Better Call Behnken: National ‘Slam the Scam Day’ warning
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General are partnering to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during their fifth annual “Slam the Scam” Day.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, social security-related scams and government imposter scams were the most prevalent type of consumer fraud in 2023, with consumers losing $2.7 billion.
According to FBI data, in 2023, Florida residents lost nearly $845 million from scams, the second highest amount in the country.
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Social Security scams are popular. Crooks trick victims into making cash, gift card, or wire transfer payments to fix alleged Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest.
Social Security impersonation scams have been one of the most common government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Other prevalent scams to look out for are grandparent scams. Crooks reach out pretending to be with the Social Security Administration or the IRS—or any other government agency.
They ask for money or personal information.
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