BEREA, Ky. — Scam calls, texts, and emails are not just a big-city problem. They hit small towns hard because scammers rely on two psychological triggers that work anywhere: urgency and trust.
Thursday, March 5, 2026, is National Slam the Scam Day. Led by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the SSA Office of the Inspector General as part of National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7), the goal of the initiative is simple: help people spot government imposter scams and stop them before money or personal information is gone.
🕵️ What Slam the Scam Day is Really About
Most Social Security scams follow a highly predictable script. Someone calls or messages claiming there is a problem with your Social Security number, your benefits, or a recent payment. They may aggressively claim that law enforcement is involved, or conversely, promise a sudden benefit increase. They will almost always say you need to “verify” your information.
The SSA and its watchdog office warn that scammers use fear and pressure to get people to act before they have time to think critically.
🚩 How to Recognize the Scam Before It Hooks You
Start with the three major red flags that show up again and again in SSA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidance:
- Unexpected Problem or Surprise Reward: If you get an out-of-the-blue message about a suspended number, a missed payment, or a prize, treat it as highly suspicious.
- Pressure to Act Right Now: Scammers push urgency because urgency shuts down verification. If you are told you must act today, stay on the line, or keep the conversation a secret, that is a massive warning sign.
- Weird Payment Methods: The FTC is blunt on this point. Only scammers demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, cash, or gold. If anyone asks you to go to the store, buy gift cards, and read the numbers off the back, it is a scam.
📞 What to Do in the Moment
If a caller claims to be from Social Security, hang up immediately. Do not argue and do not negotiate. Take a breath, then verify the situation through official channels.
If you are unsure, use the SSA’s official scam guidance page and start from there. It walks through common tactics and exactly how to protect your account. Furthermore, if you already shared information or sent money, report it. Reporting helps federal agencies spot regional patterns and warn others.
🤝 A Simple Berea Habit That Helps
Check in with one person who might be targeted more often. A parent, a grandparent, a neighbor who lives alone, or someone who is new to managing their benefits. Ask them a direct question: “Have you gotten any weird calls or texts lately about Social Security or payments?”
Scams thrive in silence. A simple two-minute conversation can stop a devastating day.
🔗 Where to Read More & Report Fraud
- SSA Scam Resources & Toolkits
- Report Social Security Imposter Scams: SSA OIG Reporting
- Report Other Scams: FTC Report Fraud
- FTC Guidance on Gift Card Scams: Avoiding Gift Card Scams
📅 Upcoming Events in Berea
Catch the Leprechaun 5K
When: Sunday, March 1 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Berea Community High School (1 Pirate Parkway)
Details: A community 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun walk benefiting the Berea Food Bank and BUURR. Catch the running leprechaun for a chance to win prizes from the “Pot of Gold.”
Race Registration & Details
Jammin’ on the Porch
When: Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Russel Acton Folk Center (212 W Jefferson Street)
Details: Bring your instrument and join in the acoustic jam session hosted by Lewis and Donna Lamb, or just sit back and listen to the old-time mountain music. Free admission.
Berea Tourism Event Page
Opening Night: The Taming of the Shrew
When: Friday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m. (Runs through March 15)
Where: Spotlight Playhouse (214 Richmond Road)
Details: Experience Shakespeare’s classic comedy reimagined by the talented students of Spotlight Acting School.
Spotlight Playhouse Tickets
Auditions: Macbeth
When: Sunday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Spotlight Playhouse (214 Richmond Road)
Details: Open auditions for teens and adults (ages 11+) for The Bluegrass Players’ upcoming June production of Macbeth, directed by Edwin Tait and Jennifer Woodruff.
Macbeth Audition Info
Auditions: Annie KIDS
When: Saturday, Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Spotlight Acting School (214 Richmond Road)
Details: Auditions for ages 4 to 11. No pre-registration required. Students can enroll even if they do not audition, as auditions are primarily for leading parts.
Annie KIDS Audition Details