Slam the Scam
March 6, 2023
Thursday, March 9th, is Slam the Scam Day with the Social Security Administration, an initiative created in 2020 to raise public awareness on Social Security-related scams. Consumer education is the most effective way to deter these types of crimes, which is why it is so important to spread the word.
One example is a government imposter scam. This involves a scammer claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or another government agency, and asking for personal information, demanding payment, and/or making threats. This type of scam primarily occurs as a phone call, but scammers also use email, text message, social media, and U.S. mail.
According to Gail Ennis, the most effective way to "slam this scam" is to hang up the phone and delete suspicious texts and emails.
Real government officials will NEVER do the following:
- Threaten arrest or legal action if you do not send money
- Promise to fix an issue if you pay a fee or move your money to a protected account
- Require payment with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash
- Attempt to gain your trust by providing fake documentation and/or evidence