Senators Collins, Kelly Introduce Resolution Declaring Today National Slam the Scam Day

Washington, D.C. — In a bipartisan effort to raise awareness of pervasive government imposter scams, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) led a resolution designating March 9, 2023, as “National Slam the Scam Day.”  Senators Collins and Kelly are joining the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General in organizing efforts to help educate Americans to avoid being defrauded through scams such as Social Security-related and Internal Revenue Service-related government imposter scams. 

“Over the last two years, Maine consumers reported more than 5,500 imposter scams, one of the most commonly reported types of fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission.  “National Slam the Scam Day” provides an opportunity for those on the federal, state, and local levels to raise awareness of government imposter scams with a single message: hang up and tell someone,” said Senator Collins.  “Public awareness can help to stop these scams from the start.  Let’s work together to hang up on these government imposters and put them out of business once and for all.” 

“Last year, Americans lost almost $509 million to government imposter scams. Our bipartisan resolution serves as an important reminder to keep an eye out for Social Security-related and other government imposter scams. Stay aware and stay safe,” said Senator Kelly.

“Coordinated efforts designed to heighten public awareness of scams and fraud are critical in the war against the proliferation of scams,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “We applaud the leadership of Senator Collins in her efforts to mobilize effective scam prevention measures. An educated public is an important element against the seemingly inexhaustible onslaught of these crimes.”

Countless Americans are targeted by government imposter scams each year, including Social Security-related and Internal Revenue Service-related government imposter scams.  In 2022, there were 191,000 government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission – estimated to cost victims over $509 million.  These scams disproportionately impacted seniors.

The Senators’ bipartisan resolution was co-sponsored by Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Mike Braun (R-IN).

The full resolution can be read here.

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