Retirement planning email scam alert
DRS has learned about an email scam currently targeting teachers and school employees. However, everyone should be aware that the scam can target anyone.
The scam
Those who have been affected report that a scammer presents themselves through email as a retirement planning professional who offers to set up an appointment for a Zoom consultation. During the Zoom appointment, the scammer gains the employee’s trust and asks for personal identifying information, such as a Social Security number, and appears to have knowledge about the employee’s DRS retirement account.
What to do if you get the fraudulent email
If you receive one of these emails, don’t open it, delete it and do not set up a Zoom appointment or any other appointment they may offer. DRS will never contact you to initiate a Zoom appointment. If you are age 40+ and haven’t yet retired, you can schedule a Zoom or phone appointment through your online account.
How to avoid email scams
Never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know without checking to see if they are who they say. This includes those who you think might be DRS employees but you aren’t sure. You can contact us directly if you think an email is fraudulent.
Don’t share your passwords. Never provide your passwords through email, on the phone, in the US mail or in a video call (such as Zoom).
Be suspicious. A real financial institution would never ask you to verify your account information online. Scammers armed with this information and your account number will have access to your retirement accounts and possibly other accounts as well.
What we do to ensure your account is secure
DRS employees receive training in cybercrime throughout the year to ensure the safety of our customers’ personal information. Your online account includes multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA allows us to combine things such as your email, text messaging, etc., in a unique way to confirm and authorize access. As long as you don’t give scammers this information, your account is secure. We also provide Account Security information that includes a short video and a list of tips and steps to take if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud.
See the Attorney General’s website for more.
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