Frauds & Scams

Inspector General Warns Public About OIG Impersonation Schemes

October 10, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

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. firat y.

    thank you for information: https://kointimes.net/

  2. Lisa M.

  3. Michele

    I have some body call me that I will going to jail and I have to call them

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Michele, 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.

  4. George D.

    Great content, much better than https://ineedmedic.com

  5. Mecheca P.

    Hello,

    I’m seeking information on the subject of” A Disability Recepient Returning To Work , Preventing Overpayment, And Seeking Independency”.
    I have been seeking Independency by trying to return to work. I have met and exceeded all Social Security Administration requirements on reporting my wages and exceeding my trial work months. I recently underwent a work review to determine my eligibility for my benefit continuing at the Birmingham,Alabama Office. Although I made a substantial amount of income, my local Social Security Administration Office still continued my benefits.
    My biggest concern is not wanting to owe The Social Security Administration Office if my benefits are later discontinued.
    A Social Security Administration Representative stated it was time for my” Medical Review” but, I have not received a formal letter on this matter.
    In addition , another Social Security Administration Representative stated to return the disability payment if my income earned exceeded the amount a recepient is allowed to earn while receiving disability benefits,another Representative stated to save the money just in case there’s an overpayment and she stated there’s no way to keep up with every Recepient status to avoid overpayment.

    Therefore, my question is who do I contact on this matter or how do I handle this issue?

    Thanks
    Mecheca Prince

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Mecheca, thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  6. Cathey

    I get a call from Audrey everyday saying she’s social security office and I tell her she they would not call me and she still calls every day block one number and she’s calling from another her name is Audrey 765-268-3975

  7. Tom L.

    There are many questions from people about a phone number and extension. This is the phone number: 866-964-7317. Is this a legit SSA phone number. I received an email after I completed an application for SS benefits saying to call this number because there are questions about my application. It sounds legit when I call and the email had my correct full name. In the article above it says….

    “If you receive a notice from Social Security, please use the telephone numbers provided in the notice sent to you.”

    The problem is how do I know if these are legit phone numbers as they are not the 800 number.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Tom. 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. Because you have recently applied, you should call your local office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. You can also call our national toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). We hope this helps.

  8. Sharion L.

    I want to report a fraud I got a call Sandy from the social security place about my social security number being suspended and they wanted me to call them this call came in at 12:30 p.m. I did not reply back thank you

  9. Teresa F.

    A scammer claim they’re workers of social security and they asked me a few questions witch made me supisus I told him I was going to call social security to find out if this was true then they hung up here are the telephone numbers 1888_334_4127&1855_211-1172

  10. Matt M.

    I have received 2 Nasty call’s from pone #er’s
    240 332-9585 & 301 851-6594
    Threatening me coming to my home with Warrants & Arresting me
    Thanks
    Matt

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