Protect Yourself from Scams

The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (“System”) takes data security and the privacy of your personal information very seriously. It is extremely rare that you will receive an unsolicited call from us. As in all cases of an unsolicited phone call, you should not share your personal or financial information based upon that call.

Our normal office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We do not contact customers in the evenings, on weekends, or on state holidays.

We will never call you to demand immediate repayment of an amount allegedly owed to the System. And, we will never require you to provide your bank account information so that we can directly debit your bank account, or ask you to wire transfer money to us, or to make repayment using prepaid debit, credit or gift cards.

If you are uncertain as to the legitimacy of someone representing the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, please hang up and immediately contact our customer service unit at 410-625-5555 or 800-492-5909.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office has a booklet entitled “A Consumer Guide for Seniors” that provides helpful suggestions to help you protect your personal information. The guide can be read online at www.oag.state.md.us/seniors.htm or a free copy can be ordered by mail by calling 410-576-6500.

Another valuable source of information regarding the prevention of fraudulent and deceptive business practices is the Federal Trade Commission. Their article “How Not to Get Hooked by a ‘Phishing’ Scam” can be found at: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt127.shtm.