Today is 'National Slam the Scam Day. '
On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Jack Myers with Social Security told Regional Radio in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission received over 195,873 complaints of government imposter scams, and Social Security was the most frequently impersonated agency. Almost 12% said they lost money to a scammer, and more than $97.8 million was lost to scammers impersonating Social Security.
The best way to combat these scams is to help people understand how to recognize them. According to Myers, signs of a scam will include an unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase, pressure or urgency to act immediately, and a request for an unusual payment.
One of the ways to recognize a scam is a request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold, wire transfers, or cash. Myers notes many of these forms of payments are untraceable.
Myers reminds and stresses Social Security will never text or e-mail images of an employee’s official government identification, suspend your Social Security number, or threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
Scams should be reported as soon as possible. Myers notes if it is Social Security related, you can report it at oig.ssa.gov/report. While victims are often embarrassed and don’t want to talk about the scam, he says they shouldn’t be.
Again, to report a scam attempt, go to oig.ssa.gov. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/scam and www.ssa.gov/fraud.
