PERAC Memo #27 - 2011: New Pension Fraud Prevention Poster

MEMORANDUM #27, 2011 M E M O R A N D U M TO: All Retirement Boards FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director RE: New Pension Fraud Prevention Poster DATE: October 12, 2011 In accordance with statutory requirements, the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) maintains a toll-free hot line for the reporting of suspected fraudulent public pension claims, payments, falsified records, and affidavits. The hot line number is 1-800-445-3266. All messages are kept confidential. Since 1998, PERAC has promoted the hot line through poster campaigns built around various slogans: “It Adds Up”; “FRAUD, It is a Big Deal”; “For All of Those Who Thought Pension Fraud Was an Invisible Crime”; “I’m Not Hurting Anyone”; “This Is A Losing Hand”; and “Pension Fraud Is Stealing.” This year’s campaign poster features stylized images of an envelope and a phone with the directive to report pension fraud. The envelope image is being used to introduce an email address newly established by PERAC exclusively for reporting suspected pension fraud: PensionFraud@per.state.ma.us. We chose to make that reporting option available in light of the fact that email has become a strongly preferred means of communication for many citizens. We are enclosing three posters for your use. Please display them in your office and other locations in your building that provide maximum visibility. We have also enclosed three copies of a brochure that informs readers about the PERAC Fraud Prevention Unit and provides some details about various types of pension fraud. Three copies of PERAC's “Referral Report of Potential Fraud” form are provided as well. Your staff should use these forms to report instances of suspected public pension fraud to PERAC's Fraud Unit. You should also make copies of the form available to anyone else who wishes to report suspected public pension fraud. Please note that county and regional retirement systems will receive, under separate cover, copies of the fraud prevention materials to distribute to the local governmental units with which they interact. For additional copies of the poster, brochure, or form, please feel free to contact our Communications Director, Sarah Kelly, at 617-666-4446, extension 970. The Commission sincerely appreciates your cooperation in this endeavor.