Larson: Slam the Scam

Statement

Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (CT-01) raised awareness about Social Security scams and how members of the public can protect themselves and fight back. The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) partnered to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during the third annual "Slam the Scam" Day on March 10.

"Too often Social Security beneficiaries fall prey to scammers. I urge everyone to stay alert and hang up the phone when a scammer calls. Social Security will never suspend your Social Security number, threaten you with arrest unless you send money right away, or promise a benefit approval in exchange for money. If you think a call, text, or email is suspicious hang up or delete it, and never give out your Social Security number," said Larson.

Social Security employees do occasionally contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, someone who is already receiving payments and requires an update to their record, or a person who has requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person's Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.

To report a scam attempt, go to oig.ssa.gov. For more information, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/scam and www.socialsecurity.gov/antifraudfacts/.

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