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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Phil L.
Why make it so hard to report a fraud scam? A 5-digit security code?? Really?
Theresa R.
Just got a call saying my Social Security had been cancelled! When I called the number back, it was about a cruise on a ship. Any other reports ofvthe same farce??!!
Ann C.
Hi, Theresa. Thanks for checking in with us. 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.
Maida K.
I have received multiple calls from Mr 1(609)6864043
Ann C.
Hi, Maida. 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.
Jimmy M.
Their robot just called me and told me call 641-435-5578. Stop this abuse!
Michael P.
I just applied for my SS benefits, and almost immediately received what seemed to be a scam call from 614-974-6267. I challenged the caller (who had Indian accent) when he asked for me to verify my zip code. When I demanded identification, the call ended. Bad news!
J.harris
Was told a house was raided by FBI and cocaine cars and large sums of cash were found cars and house was in my name and to call 307 414 4363 or my local police department will be placing me under arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking
CA E.
i just received a call on my cell phone stating legal action will be taken, that someone is filing a claim against me thru my SSN ? They said to call back at this number 877-640-8971
Jim L.
I just received a call from 800-661-1651 telling me my SS# has been suspended, that I should press 1 to speak to someone from the Socal Security Administration. Knowing it was a scam, I pressed 1, the man answered “Socal Security Administration, can I have your Social Security number?” I ask who he was and he hung up. I dialed the number back. It is answered by a Roboscript trying to sell an alert device.
Maria G.
I’ve received a phone call from San Antonio Texas 210-469-0762, I didn’t answer the phone but I checked the voice mail; was an intimidating message saying “This is the SSA the reason behind this phone call is because we have received the legal affidavit to suspend this number” press 1 to talk to an agent who can help you
ron b.
I have gotten multiple calls and the number to call Is 210-469-4897 – Is it possible to trace this