WASHINGTON (NBC 26) — Today is the 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day, designated by the Social Security Inspector General, to raise public awareness of government imposter telephone scams that are widespread across the United States.
The Federal Trade Commission received reports of more than $174 million lost to government imposter scams in 2020. On National “Slam the Scam” Day, the Social Security Administration joins with other agencies and the private sector to spread the word about how to identify – and avoid – these insidious scams, and to warn friends and family to just hang up.
“We are working with the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies across the United States to combat Social Security imposter scams—but our best weapon in this fight will always be awareness,” said Inspector General Ennis. He urges everyone to be cautious of calls from a supposed government agency telling you about a problem you don’t recognize.
Real government officials will NEVER:
• Threaten arrest or legal action against you unless you immediately send money.
• Promise to increase your benefits or resolve identity theft if you pay a fee or move your money into a protected account.
• Require payment with gift cards, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash.
• Text or email you photos of their government identification, or anything containing your personal information.
If you ever owe money to Social Security, the 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 in resolving a problem—ever. The public is encouraged to report Social Security scams online at https://oig.ssa.gov. Other government imposter scams may be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
