The Social Security Administration (SSA) is getting the word out about National Slam the Scam Day and building awareness of how to avoid becoming a scam victim.

Scams happen every day, around the clock, and the March 9 Slam the Scam Day is intended to draw awareness to the problem.

According to the SSA, the are some basic signs that a telephone or email  scam is being attempted:

1. Scammers may pretend to be from a familiar organization like the Social Security Administration or law enforcement. Email attachments may include official-looking logos, seal, signatures or pictures of employee credentials.
2. Scammers may claim a prize has been won but additional information is needed to claim it.
3. Scammers work on fear by declaring there is a problem with person’s account such as the Social Security number was involved in a crime. Another tactic is asking for information to process a benefit increase.
4. Scammers exert pressure to act immediately. Hesitation can result in threats of arrest or legal action.
5. Scammers want payment made through non-traceable means like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, wire or money transfer or by mailing cash. Another twist is advising the victim of the need to move money into a safe account.

Maintain a healthy skepticism regarding unsolicited phone calls and resist letting fear or emotion compel action. Always report scam attempts to local authorities and if the caller claims to work for Social Security report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General.

Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up to date on scam tactics.