Scam calls, texts, and emails can look surprisingly real. Some even appear to come from government agencies like the Social Security Administration. That is why March 5, 2026 has been designated National Slam the Scam Day during National Consumer Protection Week—a public awareness effort to help people spot imposter scams and avoid losing money or personal information.
At its core, the message is simple: slow down and watch for red flags.
According to the Social Security Administration, some of the most common warning signs include:
- an unexpected problem,
- a surprise offer of a prize or increase in government benefits,
- pressure to act immediately, and
- requests for unusual forms of payment such as cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, cash, or wire transfers.
Those payment methods are a major clue. Scammers often ask for money in ways that are hard to trace or recover. If someone contacts you and demands immediate payment through one of those methods, that should raise immediate concern.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
The Social Security Administration encourages people to take three basic steps.
First, learn the warning signs. The more familiar you are with common scam tactics, the easier it is to recognize when something is not right.
Second, share the information. Talking with family members, friends, and neighbors—especially older adults—can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim. SSA directs people to ssa.gov/scam for more information and safety resources.
Third, report suspicious activity. Social Security-related scam attempts can be reported to the SSA Office of the Inspector General, and other fraud concerns can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
A Good Rule of Thumb
If a caller, text message, or email creates fear, demands urgency, or asks for unusual payment, take a step back before responding. Do not give out personal information. Do not send money. Verify the source independently.
Scammers rely on panic and pressure. A few extra minutes of caution can make all the difference.
We Encourage Everyone to Stay Alert
National Slam the Scam Day is a good reminder that scam prevention starts with awareness. The Social Security Administration is also encouraging people to share anti-scam information and repost #SlamtheScam content to help protect others in their community.
If you believe you have received a suspicious communication claiming to be from Social Security or another agency, take it seriously—but do not act until you have verified it through a trusted, official source.