Frauds & Scams

Inspector General Announces 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day

February 10, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

Inspector General Announces 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day

The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Gail S. Ennis, is designating Thursday, March 4, 2021 as the second annual National “Slam the Scam” Day, to raise public awareness of government imposter telephone scams, which continue to spread across the United States. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, February 28 – March 6.

Last year, we received over 718,000 reports of Social Security-related telephone scams—with a total of $44.8 million reported lost. Victims who lost money reported an average loss of $5,800. On National “Slam the Scam” Day, we will work to spread the word far and wide about these scams—and encourage people to warn their friends and family to just Hang Up!

On the first National “Slam the Scam” Day, we partnered with other Federal agencies, Members of Congress, and nonprofit and retail organizations to help promote scam awareness. This year, we will expand our efforts, to partner with more agencies and organizations, and seek opportunities to work with local and national media outlets to amplify our message.

  • On March 3, 2021, Inspector General Ennis and Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, will hold a press call to discuss scam awareness and answer questions.
  • On March 4, 2021, USA.gov will host a “Slam the Scam” Twitter chat with Federal agencies.
  • Also on March 4, SSA will host a Facebook Live event to discuss the most common scams, what we are doing to combat them, and what the public can do to avoid becoming victims.

Inspector General Ennis urges Americans to be very cautious of calls from a government agency telling you about a problem you don’t recognize. Real government officials will NEVER:

  • Threaten arrest or legal action against you if you don’t 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 retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing
  • Text or email you messages that contain 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 doesn’t suspend Social Security numbers or demand secrecy from you to resolve a problem—ever.

Visit our Scam Awareness page for more information about National “Slam the Scam” Day and Social Security-related phone scams. You can also visit our Fraud Prevention and Reporting page for additional scam resources.

Please share this information with your friends and family—and spread the word about scams on social media. This March 4, we hope you will help us “Slam the Scam!”

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About the Author

Tracy Lynge, Communications Director for the Office of the Inspector General

About Tracy Lynge, Communications Director for the Office of the Inspector General

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Comments

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  5. Sabrina

    I get call like this everyday saying someone in that household social security number has been consvicated when I ask who they say give me your name and social they hang up. I call the number back no such number. It scary to know what measures people use to get someone social security number

    • V.V.

      Thanks for letting us know, Sabrina. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us. Recently, scams—misleading victims into making cash or gift card payments to avoid arrest for Social Security number problems—have skyrocketed. Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

      If you receive a suspicious call like this: 1) Hang up. 2) Do not provide personal information, money, or retail gift cards. 3) Report suspicious calls here. For more information on how to protect yourself, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

    • J S.

      It makes me so mad that these people continue to do this, the only way I can deal with this is scamming them right back, I’ll exclaim, I WON A TV, WONDERFUL AND GO ON AND ON til they hang up.

  6. Alina D.

    scams create bad impact on society regarding general inspection https://bit.ly/3rK0gVk

  7. John s.

    Thank you 🙏

  8. Estella O.

    i have got thises and i let them carry on my cell phone and come call your office then askk them to id thereslves to the SSA rep for verification of thiere emploee id they slam the phone in my ear I laughed all day they are stupid if the call me i get even for all of the poor people who fall for this dumb scam

    • sandy

      Thank you🙏🙏

  9. Martha W.

    twice I have received calls saying they are s,s and want to send me a new card but want me to get my card to verify information, they have my address but want me to get my card to get information from it, I never get that as I know its a scam, But did ask the women where she was and she said Fla, The other time it was a man, just trying to pass this information along. the number 1 812 342 1997 at 5:18 pm

  10. HARDEV s.

    I submitted my fraud Case to you 8 days ago . some body work against my ID/ Ssn.I complained to this office but I don’t get any report.Now ss office send me letter of overpaid to recover.i did not work but someone stole my ID and work against my name

    • S.D.

      Hi, Hardev, and thanks for using our blog. We apologize for your frustration. For your security, we do not have access to your overpayment details in this forum. For further assistance, call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call volume and wait times are greater than normal.

      You might want to read our Overpayments fact sheet that explains options for repaying as well as appeal and waiver rights. We hope this is helpful.

    • Pauline R.

      I know what you’re saying i had my wallet lifted righg out of my purse i just went and got my rent money and now I’m on the streets

Comments are closed.