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. Kathleen S.

    today I received a phonecall from a person named Diane Hill claiming to be from SSA: she statesit is regarding an investigation or suspension under (my) social security number. in county ( unclear) …second attempt to avoid appearance before a magistrate or grand juty for a federal offense. contact investigating officer at
    410-541-9290…….

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Kathleen. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.

  2. Sheila E.

    I reported a phone call to me on the 22nd of February from Allen Texas. Someone in your office said it was a fraudulent number, and told me to hang the phone up if they called again. Well Saturday, I received a letter, wanting more info about my online application. they asked me to call them at 1-855-257-0067. they also sent an envelope addressed back to Albuquerque, New Mexico. They wanted me to call them back before March 13th.

  3. Marcus S.

    We receive calls from Riverdale CA that are very suspect for fraud. The number is: 559-742-4291

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Marcus. Thanks for letting us know. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.

  4. Darrow H.

    I have been receiving ongoing calls today, 2/27/19, stating my SS# has been stopped due to fraudulent activity. The number from which the calls are being made is 866-404-6598. I have blocked the number.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Darrow. Thanks for letting us know. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.

  5. Danny B.

    I received a phone call from a person from the SSA stating that there is a Legal Enforcement Action filed and to call 904-712-4253. I called back the said their name was Jeffery Trubiano badge # 48CB726, Wanted my name I said I would call back

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Danny. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.

  6. Charles S.

    Received a call that was left on my cell phone voice mail stating it was Agent Talbert Morris @ 410-317-4862 and to call at once about fraud in relation to my SSN. I did not return the call and am reporting the call as I assumed it was a fraud call.

  7. Georgette M.

    I received an automated recording stating it was the social security administration stating someone was going to freeze my account due to a legal claim .the phone # was (206) 212 1568 i looked it up it originated in seattle washington. to a locksmith company.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Georgette: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

      If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.

      Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.

  8. Linda G.

    Friday Feb.7 2019,I received a call from someone saying my Social security was being compromise d .Told me I need to call this number 612-813-9603.?..Needless to say I hung up.. can this be true??

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Linda: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

      If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.

      Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.

  9. Amy G.

    Received a automated call from SS, saying fraudulent use by me of my SS number. Warrant out for my arrest. Call 903.705.1 695. Tried to call number and it was busy, hung up quickly. Came to this website for peace of mind. Knowing that this is a secure site. Thank you very much for what you do for us!

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Amy: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.

      If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.

      Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.

  10. Laura R.

    I received 8 fraudulent calls this morning, Feb 4, from phone #’s 410-670-5357 and 410-734-2314 Maryland

Comments are closed.