The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has designated March 7, 2024, as National “Slam the Scam” Day—an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 3 – 9, 2024.
Unfortunately, fraudsters target veterans, active-duty service members, and their families at a higher rate than they do civilians. They are also 40% more likely than their civilian counterparts to lose money to scams and schemes. Recognizing the basic signs of a scam is helpful in stopping fraudulent activity.
Remember:
- Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
- Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
- Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
- Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.
Fraudsters know that a veteran’s patriotism can be an open door to their heart and wallet. They approach veterans with appeals to military service brotherhood.
Remember to:
- Hang up on suspicious calls from “government officials” calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account, and
- NEVER make payments with gift cards, wire transfers, or by mailing cash.
Report a scam
Please share this information with your fellow veterans, friends, and family members.
Report Social Security scams to OIG.SSA.GOV and other scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest scam tactics. Repost #SlamtheScam information on social media to keep your friends and family safe.
