Phone scam using phone number from HHS Office of Inspector General’s hotline

The OIG hotline phone number for reporting fraud 1-800-HHS-TIPS has been spoofed. This means that thousands of individuals across the country have received scam phone calls with this seemingly trustworthy number appearing on the display. The callers managed to trick some of the individuals who answered the phone into giving and confirming personal information and / or wiring money in order to receive a $9000.00 USD government grant.

While the incident is being investigated by the FBI this is just another reminder to treat key personal information with the utmost care and never provide information such as Social Security number, Date of birth, Credit card or bank account information, or the Mother’s maiden name to an unknown person.