Each year, scammers attempt to deceive individuals by impersonating government officials
and reputable agencies to steal money and sensitive information. To combat these fraudulent
activities, Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General has designated Thursday, March 6, 2025, as the 6th Annual National Slam the Scam Day—an initiative to raise awareness about government imposter scams and empower individuals
to recognize and report them.
The Department of Information Technology urges the Seton Hall community to stay alert and take proactive steps to safeguard
personal and financial information.
Know the 4 P’s to Spot a Scam
Scammers use deceptive tactics to manipulate victims. Keep these 4 P’s in mind to
identify and avoid scams:
- Pretend – Scammers pretend to be officials from trusted organizations, such as the Social
Security Administration (SSA) or the IRS, to gain your trust. - Problem – They create urgency by claiming there’s a problem with your account or offering
fake benefits or prizes. - Pressure – Scammers pressure you to take immediate action, threatening severe consequences
if you don’t comply. - Payment Demand – They insist on unconventional, untraceable payment methods, such as cryptocurrency,
wire transfers, gift cards, gold bars or cash sent by mail.
Scammers may impersonate government officials, tech support representatives, or even
distressed family members—often demanding payment via gift cards. Remember: Gift cards should never be used for payments related to taxes, Social Security benefits,
legal issues, or utility bills. If you’re ever asked to pay with a gift card, hang
up immediately and report the scam.
How to Avoid a Scam
If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, social media message or letter claiming
to be from Social Security or another government agency, follow these steps:
- Stay calm: If a message triggers fear or urgency, take a deep breath and consult someone you
trust. - Hang up or ignore it: Don’t click on links, open attachments, or respond to suspicious messages.
- Protect your money: Scammers demand payment through hard-to-trace methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency,
wire transfers, or mailed cash. Legitimate agencies will never ask for payment this
way - Guard your personal information: Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages, even if the sender has some of your details.
- Spread the word: Share scam awareness tips with family, friends, and your community.
- Report scams: If you suspect fraud, report it to the Office of the Inspector General.
Additional Resources
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