The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed that fraudsters are using official HHS-OIG telephone numbers as part of a spoofing scam targeting individuals throughout the country.
The OIG warned scammers represent themselves as HHS-OIG employees and can alter the appearance of the caller ID to make it seem as if the call is coming from HHS and OIG phone numbers found on its public website. The scammers may use various tactics to obtain or verify the victim's personal information, which they can then use to steal money from an individual's bank account or for other fraudulent activity.
OIG urged the public to remain vigilant, protect their personal information, and guard against providing personal information during calls that purport to be from HHS-OIG telephone numbers.
Do not verify your name or any other personal information, including your:
- Social security number
- Date of birth
- Credit card information
- Driver's license number
- Bank account information
- Mother's maiden name
If you receive a call or are a victim of the telephone spoofing scam, contact the HHS-OIG Hotline (1-800-447-8477) or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-382-4357). Be sure to include:
- Date and time you received the scam call
- Any other details from the scam call