Slam the Scam: Protect Yourself This National Slam the Scam Day

National Slam the Scam Day 2026 is on March 5, and it’s a nationwide effort led by the Social Security Administration and partner agencies to help you recognize, avoid, and report government‑related scams of all kinds – not just one particular scheme. While this day shines a spotlight on scams, staying vigilant is a year-round necessity because scammers operate every day, not just on March 5.

What is National Slam the Scam Day?

National Slam the Scam Day is an annual education campaign focused on teaching people how to spot and shut down scams that misuse the agency names of Social Security, the IRS, Medicare, law enforcement, and other government agencies. On this day, agencies and professionals like us highlight common scam tactics, share real-world examples, and point you to trustworthy resources for help.

DBMCPA participates because these scams often intersect with tax, benefits, and financial information – the very areas where you rely on us for guidance.

Common Scam Tactics

Scammers constantly change their stories, but their tactics have a lot in common. They might:

• Pretend to be from Social Security, the IRS, Medicare, or law enforcement.
• Claim there is a problem with your benefits, taxes, or identity.
• Pressure and urgency: “You must act now,” “Final notice,” or “You will be arrested today.”
• Requests for secrecy: They tell you not to talk to anyone, especially family, your bank, or your accountant.
• Ask for payment in unusual ways: gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, payment apps.
• Caller ID and email that look “official”: Scammers can spoof phone numbers and email addresses that appear legitimate.
• Unsolicited requests for personal information: They call, text, or email you out of the blue asking for your SSN or banking info.

If someone contacts you unexpectedly with an alarming message and demands immediate action, that is your signal to pause, hang up, and verify.

How to Protect Yourself All Year

Here are practical steps you can take today to lower your risk and maintain strong protections throughout 2026 and beyond:

• Don’t trust caller ID alone
  If someone says they’re from a government agency, hang up and call back using the agency’s official website or a number from prior correspondence. An authentic government employee will understand that you need to verify by calling the official number.
• Guard your personal information
  Never share your full Social Security number, bank account numbers, or one‑time passcodes with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Refuse unusual payment requests
  If someone demands gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers, treat it as a scam and end the contact.
• Secure your online accounts
  Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for financial, email, and government accounts.
• Talk to family and employees
  Share Slam the Scam tips with older relatives, teens, and key employees who handle money or sensitive data.

Where to Go Online to Learn More and Stay Safe

Use these official, trustworthy resources to stay informed:

• Social Security Administration scam education and alerts:
  https://www.ssa.gov/scam
• “my Social Security” account (create or manage your account safely):
  https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) scam and identity theft prevention tips:
  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov
• Identity theft recovery guidance:
  https://www.identitytheft.gov

How to Report Scams and Suspicious Activity

If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, or letter – or think you may have shared information – report it promptly:

• Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA‑related scams):
  https://oig.ssa.gov
• Federal Trade Commission (fraud and scam reports):
  https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Identity theft concerns (if your SSN or financial information may be misused):
  https://www.identitytheft.gov

Also contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you sent money, shared account information, or gave remote access to your device.

How Our Firm Supports You on Slam the Scam Day and Beyond

As your full-service accounting firm, we see National Slam the Scam Day on March 5, 2026 as part of our broader commitment to your financial security throughout the year. We can:

• Review suspicious tax- or benefit-related communications to help you determine whether they are legitimate.
• Assist you in documenting scams and organizing information for authorities and financial institutions.
• Help you evaluate and implement better internal controls if your business may be vulnerable to fraud.

If something involving your Social Security number, benefits, taxes, or financial accounts feels wrong – even if you’re not sure – reach out to us. A quick conversation, on March 5 or any other day, can help you slam the scam before it causes real harm.