Inspector General Warns Public About OIG Impersonation Schemes
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: October 10, 2018
The Acting Inspector General of Social Security, Gale Stallworth Stone, is warning citizens about an ongoing Office of the Inspector General (OIG) impersonation scheme. The OIG has recently received reports from citizens about suspicious phone calls claiming to be from the Acting Inspector General.
The reports indicate the caller identifies as “Gale Stone” and states the person’s Social Security number (SSN) is at risk of being deactivated or deleted. The caller then asks the person to call a provided phone number to resolve the issue. Citizens should be aware that the scheme’s details may vary; however, citizens should avoid engaging with the caller or calling the number provided, as the caller might attempt to acquire personal information.
The Acting Inspector General urges citizens to be cautious, and to avoid providing information such as your SSN or bank account numbers to unknown persons over the phone or internet unless you are certain of who is receiving it. If you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be the Acting Inspector General or from the OIG, you should report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.
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Tags: fraud, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, OIG, SSN
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Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
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Norma B.
Wanted to report a phone call I believe to be a. Scam. A message was left on my phone & I have not responded. The call said due to suspicious activity my SS was in jeopardy. Told me to call 561-2796-ext. 491.
Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Norma. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Debra S.
I have been getting calls regarding my son’s disability benefits, that I have applied for social security and lastly that my social security number has been suspended.
A.C.
Hi, Debra. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Jennifer
I got a call today from the number 310-961-9428 and it was a scam because I called them back and I told them it was a scam and they said F YOU to me and I wasn’t thinking and I did give them my SS number my email is jdoolanpenn@aol.com please get back to me as soon as possible
Thank you
Jennifer Pennington
A.C.
Hi, Jennifer. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, check out our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.
Maria M.
I was called last week about applying for my benefits after my husband applied for his ss And I want to know if you guys call applicants to fill out application
Lorie D.
I received a call that my social security number was used or either compromised. now I can’t find the number on my phone. It was supposed to be from the social security either office or organization. can you validate this? ty
L.A.
Hi Lorie. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
L.A.
Thanks for letting us know, Lorie. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
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Herbert F.
Nov. 27,2019 Received 2 calls at aprox. 1130, one on house phone and one on cell phone – several minutes apart – Reporting to be a representing of SSA staff; stating that personal SSA number has been used for fraudulent purposes in South Texas. Call originated in CA. No further information was exchanged with caller.
L.A.
Hi Herbert. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Judy B.
I have been getting these phone calls saying that they’re the Social Security office and to Press one to talk to someone about the Social Security that my Social Security number has been suspended
L.A.
Hi Judy. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Michael R.
I have been receiving calls from someone claiming to be SSA. Stating that they are going to suspend my social security number.
L.A.
Hi Michael. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
ANTHONY V.
I keep getting phone calls from 1-206-415-1514,1-800-132-3137,1-832-930-3741 that there is criminal activity going on with my social security number.CAN you kindly look into this,it has been going on for several week. One person by the name of JEFFERY LEE who was of India voice,and Linda american Lee said HE WAS A OFFICER from the Attorney Generals Office. My wife call was 1-646-970-3648.the call every day all day long. can you stop this/?
A.C.
Hi, Anthony. Thanks for letting us know. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.