Today, March 9, 2023, Social Security celebrates National Slam the Scam Day. To recognize the day this year, they are sharing tips to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Share scam information with your loved ones.
Slam the Scam!
Recognize the four basic signs of a Social Security-related scam:
- Scammers pretend to be from a familiar organization or agency, like the Social Security Administration. They may email attachments with official-looking logos, seals, signatures, or pictures of employee credentials.
- Scammers mention a problem or a prize. They may say your Social Security number was involved in a crime or ask for personal information to process a benefit increase.
- Scammers pressure you to act immediately. They may threaten you with arrest or legal action.
- Scammers tell you to pay using a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire or money transfer, or by mailing cash. They may also tell you to transfer your money to a “safe” account.
Ignore scammers and report criminal behavior. Report Social Security-related scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).