The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) designated March 6 as National Slam the Scam Day—an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of Social Security scams and other government imposter scams. It was part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 2-8. 

In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 195,873 complaints of government imposter scams, with Social Security as the most frequently impersonated agency. Almost 12 percent said they lost money to a scammer—a total of more than $97.8 million for Social Security scams. 

Scammers often target the elderly, those with limited English proficiency and Veterans. To prevent further losses, we urge everyone to use caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency.

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.

Remind your clients, friends and family to:

Hang up on suspicious calls from “government officials” calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account.

Never make payments with gift cards, wire transfers or by mailing cash.

Report Social Security scams to oig.ssa.gov.

Report other scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Read and share our Scam Awareness Toolkit and Scam Alert infographic, which you can find at www.ssa.gov/scam/resources.html. 

Together, we will remain vigilant against government imposter scams and help protect people from fraud.

Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Social Security Administration

Washington, D.C.