National Slam the Scam Day Initiative
From Harris County Constable Mark Herman:
NATIONAL SLAM THE SCAM DAY
National Slam the Scam Day falls on the Thursday during Consumer Protection Week. The day is an initiative to raise public awareness by helping the public to combat Social Security-related scams. Scammers are counting on you being uninformed of their deceptive tactics, the goal of this National Day is to get you informed on scammer tactics so you don't fall prey to their schemes.
The following points come directly from the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA OIG):
Be prepared. Real government officials will NEVER: Threaten arrest or legal action against you unless you immediately send money; Promise to increase your benefits or resolve a problem if you pay a fee or move your money into a protected account; Require payment with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfer, Internet currency, or by mailing cash; or Try to gain your trust by providing fake “documentation,†false “evidence,†or the name of a real government official.
That list is just part of how scammers try to trick the public into paying them hard-earned money. Don't let it happen to you!