Designates March 6, 2025, as "National Slam the Scam Day" to raise awareness and promote education to prevent government imposter and other pervasive scams.
Rick Scott
Senator
FL
This resolution designates March 6, 2025, as "National Slam the Scam Day" to combat government imposter scams and other pervasive scams. It aims to raise awareness and promote education to protect individuals, especially older adults, from financial losses and identity theft. The resolution encourages reporting scams and supports the efforts of law enforcement, consumer groups, and financial institutions in preventing these scams. It also honors those who are actively fighting against government imposter scams.
March 6, 2025, Designated 'National Slam the Scam Day' to Fight Government Imposter Scams
This resolution puts a spotlight on the growing problem of government imposter scams by designating March 6, 2025, as "National Slam the Scam Day." The aim is to boost public awareness and education to help people avoid falling victim to these schemes, where scammers pretend to be government officials to steal money or personal information.
Scams: A $10 Billion Problem
The resolution highlights some pretty alarming numbers. In 2023 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported over $10 billion in losses due to scams – that's a $1 billion jump from 2022. About 1 in 4 people in the U.S. reported losing money, with a median loss of $500 per person. This hits older adults particularly hard, as they are often targeted.
How 'Slam the Scam Day' Helps
This isn't just about marking a day on the calendar. It's about encouraging real action:
- Real-World Example: Imagine a retired teacher getting a call demanding immediate payment for a supposed tax issue, or a small business owner receiving an email threatening fines unless they provide their bank details. "National Slam the Scam Day" aims to equip people with the knowledge to recognize these red flags.
- Education and Awareness: The resolution pushes for more education and awareness programs. Think workshops, online resources, and public service announcements to help people spot and avoid scams.
- Reporting Scams: It encourages everyone to report suspicious contacts. If you get a strange call, email, or message claiming to be from the government, report it. The resolution specifically mentions the Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Federal Trade Commission as places to report these scams.
- Honoring the Protectors: It gives a shout out to law enforcement, consumer groups, financial institutions, and all those on the front lines fighting these scams.
Connecting the Dots
While this resolution doesn't create new laws or regulations, it plays a crucial role in prevention. By increasing awareness, "National Slam the Scam Day" can help reduce the number of people who fall victim to these costly and emotionally draining schemes. It's about empowering individuals to protect themselves and their communities.