Fraud Prevention

SURS is committed to protecting your personal information and takes steps to prevent fraud and identity theft.

The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) would like to remind members about the rise in sophisticated scam attempts targeting pension systems and financial institutions.

Scammers 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 data. We encourage you to also remain alert and take steps to help protect your information and online accounts.

What you can do to stay secure:

• Use strong, unique passwords and avoid saving them in your browser. Update passwords regularly and change them immediately if you notice suspicious activity. Do not reuse passwords across multiple sites.
• 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.
• Keep your contact information up to date with your financial institution.
• Review your bank statements frequently and report unauthorized activity as soon as you detect it.
• Always log out when you finish an online or mobile banking session.
• Delete unexpected texts and emails containing links or attachments. If a message appears legitimate, do not click the included link or call the number provided. Instead, look up the official website or phone number yourself and call them directly to verify.
• Keep your devices, apps, and browsers updated. Software updates patch security holes that hackers exploit.
• Avoid interacting with pop-up windows, which may contain malicious content.
• Avoid handling financial information on public WiFi networks. Save those tasks for your secure home network. 

How to safely communicate with SURS:

1. Call us at 217-378-8800 or 800-275-7877.
2. Log in to the SURS secure Member Website. It is the best tool to keep your personal information up to date. You can safely update your beneficiaries, address, email and phone numbers. You may also view your benefit statements and create retirement estimates based on different retirement scenarios. If you have not yet registered, do it today by clicking on the Member Website Login button in the top right-hand corner of the SURS website homepage, then hit the Registration Process button and follow the prompts.
3. If you qualify for a counseling appointment, you may request an appointment one of two ways:

a. Complete the online estimate request form from the SURS Secure Member Website under Retirement Counseling, or

b. Call SURS at 800-275-7877 and request the form be mailed to you

Once you complete and submit the form to SURS either online from the SURS Member homepage, by fax, or mail, you may then call SURS to schedule the appointment. The Benefit Estimator on your SURS Secure Member Website is a tool you can utilize as you prepare for retirement. Watch the Benefit Estimator Overview video to learn more.

What to do if you receive a suspicious call or email message:

1. Members with concerns about the security of their SURS account are encouraged to call SURS immediately at 217‑378‑8800 or 800‑275‑7877.
2. Report incidents to your local police fraud unit.
3. Reach the Illinois Attorney General Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Helpline at 800-243-5377 or seniorhelpline@ilag.gov.
4. Report to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal/Fraud Division at 877-FTC-HELP, 877-IDT-HEFT, or online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.