Inspector General Announces 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
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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Tags: scams, telephone scams
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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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david
nice article
Jimmy G.
I found your post very explanatory and informative, thank you very much SSA team for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
Take care and stay positive
Best regards
Jimmy G.
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Virginia R.
I didn’t get the 400.00 Stimulis check, I haven’t received this one yet. I draw my disability and thats all. There is No way I can work, but I wish I could!
Carol M.
I have been on hold for quite some time and was refereed to the scam email address, but haven’t had much luck getting through. I received acid today while I was out indicating that I needed to contact SS immediately as my SS number had been compromised. The number left on my message machine is 929-552-3537. I never got to speak with a SS representative to report this.
V.V.
Thanks for letting us know, Carol. 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.
Scott G.
Help, as I have a chip in my head! Google could of had Intel make it, as Eric Schmidt a prior CEO was a chip engineer. So was the exploritory chip stolen or sold to the Mr Dove who put it into my head over 5 years ago. How can he want to be my friend again? As he will not even help me in getting the chip out or in proving it is there, so it can be removed. As it is still running and I have contacted Google by registered mail twice and they received both letters as a receipt was returned both times.
So is Google a good company? Or are they a piece of shit company that is involved in murdering people by putting a chip into their heads? Phone (509) 416-3863
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Martin
Hello ,My name .is Martin,S.Moreno.i received a letter from SSD.saying that some company was using my social security,and I’ve been getting scam on my credit card and the bank is doing an investigation,now am having trouble doing my income tax.if you can really help me out I will really appreciate.thank you .
V.V.
Hi Martin, thanks for using our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.