Inspector General Warns Public About New Twist To Social Security Phone Scams
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: January 9, 2020
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public that telephone scammers may send faked documents by email to convince victims to comply with their demands. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of victims who received emails with attached letters and reports that appeared to be from Social Security or Social Security OIG. The letters may use official letterhead and government “jargon” to convince victims they are legitimate; they may also contain misspellings and grammar mistakes.
This is the latest variation on Social Security phone scams, which continue to be widespread throughout the United States. Using robocalls or live callers, fraudsters pretend to be government employees and claim there is identity theft or another problem with one’s Social Security number, account, or benefits. They may threaten arrest or other legal action, or may offer to increase benefits, protect assets, or resolve identity theft. They often demand payment via retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency such as Bitcoin, or pre-paid debit card.
Inspector General Ennis urges continued vigilance against all types of phone scams no matter what “proof” callers may offer. As we continue to increase public awareness of phone scams, criminals will come up with new ways to convince people of their legitimacy. Social Security will never:
- threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee;
- promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment;
- require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card; or
- send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.
If there is ever a problem with your Social Security number or record, in most cases Social Security will mail you a letter. If you do need to submit payments to Social Security, the agency will send a letter with instructions and payment options. You should never pay a government fee or fine using retail gift cards, cash, internet currency, wire transfers, or pre-paid debit cards. The scammers ask for payment this way because it is very difficult to trace and recover.
If you receive a call or email that you believe to be suspicious, about a problem with your Social Security number or account, hang up or do not respond. We encourage the public to report Social Security phone scams using our dedicated online form, at https://oig.ssa.gov. Please share this information with your friends and family, to help spread awareness about phone scams. For more information, please visit https://oig.ssa.gov/scam.
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About the Author
Tracy Lynge, Communications Director for the Office of the Inspector General
About Tracy Lynge, Communications Director for the Office of the Inspector General
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Dennis A.
Good service.
Thank You
D. B..
A L.
630 413 0144 just received a call from this number saying they are social security
Evelyn
this was so helpful as I had received a call saying that my Social Security number was involved in an a fraudulent use of the number and if I wanted to avoid prosecution to press 1 on my cell pho I knew it was a scam. However I did report it to Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
Claudia
Why doesn’t the SSA do something to stop these fraudsters?! Why doesn’t the SSA pursue these fraudsters? My co-worker has received five calls in less than 24 hours! It is outrageous. Why doesn’t the SSA help keep us from being harassed in this manner?
Don t.
Was just called by 800 number from “social Security “did not respond.They said there was a “discrepancy “ in my as number
Sondra
880-035-8444 called me today saying my SSN has been suspended. I knew it was a spam call. Just thought I’d give everyone a heads up.
Tina R.
Just got 2 more phone calls about my Social Security having illegal activities Been having these calls for over a year now
Donna P.
I would like to apply for disability benefits please.
Jorick H.
My name is Jorick Har ris and I recently was awarded my SSI. So I considered going online to open a my social security account. But for some unknown reason I can’t open it. On top of that, I am receiving my monthly benefits, but it’s been almost a year for retroactive pay to be received. I am nervous that my social security number may be getting used.
Patricia T.
I am living in Mexico and my friend says that she is working with SS through their office in Mexico City.
Is it true that you have an office in Mexico City?