Inspector General Warns Public About Social Security Advisory Board-Related Scam
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: May 17, 2019
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public about a new variation of increasingly common government employee impersonation scams, this time involving the Social Security Advisory Board. The Advisory Board has reported that individuals are receiving scam phone calls displaying the board’s phone number on caller ID. The callers are reportedly attempting to obtain personal information, including Social Security numbers. If you receive this type of call, you should not engage with the caller or provide personal information or money in response to requests or threats.
These callers are employing tactics similar to impersonation schemes involving the IRS, SSA, and the SSA OIG. Inspector General Ennis advises that callers may use a variety of false scenarios or threats to obtain personal information or payments, often requested through gift cards or prepaid debit cards.
However, the Social Security Advisory Board typically does not contact the general public to request personal information over the phone. Moreover, government employees will never threaten you to obtain personal information or payments. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up.
“This caller-ID spoofing scheme has unfortunately evolved to include the Social Security Advisory Board, but it is the same type of scam, attempting to mislead people by using the trusted name of Social Security,” Inspector General Ennis said. “I encourage everyone to alert your family and friends about how common these scams are, and to be very cautious when speaking with unknown callers, even if you recognize the caller ID.”
Inspector General Ennis urges the public not to provide sensitive information over the phone or internet unless you are certain of who is receiving it. You should also never wire money or add money to a prepaid debit card to pay for any official government service.
If you receive a suspicious call, you may report that information online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report or by calling (800) 269-0271, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 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.
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Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
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MichaelP
This afternoon, I received a scam call, claiming my SSN was suspended, because of suspicious activity. I wrote down the number and the Feds must be made aware of this phone number, which is 888-911-0274. If anyone receives a similar scam call, REPORT IT, PRONTO!!!
L.A.
Hi MichaelP. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that 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 new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
David
Had a call from a fake SS caller today. Th phone number listed was: 830-149-4225.
L.A.
Hi David. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that 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 new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.
Carla
Just got this kind of call today, from 1-888-574-8149, they left a message saying that “my SSN has been suspended because of suspicious activity…” Got on the internet ASAP and found a lot of reports, beware!
Lori
Mine is coming from Mika Chilson on my caller ID. Phone number is 678-842-4283.
Go get ’em in Georgia.
Lisa B.
I received a fraudulent social security call today. The people calling said they were from Social Security and that I am being investigated. They asked to confirm my address. I hung up. This is a fraudulent scam. Hang up, they accept call back numbers to put you at ease. The number is 1-201-380-2932, Kearny, NJ. Social Security calls do not have telemarketing noise in the background. They do not say they are Officer So-and-so from the Social Security Administration. Beware.
JB L.
This email arrived late Friday afternoon:
Please call our office before Monday, July 22, 2019 and ask for Mr. G. Zoetewey. The telephone number is 510-970-4527. We need to talk to you about:
Other benefits you may be able to receive.
When you call our office, please have this letter with you. It will help us to serve you more quickly.
Social Security Administration
Smells bad, not going to call!
A.C.
Hi, JB. Please be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls or email messages. If an unknown individual claims to be from a legitimate organization, try to verify his or her identity directly with the company. Avoid providing personal information unless you are certain of a person’s authority to have the information. If you are ever unsure about the identity of someone claiming to be a Social Security employee, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to verify the authenticity of the person who contacted you or contact your local office. We hope this helps.
Ms. P.
I too have been annoyed by these calls like everyone else! I was contacted with a story of my social security number had been used in Texas and had to do with a lot of cocaine and money and I was going to be arrested if I didn’t give out some information. Of course I realized it was a scam and told the person that called to stop these stupid calls and to get a life which he replied “make sure I get a criminal lawyer”! I wish these people would try to make an honest living!
J.W. C.
I got X2 phone calls today wanting to warn me of my S.S. account had been compromised. Their phone #s are 800-345-4888 & 800-090-5927 . I did not respond.
Beth E.
Had a call from 210 361-6463 supposedly saying my social security number had been compromised in San Antonio. They first left a voicemail with only the end intelligible about “before we take legal action”. I did call back and they gave a name, badge ID number, and extension number. I verified when they had info that was correct (probably shouldn’t have even done that), but when they asked me for my birthdate and social security number I said I did not feel comfortable giving that information and needed to look into it further.
L.A.
Hi Beth Ellen. Thanks for checking in with us. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that 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 new site specific to Social Security scams, here. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number, you should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). In addition, you can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union). To order your credit report go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.
Zemen
I have received a call from this number
1-800-838-0430 and when I answered it, it was automatic announcement it says you have a social security fraud and you terminated temporarily. So, please let me know what is the problem on my social security I did not know anything.
L.A.
Hi Zemen. Thank you for letting us know about these calls. We do not usually make random calls. If you or anyone receives calls saying that 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 new site specific to Social Security scams here. We hope this helps.