Criminals continue to impersonate the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other government agencies in an attempt to obtain personal information or money.

Scammers might call, email, text, write, or message you on social media claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the Office of the Inspector General. They might use the name of a person who works there and might send a picture or attachment as “proof.”

National Slam the Scam Day is an initiative created in 2020 to raise public awareness to combat Social Security-related scams. Tips for spotting scams are a critical component because it’s important to keep consumers aware of current trends and past behavior patterns of scammers. SSA Office of the Inspector General provides resources on its website and posts tips and warnings on its social media platforms.

Four basic signs of a scammer:

• They PRETEND to be from an agency or organization you know.
• They say there’s a PROBLEM or promise a prize.
• They PRESSURE you to act immediately.
• They tell you to PAY in a specific way.

Do not give scammers money or personal information – Ignore them!

Scammers frequently change their approach with new tactics and messages to trick people. We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA OIG on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook or subscribing to receive email alerts.

Be skeptical and look for red flags. If you receive a suspicious call, text message, email, letter, or message on social media, the caller or sender may not be who they say they are.

To avoid a scam follow these steps:

• Remain calm. Talk to someone you trust.
• Hang up or ignore the message. DO NOT click on links or attachments.
• Protect your money. Criminals will insist that you pay in a hard-to-trace manner, such as with a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or by mailing cash.
• Protect your personal information. Be skeptical of a contact you didn’t initiate.
• Spread the word. Share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit ssa.gov/scam for more information. Please also share with your friends and family.

The public is encouraged to report gift card-related scams and fraud online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Other government imposter scams may be reported to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report/.

Information provided by the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration.