Staying Safe from Fraud and Scams in 2026

As we welcome a new year, it’s a perfect time to refresh our awareness of the latest fraud and scam tactics. Scammers continue to target retirees because they often have predictable income sources and may be more trusting of unsolicited calls or messages. The good news: a few simple habits can help you stay protected.

Common Scams to Watch For

1. Imposter Scams – These remain one of the most common fraud attempts. Scammers may pretend to be from Social Security, the IRS, Medicare, your bank, or even MPERS. They often use urgent language, such as “your account will be suspended” or “you owe a payment immediately.” Remember: MPERS will never call, text, or email demanding personal information or immediate payment.
2. Tech Support Scams – You might receive a pop‑up message claiming your computer has a virus or that your device has been “locked.” The scammer then offers to fix the problem—for a fee.
   Tip: Real tech companies will never initiate unsolicited support messages.
3. Romance and “Grandparent” Scams – Scammers may create emotional situations to pressure people into making quick decisions. Someone may pretend to be a distant relative in trouble or a new online friend requesting money. Pause before you act: Verify the person’s identity using known contact information.
4. Gift Card and Cryptocurrency Scams – No legitimate agency accepts payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. If someone asks you to buy a card and read the numbers over the phone, it’s a scam.

How to Protect Yourself in 2026

• Slow down and verify. Scammers want you to act fast. Take a moment to step back and confirm the request with a trusted source.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi‑factor authentication where possible.
• Be cautious with links in texts, emails, and social media messages. When in doubt, navigate to the website directly instead of clicking.
• Check your financial accounts regularly for unfamiliar charges.
• Shred sensitive paperwork before discarding it.

What To Do If You Suspect Fraud

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

• Hang up the phone or delete the message.
• Do not share personal information.
• Report the incident to the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1‑800‑392‑8222 or online at ago.mo.gov.
• If the attempt involves your retirement benefits, call MPERS directly using the number on our official website.

You’re Not Alone

Fraud attempts are becoming more sophisticated each year, but staying informed is your strongest defense. MPERS is committed to keeping our members’ information safe. If you ever have a question about a suspicious communication, reach out, we’re here to help.