National Slam the Scam Day: How to Avoid Government Imposter Scams

Earlier this month, we are celebrating National Slam the Scam Day — are you ready to slam the scam? National “Slam the Scam” Day was initiated by the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Office of the Inspector General to raise awareness of government imposter scams, which continue to spread across the United States.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 1.1 million identity theft reports in 2022, and the total losses of government imposter scams in 2022 were nearly $509 million. One of the tactics scammers use to exploit people is to impersonate government agencies  — since June 2022, Trend Micro has detected 1,103,034 government scam text messages.

Government Imposter Scams

Scammers will pretend to be an agent from government agencies and contact you via phone calls, text messages, or emails. They make up various lies, trying to lure you into sending them money or revealing your credit card credentials and Social Security Number (SSN). The scammers use the attached phishing links in email or text messages. If you click on the link, they can collect whatever information you then input on the page.

Why You Need to Protect Your Social Security Number

With your SSN, scammers can commit cybercrime using your name. Here are some of the things they could potentially do with your SSN:

• Take out new credit cards under your name.
• Steal your tax refund.
• Take out money from your banking or investment accounts.
• Open new utility or telecom accounts under your name.
• Get medical treatment under your name.

Below are some common excuses scammers use, along with some examples of fake government texts, we’ve detected this week. Have you seen any of them?

#1 Fake Job Opportunities

• This US Government-related job was just posted: <URL> Reply STOP to opt-out
• Clyde, It’s Jill your text recruiter, I found a new Usa Government position for you. View details here – <URL>
• Nestor, a new job is available for Meter Reader near 98199 <URL> Reply STOP to cancel alerts

Sample phishing page

Sample phishing page

#2 Government Benefit/Relief Scams

Many people were financially affected during COVID-19, and remain in need of government relief packages. Scammers target these people and send them fake messages about non-existing assistance:

• Find out which Government Grants are available in your area. Most don’t have to be paid back! <URL> Reply Stop to OPTOUT
• AHRA (NEW) GOVERNMENT RELIEF for Salena! Claim your approved benefits here before they expire: <URL> Txt Stop to Opt Out
• I (NEW) Government Relief for Stephen! Check your eligibility here: <URL> Txt Stop To Opt Out Reply Stop 2 Quit

3 Red Flags of Government Imposter Scams

• The scammer poses as a government agency but doesn’t provide valid contact information.
• They urge you to take action immediately.
• They prompt you to click on unknown links.

Use ID Security to Monitor Your ID 24/7

We suggest you use Trend Micro™ ID Security to monitor the internet and the dark web for your personal data 24/7! The app can check if your SSN has been leaked, in addition to lots of other data like your email address, credit card numbers, driver’s license number, and more.

To read more about ID Security, click the button below:

Where to Report Government Imposter Scams

• You can report government imposter scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
• As for Social Security-related scams and fraud, you can report it to the Social Security Administration.

This article was published in collaboration with Trend Micro