Fraudsters continue to bombard the public with deceptive calls, texts, emails, social media messages, and even physical mail—all designed to steal money or personal information. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) remain committed to fighting back through education, outreach, and national awareness efforts.

On March 5, 2026, SSA and OIG will lead the 7th Annual National Slam the Scam Day, a nationwide initiative dedicated to helping the public spot, avoid, and report government imposter scams to better protect themselves.

Government imposter fraud remains one of the most damaging and persistent forms of consumer deception. Each year, losses have exceeded hundreds of millions of dollars, with scammers continuing to impersonate SSA more than any other federal agency. According to the FTC, these schemes not only drain victims’ savings but also fuel broader criminal networks, including organized crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

Scammers frequently recruit unwitting individuals to help move stolen funds, pulling more victims into their operations. As tactics grow more sophisticated and complex, public awareness remains the strongest defense.

SSA and OIG work closely with federal partners, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector allies to aid individuals in identifying scams and safeguard their personal information. While scam methods evolve, the warning signs remain consistent.

To quickly spot a scam, remember the 4 Ps:

• Pretend – Scammers pose as trusted agencies or businesses.
• Problem or Prize – They claim there’s an urgent issue or offer a benefit increase.
• Pressure – The push you to act immediately.
• Payment – They demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, gold bars, or cash by mail.

“National Slam the Scam Day continues to be one of our most effective tools in combating fraud,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant. “Losses remain far too high, and scammers are constantly adapting. We must keep educating and amplifying the warning to the public about evolving threats, not only Social Security-related scams, but all forms of government impersonation. The most effective action anyone can take is simple: disconnect immediately from suspicious contacts.”

“All scams—especially imitations of the Social Security Administration—put Americans at risk,’ said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “National Slam the Scam Day is a vitally important effort in confronting the fraudsters who viciously target America’s seniors and most vulnerable. I encourage all Americans to remain vigilant, today and every day, as we work to spread awareness about the danger of scams.”

National Slam the Scam Day is held annually during the United States Federal Trade Commission’s National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7, 2026). On March 5, 2026, partners nationwide will host social media events to share tips and empower the public to protect themselves.

Visit ssa.gov/scam for resources, alerts, and reporting tools.

Real Government Officials Will NEVER:

• Threaten arrest of legal action if you don’t send money
• Promise to increase benefits or fix a problem in exchange for payment
• Demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, prepaid cards, or cash by mail
• Use fake document, fabricated evidence, or the name of a real employee to gain your trust

How to Report

Report Social Security-related scams at oig.ssa.gov.

Report other government imposter scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/scams.