Health And Human Services Hotline Being Used In Scams

A government hotline is being used in a spoofing fraud to acquire personal information from unsuspecting individuals. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Inspector General (OIG) hotline is being used by scammers who are misrepresenting themselves as HHS OIG staffers.

The HHS said they believe the fraudsters are able to manipulate the appearance of their incoming call number, giving them an air of credibility with potential victims. The hotline number is 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). However, the department does not use the hotline number to make outgoing calls.

The HHS OIG says it is thoroughly investigating the matter and plans to prosecute the perpetrators once they have been located. Until then, be wary answering all calls from the hotline, specifically if the caller is asking you for your personal information.

The department says it is still safe to call into the hotline. The only danger lies in receiving a call from the hotline.

The scammers are allegedly asking for certain nuggets of personal information, including

• your social security number
• your date of birth
• credit card information
• your driver's license number
• bank account information
• your mother's maiden name

Do not provide any of the above information to callers from the hotline. The HHS OIG says you should not provide any personal information whatsoever to possible scammers.

If you do receive one of these calls, either call the hotline to report it or email spoof@oig.hhs.gov. You can also call the Federal Trade Commission for help. They can be reached at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

For more information on the scam, click here.

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