Inspector General Warns Public About OIG Impersonation Schemes
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: October 10, 2018
The 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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Tags: fraud, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, OIG, SSN
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Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
Andrew Cannarsa, OIG Communications Director
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Linda L.
I received this call today regarding my SS number.
Here is the Messae that was left .Thank you this had me concerned so I wanted to make you aware of it.
.
Voicemail from (208) 357-9616
“083579616. The reason you have received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there’s a legal enforcement action filed on your social security number for fraudulent activity so before this matter goes to the state court house and before you get arrested if you need any information or have any question kindly call us back at 208-357-9616. Thank you.”
Go to XFINITY Voice >
A.C.
Hi, Linda. Thanks for checking in with us. 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 also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
carlton h.
APRIL 8, 2019 3:15 pm. Received a call from 1 800 9307564 stating the call was from the SSA about a case and said I was to return t he call to the above #. I did return the call and from the initial contact something seemed off. The man on the other end immediately asked for my name, and not trusting the situation I asked for his name. He stated James Foster#98626of the SSA so before he could ask me anything else I bombarded him with questions that I being familiar with the SSA way ‘of doing business I already knew the answers to. He immediately got angry and hung up. I called back and this same guy answered with a different name, James Wilson I thought it was strange that one guy using two basic American names yet had a strong accent and to add to the lie he was spewing it sounded as if a lot of confusion was going on in the background. I really got him when I asked for the WEB site and E mail address. the lie came full circle when he said it was confidential I checked him on that lie and he got unnerved and hung up a bit angry. It’s not funny because some who do not know any better fall for this type of scam. the key is to ask the caller those important questions that will verify who the really are. If the call and caller are genuine they will supply the facts and will be willing to give you time to fact check that information. so before you give an unknown any information, to include your name find the truth about who is calling you.
Barbara W.
Received a scam call from 961-295-1213.
Message said my SS is in danger of being suspended. I should call the above number. I hung up.
A.C.
Thanks for letting us know, Barbara. 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 also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams, here. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.
Julie I.
Recieved a call from 936-628-4833 Shepherd, Tx claiming to be Social Security Admin. left a message that they recieved a legal complaint on my social security number and my drivers license that they should block my social security number immediately if I don’t call them back. Did not call them back. Thought this should be reported.
Thank-you
Doniece C.
To whom it may concern I received a call from # 707 340 3981. Inquiring about suspicious fraud on my SS # and wanted me to verify with my entire SS# .obviously did not but wanted you aware to protect others
Trudy O.
I received a call from 440-207-0517
I answered but said nothing
Automated message stated my Ss was compromised.
I blocked my number and
I tried to call back but number rang busy .
Trudy Oliver
Leah W.
I’m glad the AGI is aware, these callers are relentless… 10-20 calls per day and the threats get worse each day!! I wish there was a way to track them down and make it stop. It’s taking over my phone and my peace!!
Brad U.
On 04/04/2019 at 10:58 a.m., I received a recorded message from telephone # 443-201-7879 from someone claiming to be Officer Lisa Williams from the Social Security Administrative. She said it was important that I call her immediately to avoid having my SSN revoked. I recognized this to be an obvious scam.
vern k.
I’ve received 2 phone calls from someone claiming to be from the federal crime and investigation department regarding something to do with my social security number.
the call is coming from Crozet VA.. The number is 434-205-1843. Is there anything forme to do?
A.C.
Hi, Vern. 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. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams: https://identitytheft.gov/ssa. We hope this helps.
Teena M.
I am getting calls from 941-594-9304 Tarrytown NY – saying they are calling from SS. I haven’t picked up calls. Just want to vertify this isn’t the SS.
A.C.
Hi, Teena. 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.