BALTIMORE, MD – The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are urging Americans to stay alert to fraud as part of the seventh annual “Slam the Scam” Day, observed March 5 as part of National Consumer Protection Week led by the Federal Trade Commission.
The nationwide awareness campaign focuses on preventing Social Security impersonation scams, which continue to cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Government imposter scams — where criminals falsely claim to represent SSA or other federal agencies — remain one of the most common forms of fraud. According to the FTC, more than 330,000 complaints involving government impersonation were filed in 2025, marking a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year. The Social Security Administration remains one of the most frequently impersonated agencies.
SSA officials say scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics to trick victims into revealing personal or financial information. These schemes often follow a pattern using what officials describe as the “four P’s”: Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure and Payment.
Fraudsters may pretend to be from Social Security through phone calls, text messages, emails, websites or social media messages. They may claim there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or benefits and demand immediate action. In some cases, scammers manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate government number.
Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said the scams pose a serious threat to Americans’ financial and personal security.
“All scams – especially imitations of the Social Security Administration – put Americans’ identity and financial security at risk,” Bisignano said. “National Slam the Scam Day is an important initiative in confronting the fraudsters who viciously target America’s seniors and most vulnerable.”
Scammers may also send fake documents, use fraudulent Social Security letterhead, cite fake badge numbers or create fake social media pages to appear legitimate. These tactics are often used to pressure victims into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit and First Assistant performing the duties of the Inspector General, said criminals rely on fear and urgency to trick victims.
“Scammers who impersonate the Social Security Administration prey on fear and a false sense of urgency to steal from hardworking Americans,” Anderson said. “Awareness is one of the strongest tools we have.”
Officials emphasize that the Social Security Administration will never tell someone their Social Security number has been suspended, demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone, request payment through gift cards or cash, or promise to increase benefits in exchange for money or personal information.
While SSA employees may contact individuals by phone for legitimate reasons — such as following up on a benefits application or updating records — the agency typically sends official correspondence through the mail if there is an issue with a person’s Social Security record.
Anyone who suspects a scam is encouraged to report it through the SSA Office of the Inspector General website and learn more about fraud prevention through Social Security’s online resources.
