report scams??? Why does the link continually say ERROR try again in a few minutes. You make things extra difficult.
K. K.
Receiving several calls from 800 Service with the number 888-863-5824, claiming to to have my soc. sec. and driver license numbers and state my social security will be blocked if I don’t return the call.
Jackie E.
Received telephone call from person indicating she is from the SSA saying she has received legal complaint under my SSN and drivers license numbers to block my SSN immediately. She threatened me by saying: “We will block your SSN if we do not hear from you immediately”. She told me to “Call this number 866-981-5453 for additional information.”
Timothy M.
I have received calls from the following Telephone Numbers from people whom claim Social Security wants to Suspend my Social Security Number for Suspicious Activity from the following telephone Numbers:
1-800-646-1877
1-866-404-5262
1-866-931-7075
1-809-802-30206
You can reach me by dialing 253-533-3016
mary p.
2/18/20 received 3 scam phone calls stating they were from social security. calls were made from 706.661.5849.
Rosalie D.
How do I report the person making these calls and leaving messages on my cell phone?
I know the phone number, and I wonder if knowing it would help any law enforcement agencies in an effort to stop these people?