On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration will lead the seventh annual National “Slam the Scam” Day — a nationwide effort to raise awareness about government imposter scams.
This awareness day is part of National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7, 2026), hosted by the Federal Trade Commission.
While these scams can target anyone, older adults are frequently at higher risk — particularly those receiving Social Security benefits, Medicare coverage, or other government assistance. As elder law professionals, we regularly see the financial and emotional harm these scams can cause.
Why Seniors Are Often Targeted
Scammers deliberately target older adults for several reasons:
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Many seniors rely on government benefits and may fear losing them.
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Some individuals live alone and may not immediately consult a trusted advisor.
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Fraudsters exploit politeness, trust in authority, and fear of legal consequences.
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Cognitive decline or health challenges can make high-pressure tactics more effective.
Unfortunately, government imposter scams often overlap with broader patterns of financial exploitation — one of the fastest-growing forms of elder abuse in the United States.
What Is a Government Imposter Scam?
In these schemes, criminals pose as employees of the Social Security Administration or another federal agency. They may contact victims by:
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Phone call
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Text message
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Email
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Social media message
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Letter in the mail
The scammer often claims there is a problem with the person’s Social Security number, benefits, or legal status. They may threaten arrest, suspension of benefits, fines, or immediate legal action.
They then demand urgent payment — commonly through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.
It is critical to remember:
Government employees will never threaten arrest, demand immediate payment, or require payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
If you hear those tactics, it is a scam.
Red Flags Families Should Watch For
As elder law attorneys, we encourage both seniors and their loved ones to be aware of these warning signs:
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Pressure to act immediately
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Threats involving arrest or loss of benefits
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Instructions not to tell family members
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Requests for unusual payment methods
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Caller ID that appears official but feels suspicious
Families should also pay attention to behavioral changes, such as:
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Increased anxiety after phone calls
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Sudden secrecy about finances
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Unexpected withdrawals or gift card purchases
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Statements like “I can’t tell you — they said it was confidential”
These can be indicators of financial exploitation in progress.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
The guidance is straightforward:
1. Hang Up
Do not engage. Do not press numbers. Do not call back.
2. Do Not Share Information
Never provide your Social Security number, banking details, Medicare information, or other personal data in response to an unexpected contact.
3. Report It
If the contact mentions Social Security, report it at ssa.gov/scam.
Other government imposter scams can be reported at FTC.gov.
Reporting helps authorities track patterns and protect others.
The Elder Law Perspective: Prevention Is Protection
From an elder law standpoint, prevention is far easier than recovery.
Once funds are transferred — particularly through gift cards or cryptocurrency — they are extremely difficult to recover. Beyond financial loss, scam victims often experience embarrassment, shame, anxiety, and loss of confidence.
That emotional impact can be profound.
We encourage families to:
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Have regular conversations about scam tactics.
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Create a plan: “If you get a suspicious call, who will you call first?”
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Consider safeguards such as trusted contacts on financial accounts.
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Ensure powers of attorney are up to date.
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Review financial statements regularly.
Open communication is one of the strongest protective tools available.
A Community Effort on March 5 and Beyond
National “Slam the Scam” Day is more than a social media campaign. It is a reminder that protecting seniors requires awareness, conversation, and vigilance.
During National Consumer Protection Week, take a few minutes to:
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Talk with aging parents or relatives.
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Share scam awareness information.
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Remind loved ones that government agencies do not demand immediate payment.
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Encourage reporting suspicious activity.
A simple pause and a quick phone call to a trusted family member can prevent devastating financial harm.
On March 5, 2026, let’s work together to protect our seniors, strengthen our families, and truly “Slam the Scam.”
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