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Your Retirement. Your Savings. Your Future.

Your retirement savings account is more than a balance—it’s the future you’ve worked tirelessly to build. And while identity theft is often associated with credit cards, it can just as easily threaten your retirement savings. Fraudsters use tactics like identity theft, phishing attempts, and fake investment schemes to access or divert your hard‑earned money.

By taking a few smart, proactive steps today, you can strengthen your defense, protect your accounts, and safeguard the future you’re planning for—with confidence and peace of mind.

Spotting the Red Flags

Fraud attempts can take many shapes and often appear when you least expect them. But once you know what to look for and start tuning in to those early warning signs, you can stop trouble long before it starts. Think of this as your chance to stay one step ahead, protecting the savings you’ve worked so hard for and keeping your future exactly where it belongs: in your hands.

Here are some of the most common tactics fraudsters use:

Identity Theft

When someone steals or uses your personal information—like your name, Social Security number, or account details—without your permission. Their goal is usually to access your accounts, change your information, or take your money by pretending to be you.

Phishing Scams

When a fraudster sends emails, texts, or calls that look legitimate but are designed to trick you into sharing sensitive information—like account numbers, passwords, or personal details.

Investment Fraud

A scam that convinces you to invest in something misleading or entirely fake. Scammers often use pressure or false promises to get you to move your retirement savings into investments that are risky, deceptive, or don’t exist at all.

Steps to Protect Your Savings

Strengthen your defense with these simple but powerful safeguards:

1. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Keep a close eye on your benefit and retirement accounts for unusual activity. Regularly review your statements and contribution history. Make sure your paycheck deductions match the contributions appearing in your retirement account and report any errors immediately. Spotting unusual changes early is one of the best defenses.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Create strong, unique passwords for all your BPAS accounts. Choose passwords that are long, complex, and not based on personal details like birthdays or names—and remember to update them regularly. BPAS will send you an email alert anytime changes to your account are initiated or attempted, so you’re always in the loop.

3. Secure Your Connection and Click with Care

Use trusted, private Wi‑Fi networks when accessing your financial accounts. Keep your phone, computer, and software updated to protect against security vulnerabilities. BPAS requires Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection, making it much harder for anyone to access your account—even if they have your password.

4. Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date

Make sure your account has your current phone number, email, and home/mailing address. This ensures you receive important alerts and don’t miss notifications about suspicious activity.

5. Don’t Share Personal Information Unnecessarily

Only provide sensitive details—like your Social Security number, account numbers, or birthdate—when it’s absolutely required and you’re confident the request is legitimate.

6. Go Paperless When Possible

Switch to electronic statements (BPAS Go Green) to reduce the risk of sensitive mail ending up in the wrong hands, especially if your home mailbox isn’t secure. Going paperless protects your account information—and lets you access your statements instantly without waiting for them to arrive in the mail.

7. Shred Sensitive Documents

If you receive paper statements or documents containing personal information, shred them instead of just throwing them away.

8. Trust Your Instincts

Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls asking for your personal information. Don’t click links or open attachments from unknown senders. If something feels “off,” verify the message by contacting the company directly using a trusted phone number or website.
If something seems unusual, rushed, or too good to be true—slow down and verify it. Scammers rely on catching you off guard.

What to Do If You Think You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

If you believe someone has attempted—or succeeded—in accessing your account, it’s important to act quickly. Here are the key steps to take:

1. Contact the Company Immediately

Reach out to the company or financial institution where the suspicious activity occurred. They can freeze or secure the account, stop unauthorized transactions, and guide you through next steps.

If you feel your BPAS account has been compromised, contact BPAS Participant Services at 866‑401‑5272.

2. Change Your Passwords Right Away

Update the passwords for any affected accounts, as well as any accounts using the same or similar passwords. Enable two‑factor authentication if you haven’t already.

3. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File

Contact any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a free fraud alert. That bureau will notify the others on your behalf:

4. Report Identity Theft to the FTC

Submit a report to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to document the incident and generate a personalized recovery plan.

5. File a Report with Local Law Enforcement

A police report can be helpful in disputes with creditors, banks, or insurance providers.

6. Alert the IRS

Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1‑800‑908‑4490 if you believe your tax information may be compromised.

7. Document Everything

Keep copies of emails, letters, claims, confirmation numbers, and phone call details. These records are incredibly helpful during recovery.

Your Retirement Is Your Future. Your Identity Is Priceless—Protect Both.

Your retirement savings deserve strong protection. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, you can build a safe foundation for your future and enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing your financial well‑being is secure.