National Slam the Scam Day
Be aware of social security scams targeting vulnerable individuals, safeguard your personal information, and report any suspicious activity.
With the Federal Trade Commission reporting more than $8 billion each year lost to scams, and at least $2.5 billion of those to imposter scams, this day is an important one to be aware of and observe. National Slam the Scam Day shines a spotlight on the need for honest consumers to be aware and educated of the tactics that dishonest scammers may use to deceive and steal.
History of National Slam the Scam Day
National Slam the Scam Day works to raise awareness about and offer a special measure of attention to the issues behind scams. The event was founded and is led as a collaboration between the US Social Security Administration and the Officer of the Inspector General. Taking its place on the Thursday of the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Protection Week, the day is part of a larger effort to increase awareness to help people stay alert and protected against scams.
The original National Slam the Scam Day event took place in 2020 with the purpose of informing and educating the general public in the US about the various issues related to social security scams. Because the tactics of scammers are constantly changing, this event is scheduled to be celebrated each year and includes other government imposter scams in addition to the SSA.
How to Celebrate National Slam the Scam Day
Take some initiative toward protection by celebrating National Slam the Scam Day with some of these interesting ideas:
Recognize Tactics of Scammers
One of the best ways to celebrate the ideas behind National Slam the Scam Day is to learn about and become aware of the various tactics that scammers employ to try to steal from people. Take a look at some of these ways the SSA and other experts offer for people to help recognize and identify potential scammers:
-
When someone pretends to be from an agency or organization that you know or recognize.
-
Often the person claims there is some problem or offers a prize for giving out information.
-
When the person on the call pressures for immediate action.
-
If the person encourages you to pay in a certain way, before getting off the call.
Take Action to Avoid Scams
Most legitimate representatives will offer steps toward identification, including options such as getting on their official website to make a payment or calling their company phone number. Check out some of these options for avoiding scams:
- Hang up the phone and call back at the contact information listed on a bill, statement or other recognized communication.
- Always be skeptical of a contact that was not initiated by you and do not give out personal information without verifying their identity first.
- Protect money from scammers by refusing to pay in a manner that is difficult to trace, such as sending cash, wire transfer, prepaid debit card, gift card or cryptocurrency.
