Inspector General Warns Public About Caller ID “Spoofing” of Social Security Fraud Hotline Phone Number
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: April 2, 2019
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning citizens about a caller-ID “spoofing” scheme misusing the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) Fraud Hotline phone number. The OIG has received recent reports of phone calls displaying the Fraud Hotline number on a caller-ID screen. This is a scam; OIG employees do not place outgoing calls from the Fraud Hotline 800 number. Citizens should not engage with these calls or provide personal information.
SSA and OIG employees do contact citizens by telephone for official purposes, and they may request the citizen confirm personal information over the phone. However, the calls do not appear on caller ID as the Fraud Hotline number of (800) 269-0271. Also, SSA and OIG employees will never threaten you for information or promise any type of official action in exchange for personal information or payment. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up.
If you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA or OIG, you should report that information to the OIG online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report or by calling (800) 269-0271, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams: https://identitytheft.gov/ssa
See the full advisory at the OIG website.
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Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
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Patricia A.
I received phone call from 1-410-777-8474 (Maryland) at 11:28 on 10-4-2019. I was told my benefits were on hold and have been stopped. I refused to give him any information. Was this a scam call or a valid communication?
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Patricia. 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.
Terri B.
I recieved a call from 936-226-0287
When I answered it was a foriegn sounding man telling me he is with the social security administration….
I immediately hung up and the returned the call…after several rings he answers and say social security administration….
Patricia B.
I just received a phone call from 1-844-469-6370 the message stated my social security number had been suspended and for information press 1. I wanted to hear what they were going to try to tell me. I just retired from SSA field office 3 years ago after 26 years and 11 months. I laughed when placed on hold and they hung up.
L.A.
Hi Patricia. 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 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.
Yancy L.
Hello, I have been getting phone calls saying that someone is using my ssn in texas, but it was obvious that it was a scam call.
I told them that I was going to the ss office and deal with someone in person, when I said that he hang up.
A.C.
Thanks for checking in with us, Yancy. 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.
Gloria W.
Hello, these scammers call me and said that social security number had been placed on hold because someone had it and they need to talk to me about it..
L.A.
Hi Gloria. 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 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.
Mary E.
I’m getting calls stating it’s a call from SSA. The say it is possible that you be arrested because you commited fraud. Then they leave a phone # for you to call them back. Obviously I’ve never called them back. I figured if someone is arresting me I’d have police with a warrant on my porch.
L.A.
Hi Mary. 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 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.
Robert
I have recently applied on line to be able to collect Social Security when I turn 62 in November. I have received calls from (215)587-5657. In the quotes is the voice mail message I received, “Yes. Hi. My name is Mrs. Wells in reference to your claim you from the line for retirement services. If you can please return my call so I can process your claim. My number is (215)597-0613. Thank you, have a good day.” Is this a legitimate call or is it fraud? Thank you for your assistance.
A.C.
Hi, Robert. We’re sorry, but we do not have a list of all of the possible phone numbers that Social Security uses. What we can tell you is that we do not usually make random calls. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to see whether we really need any information from you. We hope this helps.
B. H.
When I called SSA to schedule an appointment, I was given the option of a call back. I was required to speak my name to be recorded, ao that I would recognize my name when called back and know the call was legit. Great idea. However, During callback, I was told a phone interview would be used vs a face-to-face appt that I was requesting, but NO recording of my name was ever done so I would know the call was legit. With all of the scams, SSA should REQUIRE this verification step for all phone interviews!! I am now very skeptical of receiving this call and giving any info over the phone.
Diane G.
I keep getting calls saying my ss card has been comprised and it is going to get canceled and awarrent is going to be issued if I don’t contact them
A.C.
Hi, Diane. 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 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.
Jerry G.
I have been receiving calls from a person who claims to be an officer (John) working for the ssa and they are going to suspend my ss# and a warrent has been issued for my arrest if i dont comply. The number they are calling from is 800-775-5550.
I gave no information to them and told them i would be contacting the ssa fraud prevention hotline to report them.
A.C.
Hi, Jerry. 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.