Remain Vigilant of Scammers
From time to time, SERS is notified of suspicious calls where the caller states they are contacting the member or retiree on behalf of SERS or to discuss SERS benefits.
While SERS may occasionally call you regarding your account, we ask that you be careful about providing sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, banking information, driver’s license number, or health care information to anyone you don’t know. If you have any questions the legitimacy of the phone call, please hang up and contact our office at 800-878-5853.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General is alerting the public to scams related to COVID-19. Scammers are offering COVID-19 tests, HHS grants, and Medicare prescription cards in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information.
To avoid becoming a victim, please keep in mind the following:
- You will not be asked for money to improve your ranking for vaccine eligibility.
- You will not be solicited door to door to receive the vaccine.
- Government officials will not call you to obtain personal information in order to receive the vaccine.
- Medicare will not call beneficiaries to receive COVID-19 related products or services.
- Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies.
- Do not respond to or open hyperlinks in text messages about COVID-19 from unknown individuals.
- Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 test or treatments on social media sites.
- Be aware of scammers pretending to be COVID-19 contact tracers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare number, financial information, or attempt to set up a COVID-19 test for you and collect payment information for the test.
If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, you can report it online or by calling 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
