Slam the Scam: How to Spot Government Imposters
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 9, 2022
Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam?
That’s the question we’re asking as part of our annual Slam the Scam Day on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Scammers continue to evolve and find new ways to steal your money and personal information. On Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we raise awareness about Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. We want you to know how you and your loved ones can avoid becoming victims!
There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears, threatening you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits. They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.
When you identify a potential scammer:
- Hang up right away or ignore the message.
- Never give personal information or money.
- Report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General.
If you owe money to Social Security, we’ll mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. We only accept payments electronically through Pay.gov, Online Bill Pay, or physically by check or money order through our offices. We will never:
- Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay us money immediately.
- Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.
- Ask you to send us gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, Internet currency, cryptocurrency, or cash through the U.S. mail.
Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day. You can:
- Educate your friends and family about government imposter scams. Let them know they don’t have to be embarrassed to report if they shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss. The important thing is to report the scam right away.
- Share our Scam Alert factsheet and Fraud Prevention and Reporting webpage to educate people on how to protect themselves.
Please help us spread the message to make sure no one else falls victim to these criminals. Together, we can “Slam the Scam!” on March 10 and beyond.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Federal Agencies, fraud, Office of the Inspector General, OIG, scams, telephone scams
See CommentsAbout the Author
Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Comments
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Shannon
I was caught by a scammer who emptied out my checking and savings accounts. I wish I would have read this article before getting involved with this company.
Lori A.
Yes I have call’s claiming I inquired for social security ,I am already on SSI and SSA I hang up….
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jon b.
I am currently working with paypal to catch a scammer. I received an offer for a cheap generator on a fake website as soon as I made the purchase I put a hold on the money. The money was being sent to a privet person in the form of a gift card. A long shot from being an Eletric generator. I hope the catch this person before others pay with a debit or credit card.
thomas c.
should i just wait
thomas c.
should i continue to wait
thomas c.
i will try later
Henry W.
PATIENTS IS A VIRTUAL!!!!
Donna C.
I had a scammer talk me into giving him Internet access to my bank account. Luckily I was broke at the time and he got nothing!
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i cannot log in
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thomas c.
email address shows cox.et, not cox.net which is the correct one. please help
thomas l.
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Rosie H.
I just got scam Ad Transqility for a scam app for 1999 he removed 9999 from my Direct Express. I am not finishedwith him.
Marlin N.
good advice. Thanks
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