Slam the Scam – Protect Your Clients Against Government Imposter Scam
Dear Colleague,
The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has designated March 9, 2023, as National "Slam the Scam" Day - an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 5 - 11, 2023. We are asking you to share information about “Slam the Scam” Day with your clients, friends, and family.
In 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 191,000 complaints of government imposter scams. Of those, 14.6% said they lost money to a scammer - a total of $508.96 million. To prevent further losses, we urge everyone to use caution when receiving calls or messages from someone claiming to be from a government agency.
Recognizing the basic signs of a scam is helpful in stopping fraudulent activity. Remember:
- Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
- Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
- Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
- Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.
Social Security will never:
- Threaten arrest or legal action if someone does not immediately send money to resolve an overpayment.
- Promise to increase benefits or resolve identity theft issues for a fee or by moving money into a protected account.
- Require payment with a retail gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
- Send text, email, or social media messages that contain personal information.
Visit our Scam Awareness and Social Media Resources webpages for additional resources and information on how to report Social Security Scams.
Together, we will remain vigilant against government imposters scams and help protect your clients, friends, and family from fraud.
Sincerely,
Dawn Bystry
Acting Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic & Digital Communications