Inspector General Warns Public About SSA Impersonation Schemes
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 16, 2018
The Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is warning citizens about ongoing Social Security Administration (SSA) impersonation schemes. SSA and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have recently received several reports of suspicious phone calls claiming to be from SSA.
In one case, an automated recording states the person’s Social Security number (SSN) “has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity,” and the person should contact a provided phone number immediately to resolve the issue. The call concludes by stating if the person does not contact the provided phone number, the person’s assets will be frozen until the alleged issue is resolved. In another case, a caller claims to be from “SSA headquarters” and waits for the person to provide personal information, such as an SSN, address, and date of birth. In January, the OIG shared similar information from the Federal Trade Commission, which reported an increase in reports of suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be SSA employees.
SSA employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. In only a few limited special situations, usually already known to the citizen, an SSA employee may request the citizen confirm personal information over the phone. If a person receives a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from SSA, citizens should report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
Acting Inspector General Stone continues to warn citizens to be cautious, and to avoid providing 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. “Be aware of suspicious calls from unknown sources, and when in doubt, contact the official entity to verify the legitimacy of the call,” 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: fraud, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, OIG
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Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
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Regina G.
We did receive a questionable phone call but they never said which person’s social security no. was suspended. The call said they were from social security dept. and the reason for the phone call was because “we just suspended your social security number so if you want to know about this please press one” . This is the phone number that came up on the phone. 844-490-5187.
Hope this is helpful.
I’m assuming if it wqs valid they would address the person in a different way, right?
Ann C.
Hi, Regina. 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. We hope this helps.
Jenna h.
I just received a call from someone saying that my number was part of criminal activities. They said they knew I was innocent but they could only protect me if they shut down my bank accounts. At that point I hung up but this is very scary for those who aren’t informed. I should have hung up earlier but this can scare many individuals who trust others in a world where we may need to be more suspicious.
Jenna Y.
Hi, Jenna. 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. Thanks, again.
Michael M.
I have received two calls claiming my social security number has been suspended and/or compromised. I would like to report this action. The number on my call ID for both calls is: 800-269-0271. When I call that number, they hang up.
Sondra K.
I received a recorded phone call from 800 325 6768 claiming to be from SSA. Stated there were irregularities with my social security # and number would be suspended. To speak with a representative from social security office press 1 which I did not do. Sure this is a scam.
Robert W.
Reporting a SCAM phone call from 310-598-5746.
The following is about or similar of what is said on the recording:
This call is from Department of Social Security Administration the reason you have received a phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal and Fortstmann actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities so when you get this message kindly call back at the earliest possible on our number before we brgin with legal proceedings that have 310-598-5746 I repeat 310-598-5746 thank you.
Christine L.
I was contacted by phone yesterday. The person told me that my ssi benefits will be suspended because of illegal activity. Specifically money laundering and drugs. I hung up the phone. This morning I was contacted by a gentleman by the name of David Marshall. Stating he was a Social Security administrative officer badge number a specifically money laundering and drugs. I hung up the phone. This morning I was contacted by a gentleman by the name of David Marshall. Stating he was a Social Security administrative officer badge number AG67826. The phone numbers involved are 502-804-0150, 800-325-1213, 800-269-0271. I was advised I should obtain a lawyer to defend myself for allegations in regard to money laundering and illegal drugs. I played along for a little while. They asked about what residences I have had last year and also what kind of car I had. Gave very vague answers and then they were asking about bank accounts and credit cards. This David Marshall indicated that my Social Security number was involved in investigation out a money laundering and drug investigation in Austin Texas. Connected to some sort of rental car and blood and drugs found in the same car. I have never been to Austin Texas. I live a very quiet life here in Hawaii. Additionally this gentleman had a very thick east Indian accent and he was very difficult to understand. I don’t know if anyone else has been involved in this sort of scam but it is a little unsettling to say the least. I have provided as much detail as I can and perhaps someone can look into this issue and perhaps find out where these people are coming from. Phone numbers generated came from Kentucky as well as other locations on the East Coast I am sure but the call identifier was “unknown”. That is all I can report at this time
Donna S.
I have had two phone calls from Social Security telling me my name and date of birth and how I would turn 65 in January 2020. The first one i did say yes to a few of there questions, but them immediately said I don’t want to talk to you any more and he call me Fucking whore, 2 days later I got another and said I was not interested and they also called me a horrible name again. I have no phone numbers to give you, but I will pay more attention next time. Is there anyway they could get into my account, I am am on disability?
Susan C.
I have received many scam phone calls stating that my social security information has been compromised. I decided to report this to social security because in one day I received 4 calls from the same number with the same prerecorded message. The phone number is 1-806-319-7753, that these threats against me were made. I wanted to file online but although it is stated that you can file a complaint on-line you cannot. The complaint is only for suspected fraud. I have seen and heard that the government was the activity reported so why do you make it so hard to do?
Luis A.
Thanks for letting us know, Susan. 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. Thanks, again.
Marsha L.
Why is it so difficult to report a scam phone call? I tried online and was presented with a long page of forms I couldn’t fill out because I didn’t have the information. Same with the phone line. I just want to report the phone number and what was said in the recording. Why is that so hard to do?
Susan C.
I agree with you Marsha, they make it easy.
willie h.
I received a call from 8669317075 saying my number was suspended.
Ann C.
Thanks for letting us know, Willie. 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. Thanks, again.