Frauds & Scams

Inspector General Warns Public About OIG Impersonation Schemes

October 10, 2018 • By

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Last Updated: October 10, 2018

woman looking on phoneThe 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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About the Author

Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director

Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director

Comments

  1. William J.

    Had a phone call from 1-410-705-0222 claiming to be soc.sec.

  2. Donna M.

    I have received 2 calls today, saying that they were Federal Agents for social security…. Asking for me by name… And they tools me that my spiral security number was boring used in some criminal activities…And the woman said her name was Olivia Hogg and her supposeldly phone was 1-800-325-0778.

  3. Lori C.

    I’ve recently received 2 more fake calls from social security scammers heres 2 phone numbers Texas 361 202 0087 Georgia 470 867 6434

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Lori. 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.

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  6. Shirley A.

    Received a phone call saying problem with “social.” Did not answer, 2nd call this week. Telephone they gave is
    2055066895. Called Social Security (it had .gov) 8007721213. Very suspicious and feel somehow they got info inserted that is a further scam. Asked me questions,including last 4 if SS, address, and stated a problem with my number. Had I ever been in Texas, had I loaned a relative my SSN, etc. Said his name was Officer Jack Brown, 742649310, DC7010. I asked if it really was SS and ge said I could hang up so I did. Several years ago my identity was stolen from a stolen laptop from Boeing and her name shows up on my credit report. Is there really a problem?
    Shirley Johnson

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Shirley. Thanks for checking in with us. 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.

  7. Christopher B.

    My payee is spending my money and I need help asap

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Christopher. A representative payee is required to keep records of all payments received and how they are spent or saved. Usually, Social Security will send a “Representative Payee Accounting Report” once a year. The payee can mail the paper form to us or use the online version here.

      If you think a representative payee is misusing your benefits, tell Social Security right away. We will investigate all allegations of misuse, gather facts and evidence, and make a decision on whether misuse has occurred. You will receive a letter from Social Security telling you what we found. If we find misuse, Social Security may name a new representative payee for you or send the benefits to you directly. We will then take action to recover the misused money.

      If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Or, you can contact your local Social Security office.

  8. Lillian B.

    I’ve received 2 phone calls from TX claiming my SS# has been compromised. The first was from Houston phone # 281 531-9881.
    The second call was from Kemah, TX, phone # 281 521-4652.
    Both gentlemen had difficult accents to understand, but claimed to be agents of the SScommission. They both hung up on me when I said I was going to call Social Security direct……..after I called them liars.

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for letting us know, Lillian. 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.

  9. Mark H.

    Requesting formal conference..?
    My name is Mark Andrew Holland…
    281-229-0998… I just want the opportunity
    to be heard… ĺI am Not seeking a determiniaton… SSA refused my request for formal conference…
    They identified a resource I’ve not been involved with for almost a decade… My brother Richard Holland was the originator
    on this account… He & tried to get my name removed… Bruce Holland has durable power of attorney… They had to close this account to get my name removed !!! I cant resolve this issue… If I’m not allowed to correct erroneous misinformation…
    BBVA Compass Not my resource…
    Never was !!! Have No other recourse…
    Desperately seeking resolution… Nothing left to lose… Formal Conference would resolve this misinformation…
    Respectfully Requested
    Mark Andrew Holland

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mark. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

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