Fraud Prevention

Top Component

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

People or groups may attempt to fraudulently access your IPERS account to change your direct deposit, contact information, beneficiaries, etc. When you call IPERS, we will ask you a series of questions to validate your identity and protect the integrity of your account.

Anytime changes are made to your account information (bank information, address, email, beneficiary, etc.), you will receive communication from IPERS confirming the change. If you do not recognize the change, contact IPERS immediately.

When an IPERS member dies, loved ones should contact IPERS as soon as possible so IPERS can discontinue retirement benefit payments to the member and appropriately reassign them to the designated beneficiary(ies).

IPERS encourages you to frequently log in to My Account to review the details of your account. If any information appears incorrect, please contact IPERS. 

 

IPERS is the ONLY source that can provide confidential details about your retirement benefit.  

Third parties may contact you by phone or email seeking an appointment to discuss your IPERS benefits or asking for personal details about your retirement account. Often, these people represent legitimate, private financial planning businesses. Occasionally, however, these are imposters, falsely claiming to represent IPERS. Be aware of official-looking scam emails that attempt to obtain your personal information by directing you to click to a fraudulent website.  

Note that IPERS may not provide your personal information to any third party unless you complete and submit a form that gives your explicit consent to do so or as required by law. 

 

These tips can help you determine the authenticity of communication from IPERS.

  • IPERS does not solicit personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account information by email, which is not a secure form of communication.
  • IPERS does not typically make outbound calls to members asking for personal details unless you have specifically requested a call from us. 
  • IPERS will only call you during business hours, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday – Friday.
  • IPERS staff emails end with @ipers.org.
  • Only IPERS staff can access your IPERS account.
  • IPERS staff will never offer to meet at your home.
  • IPERS staff do not sell insurance products.
  • IPERS staff can provide information about your IPERS benefits only; we do not provide financial planning services.
  • IPERS staff will not cold call you offering to set up a meeting to discuss your benefits.
     

How to safely communicate with IPERS:  

  1. Call us at 800-622-3849.
  2. Log in to My Account, your IPERS retirement toolkit. My Account is a secure, online self-service tool that allows you to view a history of your letters and documents, view a record of your IPERS contributions, update your designated beneficiaries and more.
  3. Visit IPERS’ office to meet privately with an IPERS Retirement Benefits Counselor.  
     

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

Use the form below to inquire about the legitimacy of the communication or to report any suspicious activity to IPERS.
 

Accordion Title
Fraud Prevention Resources

Consumer Protection Resources

800-779-8707
http://www.nei3a.org/

800-532-3213
https://iowaaging.gov/

 

  • Provide information and referrals to older adults, adults with disabilities, veterans and their caregivers
  • Coordinate a wide range of long-term living and community support services
    • case management
    • congregate and home-delivered meals
    • employment services
    • family caregiver services
    • options counseling
    • respite care
    • transportation services

Dependent Adult Abuse
877-686-0027
https://dia.iowa.gov/


‘Dependent adult’ means a person eighteen years of age or older who is unable to protect the person’s own interests or unable to adequately perform or obtain services necessary to meet essential human needs, as a result of a physical or mental condition which requires assistance from another, or as defined by Department rule.