Slam the Scam Day 2025: Protecting Yourself from Scams with Help from Bitdefender

Slam the Scam Day is all about educating individuals, families, and businesses about how scammers operate so they can halt their efforts to steal sensitive information and hard-earned money.

On the 6^th annual National Slam the Scam Day in the US, we’re committed to empowering you with knowledge, awareness, and trusted security solutions to keep you and your family safe from all types of scams—government imposter schemes, phishing attacks, tech support scams, and beyond.

The best way to start is by learning to recognize the warning signs that distinguish scammers' tactics from the legitimate practices of reputable organizations.

What Scammers Do That Legitimate Organizations Won’t

Scammers employ aggressive and deceptive tactics that real, reputable entities never use. Urgent demands, unexpected calls, too-good-to-be-true offers, and suspicious links are all signs that something may be amiss—watching out for these tactics is your best defense against fraud.

Here are some clear warning signs to help you tell the difference:

1.      Demand Immediate Payment or Personal Information

Scammers create a false sense of urgency, insisting you must act “now” to avoid dire consequences—like fines, arrests, or account closures. They may also pressure you into disclosing your Social Security Number, banking details, or login credentials on the spot.

Legitimate organizations usually provide written notices, official statements, or ample time for you to respond, never threatening immediate legal action if you don’t act immediately.

2.      Offer Unrealistic Promises or Prizes

Scammers claim you’ve won a large sum of money, a luxury vacation, or another life-changing reward. The catch? You need to pay a “processing fee” or share sensitive information to claim it.

Legitimate Organizations: They won’t ask you to pay money up front to collect a prize. If you truly win something, you won’t be pressured into handing over personal details or making any form of payment.

3.      Use Spoofed Contact Details and Fake Websites

Scammers impersonate trusted institutions by using phone numbers that look official, sending emails from addresses closely resembling real domains, or creating look-alike websites to harvest your data.

Legitimate organizations maintain official channels of communication and direct you to verified websites with secure connections.

4.      Insist on Untraceable Payment Methods

Scammers ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—methods that are hard to track and recover.

Legitimate organizations typically accept standard payment methods (credit cards, official payment portals, checks). They won’t push you into transactions that leave no paper trail.

5.      Refuse to Provide Verifiable Credentials

Scammers always try to dodge your questions and provide vague references or identification when asked. Some might even become hostile or end the call when pressed for proof of authenticity.

Legitimate organizations welcome questions and won’t pressure you to proceed if you’re uncertain.

Urgent demands, unexpected calls, too-good-to-be-true offers, and suspicious links are all signs that something may be amiss—watching out for these tactics is your best defense against fraud.

How to Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers

Stay informed

Follow reputable cybersecurity blogs (like ours!), official government websites, and consumer protection agencies for updates on the latest scams. Share your know-how with friends, family, and coworkers to help keep them safe.

Use scam detection tools

Before you reply to that unsolicited message claiming you owe money or click on a link promising a quick loan or government benefit, run it by Bitdefender Scamio. This free tool, available on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Discord and your web browser, analyzes any text, link, QR code, or image to determine if it’s part of a scam.

For on-demand checks of potential phishing and fraudulent links, you can also use Bitdefender Link Checker, another free tool that you and your family can use on a daily basis.

Secure your online accounts

Use strong, unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.

Keep your devices updated

Outdated systems are more vulnerable to attacks and exploits.  Regularly install the latest security patches and software updates.

Be cautious when going online

Think before clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar senders. Don’t give out personal details in response to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

Verify, Then Trust

If an offer or request seems off, take a moment to verify it. Always trust your instinct and take your time conducting research or asking a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion.

Bitdefender helps you Slam the Scam in 2025 and beyond!

At Bitdefender, we combine cutting-edge technology, continuous innovation, and user-focused design to help you dodge all kinds of scams. From top-notch comprehensive security solutions to digital identity protection services and AI-powered scam detection tools, we work tirelessly to protect consumers from scams.

Scammers may be relentless, but with vigilance, awareness, and robust security solutions, you can protect your finances, personal data, and peace of mind.

Stay connected with our blog for the latest scam alerts, cybersecurity tips, and in-depth guides designed to keep you and your family safe.