#SlamTheScam: Governments and Companies Join Forces Against Fraud
In an important show of unity, federal, state, and local governments, alongside non-profit organizations and private companies, are gearing up for National Slam the Scam Day on March 6, 2025. This collaborative initiative aims to arm consumers with the knowledge and tools needed to combat the ever-growing threat of scams, which have reached unprecedented levels of scale and sophistication in recent years.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sounded the alarm on the escalating financial toll of scams, reporting that consumers lost a staggering $10 billion to fraudulent schemes in 2023 alone. Among the most pervasive were investment scams, which drained over $4.6 billion from victims, and imposter scams, costing nearly $2.7 billion. These figures underscore the urgency of raising awareness and fostering proactive measures to protect the public.
A Threat to All
Scammers don’t discriminate—individuals, businesses, and even government agencies are all in their crosshairs. Using cunning tactics, fraudsters often impersonate representatives from trusted entities, such as well-known companies, charities, or government offices. Their methods are as varied as they are deceptive: some dangle the promise of prizes or lucrative financial windfalls, while others prey on emotions by claiming a loved one is in danger. Increasingly, scammers are exploiting emerging technologies and psychological pressure to trick victims into acting quickly, leaving little time for skepticism or verification.
What makes these scams particularly insidious is their reliance on payment methods that are difficult—or impossible—to trace. Cryptocurrency, gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cash, and even gold bars have become the currencies of choice for fraudsters. In some cases, scammers pose as "helpers" offering to safeguard victims’ money, only to disappear with the funds.
A Call to Action
National Slam the Scam Day is more than a symbolic event—it’s a rallying cry for vigilance and education. Organizers are encouraging the public to follow and share the hashtag #SlamTheScam on social media platforms like X, spreading critical advice to friends, family, and communities. Experts urge consumers to adopt a healthy dose of skepticism toward unsolicited contact, whether it’s a phone call, email, or text message. The advice is simple but effective: hang up, delete, and don’t click. Suspicious links, in particular, can lead to phishing sites designed to steal personal information or install malware.
For those who encounter a scam, the FTC provides a clear path forward. Victims and concerned citizens alike are encouraged to report incidents at reportfraud.ftc.gov, helping authorities track and dismantle fraudulent operations. Additionally, the FTC’s dedicated resource page, ftc.gov/scams, offers up-to-date information on the latest scam trends and tactics, empowering consumers to stay one step ahead of the perpetrators.
A Growing Crisis
The rise in scam-related losses reflects a troubling evolution in criminal ingenuity. Investment scams, often promising unrealistically high returns, have surged as more people seek financial opportunities in an uncertain economy. Imposter scams, meanwhile, exploit trust by mimicking legitimate organizations or individuals—sometimes even using spoofed phone numbers or official-looking emails to enhance their credibility. The emotional and financial devastation left in their wake has prompted this nationwide push to educate and protect.
As National Slam the Scam Day approaches, organizers hope to turn the tide against these pervasive threats. By uniting government agencies, non-profits, and private sector partners, the initiative seeks not only to raise awareness but also to build a resilient, scam-savvy public. On March 6, the message will be loud and clear: scammers may be relentless, but so is the resolve to stop them.
For more information and tips on staying safe, visit ftc.gov/scams and join the conversation with #SlamTheScam.
