The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of Inspector General (OIG) have issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent "call transfers" where imposters claim to connect victims directly to SSA or OIG. Scammers first pose as retailers, banks, or other government agencies, then falsely transfer calls to individuals impersonating SSA or OIG representatives.
This scam typically begins with a call about a suspicious purchase. When the consumer denies the purchase, the call is "transferred" to a fake SSA or OIG agent who claims the victim's Social Security number is compromised or linked to criminal activity. Victims are then pressured to keep the call confidential, sign documents, provide sensitive information, or move money.
The SSA emphasizes that legitimate companies and agencies cannot directly transfer calls to SSA or OIG. Red flags include any direct transfer to SSA/OIG, claims of a suspended or reissued Social Security number, requests for secrecy, or pressure to act immediately. SSA or OIG will never ask you to keep a call a secret.
To protect themselves, individuals should hang up immediately, not trust caller ID alone, and contact SSA directly using official phone numbers they find themselves. Scams should be reported at oig.ssa.gov/report.