On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.  

Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by:  

• Learning about the latest scams. Information can empower you to quickly recognize a scam. Signs of a scam include:
  • An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase,
  • Pressure to act immediately, and
  • A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, even with the promise of keeping your money “safe.”
• Reporting scams as soon as possible. Victims shouldn’t be embarrassed if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. We are all vulnerable. 

• Sharing our Scam Alert fact sheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves.   

Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG). 

To report a Social Security related scam, click here.

Don't Get Hooked: Protecting Yourself from Scams via Phone, Text, and Email

In today's interconnected world, we're constantly bombarded with communication – phone calls, texts, and emails. While convenient, this also opens doors for scammers looking to exploit the unwary. Falling victim to fraud can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. But don't despair! By staying informed and practicing a few smart habits, you can significantly reduce your risk.

This blog post will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to spot and avoid scams coming through these common communication channels.

Phone Scams: The Art of Deception

Phone scams often rely on creating a sense of urgency or fear. Common tactics include:

• The "IRS" Scam: A threatening caller claims you owe back taxes and will face immediate legal action if you don't pay. Remember, the IRS will never contact you by phone about taxes owed.
• The "Grandparent" Scam: A frantic "grandchild" calls needing money urgently due to an emergency. Verify the caller's identity by contacting other family members.
• The "Tech Support" Scam: A caller claims your computer has a virus and needs immediate attention. They'll try to gain remote access to your device. Never give remote access to your computer to unsolicited callers.
• Spoofing: Scammers can fake caller ID information to appear legitimate. Don't trust a number just because it looks familiar.

How to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams:

• Never give out personal information: Don't provide your Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information over the phone unless you initiated the call and know the recipient is legitimate.
• Be skeptical of urgent requests: Scammers thrive on pressure. Take your time, research the situation, and don't be afraid to hang up.
• Verify the caller: If someone claims to represent a company or government agency, hang up and call the official number listed on their website.
• Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: While this won't stop all scam calls, it can reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive.
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is.

Text Scams: Short Messages, Big Risks

Text scams, or "smishing," often use links or attachments to trick you. Be wary of:

• "Congratulations" messages: You've "won" a prize or gift card, but you need to click a link to claim it. Legitimate contests rarely contact you via text message.
• Phishing links: Texts containing links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your information. Never click on links from unknown senders.
• Fake delivery notifications: Texts claiming a package couldn't be delivered and asking you to reschedule by clicking a link. Verify tracking information directly through the shipping company's website.

How to Protect Yourself from Text Scams:

• Don't click on links or attachments from unknown numbers: This is the most crucial rule.
• Be wary of messages asking for personal information: Legitimate companies will never request sensitive data via text.
• Block suspicious numbers: Don't hesitate to block numbers that send you unwanted or suspicious texts.
• Report smishing attempts: Report suspicious texts to your mobile carrier.

Email Scams: The Classic Trap

Email scams, or "phishing," are one of the oldest tricks in the book, but they're still effective. Watch out for:

• Suspicious subject lines: Phrases like "Urgent Action Required," "Your Account Has Been Suspended," or "You've Won!" are red flags.
• Poor grammar and spelling: Many scam emails contain errors that legitimate emails wouldn't.
• Requests for personal information: Legitimate companies will never ask for your password, bank details, or Social Security number via email.
• Spoofed email addresses: Check the sender's email address carefully. Often, scammers will use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have slight variations.

How to Protect Yourself from Email Scams:

• Be cautious of emails you weren't expecting: Especially those asking for personal information or containing links.
• Hover over links before clicking: This will show you the actual URL, which may be different from what's displayed.
• Don't open attachments from unknown senders: Attachments can contain malware that can infect your computer.
• Use a strong spam filter: Most email providers offer spam filtering, so make sure it's enabled.
• Keep your software updated: Regularly updating your operating system and antivirus software can help protect you from malware.

General Tips for Staying Safe:

• Be proactive: Don't wait for a scam to happen. Educate yourself and your family about the latest scams.
• Think before you act: Don't rush into anything, especially if you're feeling pressured.
• Report suspicious activity: Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

By staying vigilant and practicing these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about how scams work, the better equipped you'll be to protect yourself.