Tidelines

Recently, Seabrookers have reported receiving Evites from familiar names only to realize it is a scam after opening it and compromising their personal information. Scammers are getting smarter, and this is not the only scam you may see.

Criminals are constantly trying to steal consumers’ personal data using fake emails, websites, phone calls, and even text messages. National Slam the Scam Day 2026 is March 5, a nationwide initiative led by the Social Security Administration (.gov) (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to fight government imposter scams. Held during National Consumer Protection Week, it aims to teach the public to recognize, report, and stop scammers. 

How do you identify a scammer?

Recognizing the signs of a scam can help you avoid falling victim to one. Scammers resort to many means to contact you. They use telephone calls, email, text messages, social media, and U.S. mail. Scammers may:

• Pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust;
• Say there is a problem with your Social Security number or other type account;
• Pressure you to act immediately; 
• Tell you to pay in a specific way (ex. retail gift cards, pre-paid debit cards);
• Frighten you or threaten you with a consequence;
• Trick you into clicking onto malicious links or attachments.

How can you protect yourself if you receive a suspicious call, text, or email?

• Filter your calls and don’t answer or return calls if you don’t recognize the caller. If you do answer and are suspicious, hang up the phone. 
• Only open emails, respond to text messages, voice mails, or callers that are from people or organizations you know, and even then, be cautious if they look questionable;
• Do not give money or disclose personal information;
• Be especially wary of emails or websites that have typos or other obvious mistakes. Delete suspicious emails and texts, and do not click on any links.

How can you report scams?

• If you encounter a suspected phone scam or an abusive telemarketer, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, online or at 877-382-4357, and notify your state consumer protection office.
  
• Report caller-ID spoofing to the Federal Communications Commission, online or at 888-225-5322. The FCC also provides consumer guides to numerous phone scams and improper practices.
  
• Visit the Do Not Call Registry website or call 888-382-1222 to register your number or report illegal robocalls.

The best protection against scams is a combination of caution and conversation. 

• Pause before responding. 
• When in doubt, consult a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor. 
• Keep your devices updated with the latest security software.
• Use strong and unique passwords.
• Consider enabling two-factor authentication on important accounts. 

Most importantly, remember that it is never impolite to ignore or delete a message that doesn’t feel right. A moment of skepticism can prevent months of stress and financial loss

Sources: For more information about the types of scams that occur and what you can do to protect yourself, visit the websites of the  Social Security Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: pixabay.com)