April 24, 2014
Attention All PSERS Members:  Notice of Telephone Scam
PSERS Acting Executive Director Terrill J. Sanchez today issued an alert to all PSERS’ active and retired members about a recurring telephone scam in which PSERS’ members are contacted by individuals claiming to be with the U.S. Treasury or Internal Revenue Service. These individuals state there is an issue with their PSERS’ benefit.  This is a telephone scam and members should immediately hang up.

“PSERS’ members should remain alert to these types of telephone scams,” Sanchez said. “These individuals can be aggressive and may call multiple times. It is important to never give out any personal information or account information. Protect yourself by not speaking with the caller. Simply hang up.”

This telephone scam is very similar to a well-known IRS scam. More information on the IRS scam can be found at: http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/press/press_tigta-2015-01_home.htm

Other tips for avoiding phone or email scams:

• Never give out personal information over the telephone.
• Never give out billing information over the phone, especially if you receive an unsolicited telephone call from a stranger.
• Never forget that you are in control. You can always hang up, find a company's number and call it directly.
• Remember this rule of thumb: never give out sensitive information to anyone on the phone unless you initiated the call to a company you are certain is legitimate.