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. Kenneth W.

    I am getting calls from someone claiming to be with social security saying that they need to varify some information so that you can send me my new medicare card. I just received a new medicare card a couple of months ago so I do not believe the person is with SS that is calling me and besides I have heard that you all do not contact people by phone. Please advise if you think these calls are from someone trying to steal my information. Thanks.

  2. Deborah G.

    I have had 2 calls today stating my SS has been frozen due to suspicious activity. Phone number was 800-777-2541 and 2542

  3. John B.

    received call from 410-988-4736 , did not answer. but they left message person claimed to be Gail Stone, said my SS account would be suspended.

    • V.V.

      Hi John, thank you for checking in with us. Unfortunately there are some Social Security impersonation schemes that we are warning citizens about. You may report this information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online.

  4. Tinnie J.

    On MondayI received a phone call form someone
    who said they was a officer investergation on
    my Social Security account and that they will take
    legal action on my account. the Number is
    1-862-354-8457 it says New Jersey.
    I have the name he gave me he did sound like a Foreginer you could’nt have understand him i was saming what you say and he just hung up the phone.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Tinnie. We do not usually make random calls or request your personal information. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to see whether we really need any information from you. We hope this helps.

  5. Tammy S.

    So one called me with a recording and said my social security will be suspended if I did not call. So I did and the man said he was from the social security office and ask for my last four digit of my social security number and I did not give it to him. I told him I would call my local social security office and he hung up on me! What should I do?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Tammy Sue. We do not usually make random calls or request your personal information. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to see whether we really need any information from you. We hope this helps.

  6. Byron F.

    Have had two land line phone call’s with woman claiming to with Socials Security Admin. Stating there was something illegal about my account that that involved fraud and account would suspended unless i called a given number provided to correct.. I did not make the call. That number was traced to Texas. That number is 254-326-1327. one at 5am another at 2:03pm same voice same message.Last week a threat from a male at IRS which hung up on as another fraud call.traced to S Carolina

  7. Mary V.

    I received a call today from the SSI. About my social security number being used. For fraud. Saying my checks will be stopped and my number blocked! I was told to push #1 and talk to someone from SSI. And when I did a man came on the line with a foreign sounding voice. When I asked him if he worked for the SSI he hung up!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Mary. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls or request your personal information. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to see whether we really need any information from you. We hope this helps.

  8. So a.

    Yes I am calling to report that when you call the direct express number it takes and moved it to….
    Catdyronivd ATm.
    Can you get this stoef

  9. Lee E.

    I need to report Fraud. Please guide , our Internet is a resource for intruder.

    • V.V.

      Hi there. You may report the information to the OIG at 1-800-269-0271 or online via https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

  10. Edward B.

    On Dec.20,2018, received a voice mail phone call from vonage voice mail…from number 1-210-981-6535,from San Antonio,Texas, stated that they were from eagle ? enforcement action group filing an action against my social security number for Miller activities…To revert as soon as possible to the above number before legal proceedings…This is a scam/fraud according to the internet…please be aware of this type of scam ..thank you…

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