Slam the Scam 2024

March 7^th, 2024 is designated by Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General as “National Slam the Scam Day” to raise public awareness of government imposter telephone scams across the U.S.  Learn how to spot scams, identify red flags, and report suspicious activity.

These scams feature callers who pretend to be government employees to mislead victims into providing personal information or making payments.  The Federal Trade Commission reported that victims lost over $126 million to these scams last year.  Top imposter scams include the Social Security Administration, Health & Human Services/Medicare, US Customs and Border Protection, the United States Postal Service, and the Federal Trace Commission. 

What to Watch For

Phone scammers may:

• Threaten arrest or legal action against you unless you pay a fine.
• Promise to increase your benefits or resolve identity theft if you pay a fee.
• Demand payment with retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
• Try to convince you by using spooked caller ID number or officials’ real names, or by emailing.

What to Do

If you receive a suspicious phone call:

• Hang up!
• Don’t believe them!
• Don’t trust your Caller ID.
• Do not give them money or personal information!
• Never pay with a gift card or wire transfer.
• Report the scam at ssa.gov

Exercise Caution

In general, no government agency or reputable company will call or email you unexpectedly and request your personal information.  Nor will they request advance fees for services in the form of wire transfers or gift cards. Build a habit of verifying the identity of anyone who asks for your personal information over the phone and say you will respond through the entity's customer service channels. If anyone pressures you to provide information or money over the phone, it's a scam and you should JUST HANG UP.  

Do Not Believe Them!

If you owe money to Social Security or another agency, that agency will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights.  Social Security does not suspend Social Security numbers or demand secrecy from you, EVER!