Join the Fight Against Scams on March 7

Thursday, March 7, marks the 5th annual National Slam the Scam, a day dedicated to raising awareness of Social Security-related and other government imposter scams. Each year, organizations team up with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to educate consumers on identifying common scams, protecting against fraud, and reporting suspicious activity. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud last year, a 14% increase from 2022. As cybercrimes and imposter scams continue to rise, educating yourself remains the most effective method for deterring cybercriminals. Take proactive steps to protect yourself against fraud and help “Slam the Scam.”

Quickly Identify Scams

Scammers are constantly changing their tactics and using new technology but the “formula” for imposter scams typically remains the same. First, you are contacted by phone, email or text message by someone claiming to be from a well-known agency or organization. Then, you are informed of a problem or  presented with a financial prize. Next, you are pressured to act immediately, often with threats of arrest, legal action, or loss of benefits. Finally, you are instructed to pay in a specific manner to resolve the issue, such as using retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or mailing cash.

Common scams involve individuals impersonating government representatives from:

• The Social Security Administration (SSA), claiming your benefits are in jeopardy unless you pay.
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), asserting you owe taxes.
• Medicare, stating they need your Medicare number to send a new card.

Avoid and Report Scams

Reputable organizations and government agencies will not initiate unsolicited calls or emails to request personal information or demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers. The Department of Information Technology urges the Seton Hall community to simply hang up or ignore the message if ever pressured to provide information or payment by an unverified individual. If uncertain about the validity of a request, contact the agency, bank, or company through official customer service channels to confirm. Then, report the scam!

Reporting a scam provides valuable data that helps government agencies inform others, identify trends, refine strategies, and take legal action against cybercriminals. For more information on how and where to report scams, visit: www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds.

If You've Been Scammed

Here's what to do if you paid someone you think is a scammer, gave them your personal information, and/or granted access to your computer or phone:

• If you paid: If you’ve provided credit card or banking information, contact your bank or financial institutions to make them aware of the situation. While your money may already be gone if paid to a scammer, it’s always worth asking the company you used to send the money if there’s a way to get it back.
• If you provided personal information: If you shared your username, password, or any account recovery information, promptly change your password(s). A strong password should be at least 14 characters long, including a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.  Visit IdentityTheft.gov to receive a personal identity recovery plan based on the information that you provided.
• If a scammer gains access to your computer, phone or account: Update your computer’s security software, run a scan and delete anything identified as a problem. Then, take additional steps to secure your devices and personal information.

Categories: Science and Technology