Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the State Employee Retirement System warned on April 24 that Illinois state employees and retirees are being targeted by investment scams. The alert comes after hundreds of inquiries were received from individuals who had been contacted by entities falsely claiming to be associated with SERS or the state.
The warning is important because these fraudulent messages could lead to financial loss or identity theft for recipients, many of whom may be vulnerable due to their retirement status. Protecting consumers, especially seniors and workers, has been a focus for the Attorney General’s office, according to the official website.
“State employees and retirees in Illinois should be on the lookout for unsolicited emails claiming to provide assistance with retirement planning,” Raoul said. “These entities often try to imply they are associated with the State Employees’ Retirement System, but they are not. They are likely trying to obtain your personal information or sell you a product. Individuals who receive these emails should not respond or click on any links. Instead, report them to the retirement system.”
SERS Executive Secretary Tim Blair also addressed concerns about these contacts: “SERS is actively working with authorities to end these unsolicited, misleading emails being sent to state employees,” Blair said. “These so-called advisors offering free pension or retirement reviews are not employees of the state of Illinois and will not be able to answer direct questions about benefits provided by SERS. Instead, they attempt to sell life insurance or other annuity products for which they may earn a high commission. Do not share personal information or click any links in these emails.”
Raoul advised anyone receiving such messages not to provide contact details nor click scheduling links but instead forward suspicious communications directly to SERS at reportfraud@srs.illinois.gov.
The Attorney General’s office has advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants and seniors according to its official website. It handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website and aims both at protecting consumers as well as promoting safer communities according to its official website. The agency’s advocacy efforts extend across Illinois according to its official website, where it also partners with law enforcement agencies in support of crime victims while promoting open government according to its official website. Services offered include complaint filing related both consumer fraud and civil rights issues according to its official website.
Looking ahead, officials urge vigilance among current and retired public servants when handling unsolicited offers regarding pensions or investments.
