The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Social Security Administration (SSA) is warning the public about a new government imposter scam. Victims receive an email with the subject line “Alert: Social Security Account Issues Detected,” containing an official-looking attachment on fake SSA OIG letterhead titled, “SUSPENSION OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER DUE TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.” This high-pressure scam claims the recipient’s Social Security number will be suspended within 24 hours and their case referred for criminal prosecution, listing several charges. The attachment is stamped “Official Document” and “Official Government Communication,” urging recipients to immediately contact the OIG using the provided number. Be aware! It’s a scam!
If you call the number, a scammer may answer as the “Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General,” or an automated message may prompt you to send a text. The scammer impersonates an SSA employee and may use a real employee’s name to request personal information.
“The SSA Office of the Inspector General will never send letters like this,” stated Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General. “Scammers continue to exploit fear and confusion by using official-looking letters and real SSA employee names to threaten you and convince you they’re legitimate so that you will respond and provide them with your personal information and money. If you get an unexpected call, text, email, letter, or social media message from SSA OIG or any government agency, pause and think scam first. The person contacting you may not be who they claim to be.”
Protect Yourself:
- Beware of scammers pretending to be from SSA or another government agency.
- Stop. Think scam. Talk to someone you trust before paying.
- Visit ssa.gov/scam to report Social Security-related scams and learn more.
- Visit the Federal Trade Commission for consumer protection tips.