Protect Yourself: National Slam the Scam Day & National Consumer Protection Week

Scammers are always finding new ways to trick people out of their money and personal information. To help fight back, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other organizations have dedicated time to educating consumers about fraud prevention through National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) and National Slam the Scam Day.

What is National Consumer Protection Week?

National Consumer Protection Week, observed annually in the first full week of March, is a time when government agencies, consumer advocacy groups, and businesses come together to provide resources and tips to help people make informed financial decisions and avoid scams.

Throughout the week, organizations share important information on recognizing fraud, improving financial literacy, and taking steps to protect personal data.

During NCPW, events and online resources help consumers learn about topics such as identity theft, online shopping fraud, investment scams, and financial security. The goal is to empower individuals with knowledge to recognize scams before they become victims.

What is National Slam the Scam Day?

As part of NCPW, the Social Security Administration (SSA) created National Slam the Scam Day, observed on March 7, 2024. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about government impostor scams, one of the most common types of fraud. These scams often involve fraudsters pretending to be officials from the SSA, IRS, Medicare, or other agencies, trying to convince individuals to provide personal information or make payments to resolve fake issues.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Here are some key tips to keep in mind to protect yourself from fraudsters:

• Recognize the Red Flags: Scammers often use urgent language, threats, or promises of prizes to lure victims.
• Never Share Personal Information: Legitimate government agencies will not call, email, or text asking for Social Security numbers, bank details, or payments over the phone.
• Hang Up and Verify: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the agency directly using official contact information.
• Beware of Unusual Payment Requests: Scammers often ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that are difficult to trace.
• Report Scams: If you encounter a scam attempt, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

Stay Informed and Spread Awareness

The best way to combat scams is through education and awareness. By participating in National Consumer Protection Week and Slam the Scam Day, you can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to fraud. Follow trusted sources like the FTC, SSA, and your local consumer protection agen-cies for the latest scam alerts and tips.

Don’t let scammers win—stay vigilant, stay informed, and always Slam the Scam!

Stay vigilant, stay secure.