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

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Comments

  1. Joey A.

    I want to thank you for the information about the inspector general’s investigation. I will pass this information to others in my circle. Joey Aguilar.

    • R.F.

      Thank you, Joey! We’re pleased we can help. We will continue our efforts to meet your requirements and expectations in the years to come.

  2. Barbara B.

    I also received a call today saying my SS# had been suspended and to call Maria Gomez at 281-715-7930.

  3. Judith C.

    I’ve had up to 10 of these calls in the last week. I never answer. They claim my SS# has been suspended. NOT!!! SS#’s are NEVER suspended.

  4. sheryl b.

    Are there any phone numbers associated with this harassment and fraudulent behavior?
    Can we put a block on the number used to perpetrate this crime?
    I have received calls from numerous unidentified 971-256 prefixes and when I call back the number is not available.
    Thank you for the alert.

  5. sheryl b.

    Are there any phone numbers associated with this harassment and fraudulent behavior. Can we put a block on the number used to call people?

  6. Barbara T.

    I am on SSD Physically I cannot work, I realize that Social Security is a supplemental income, but are their resources for utilities and rent?

    • R.F.

      Hello Barbara. You may also be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where you live. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this helps!

  7. Mary A.

    I am so grateful that this message is out to the public!! As a RN, I will have others , to be AWARE, of this fraudulent act!! Thank-You..
    MARYANN B Turner

  8. Jo A.

    I have been called several times asking to continue a computer subscription to be deducted from my bank account. Press 1.
    When I get another call, I will save the number for IOG to trace.

  9. Susan

    I received a all to get a new Seocial Security card eause ie has epired

    Fro Washingtom DC , the voice sounded really wierd

    Susan Esquive;
    susan491@q.com

    • R.F.

      Hello Susan. Social Security Administration (SSA) employees occasionally contact citizens by telephone for customer-service purposes. An SSA employee may call you in limited situations, such as if you recently filed a claim or have other Social Security business that are pending.
      If a person has questions about any communication—email, letter, text or phone call—that claims to be from SSA or the OIG, please contact your local Social Security office, or call Social Security’s toll-free customer service number at 1-800-772-1213, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to verify its legitimacy (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778). Citizens may -also- report that information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report. Thanks!

  10. Dean T.

    Thank you for the update. I did receive several calls about this problem and I figured that they were bogus. Dean Smith.

    • R.F.

      Thank you, Dean! We’re pleased we can help.

Comments are closed.