The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) would like to alert members to a rise in sophisticated scam attempts targeting pension systems and financial institutions.
Fraudsters have been using multiple tactics in an attempt to obtain confidential member information, including impersonating members when contacting call centers, sending fake emails and text messages, and embedding malicious links designed to install malware on personal devices.
SURS works diligently to stay one step ahead of these bad actors to safeguard your confidential information. We encourage you to also remain alert and take steps to help protect your information and online accounts.
How You Can Protect Your Information
- Use strong, unique passwords and avoid saving them in your browser. Update passwords regularly and change them immediately if you notice suspicious activity.
- Log in to the secure SURS secure Member Website often to verify and update your personal information and beneficiary details.
- Never share your personal, financial, or SURS account details with strangers or unverified requestors. Be wary of attempts to impersonate trusted institutions.
- Remember that SURS will never ask for personal or financial information via text or email.
- Review your bank statements frequently and report unauthorized activity as soon as you detect it.
- Delete unexpected texts and emails containing links or attachments. If a message appears legitimate, verify it using a known, trusted phone number or website.
- Keep your devices, apps, and browsers updated. Avoid handling financial information on public Wi‑Fi networks.
Members with concerns about the security of their SURS account are encouraged to call SURS immediately at 217‑378‑8800 or 800‑275‑7877.
How to Report Suspected Fraud
- Contact SURS directly if you suspect an issue with your account.
- Report incidents to your local police fraud unit.
- Reach the Illinois Attorney General Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Helpline at 1‑800‑243‑5377 or seniorhelpline@ilag.gov.
- Report to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal/Fraud Division at 1‑877‑FTC‑HELP, 1‑877‑ID‑THEFT, or online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
