Robocalls, phony polls and other schemes seek your personal information

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Sept. 24, 2026 – Election season is a time of heightened civic engagement, but it’s also a time when scammers ramp up efforts to steal money and personal information.

Recent warnings from the Federal Trade Commission, cybersecurity experts and election officials show that fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence, spoofed phone numbers, fake websites and text messages to make their scams appear legitimate.

Here are a few election-related scams to watch out for this year:

Phony PACs and political donation scams

Fake Political Action Committees, or PACs, and fraudulent campaign fundraising efforts continue to target voters through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media. Scammers may claim to support a favorite candidate or political cause, then keep the money for themselves.

Before donating, verify the organization through the Federal Election Commission and consider donating directly through a candidate's official website. Be cautious of high-pressure tactics, unsolicited requests for donations or demands for unusual payment methods. Legitimate political organizations will not ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

AI-powered robocalls and deepfake messages

Artificial intelligence has made election scams more convincing. Fraudsters can now use AI-generated voices to impersonate candidates, public officials or political organizations. Some scams may urge voters to donate, while others may spread false information about voting procedures.

Never rely on information from an unsolicited call, text or voicemail. If you receive a political message that seems suspicious, verify it through official government election websites or trusted news sources. Do not provide personal or financial information during an unexpected call.

Voter registration and voting information scams

Scammers may contact voters claiming there is a problem with their registration, that they need to re-register, or that they must pay a fee before voting. Others may send text messages or emails directing recipients to fake registration websites designed to steal personal information.

Remember that voter registration is free. If you have questions about your registration status or polling location, check directly with your state's election office or visit Vote.gov. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear to come from election officials.

Fake polls, surveys and prizes

Another common scam involves fake polls or voter surveys. Fraudsters may offer gift cards, prizes or rewards in exchange for participating. During the survey, they attempt to collect personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, passwords or other sensitive data.

Legitimate polling organizations typically ask only for opinions and basic demographic information. They will not request banking information, passwords or payment to claim a reward. If a survey asks for sensitive information, end the conversation immediately.

If you encounter a suspected scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Longevity expectations can have big impact on retirement readiness

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Sept. 17, 2026 – When most people think about retirement planning, they focus on one question: "How much money will I need?"

A growing body of research suggests there is another question that may be just as important: "How long will my retirement last?"

A recent study by the TIAA Institute and Stanford University's Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center found that many Americans underestimate how long people typically live after reaching age 65. Researchers call this "longevity literacy," or understanding life expectancy and how it affects financial planning. The study found that people who expect shorter retirements generally save less, plan less and are less likely to think about how they will generate income throughout retirement.

Why does this matter? Because retirement today can last 20, 25, or even 30 years for many people. A retirement that spans several decades presents challenges that previous generations did not face to the same extent, including inflation, rising health care costs and market volatility. Planning for a long retirement may require a different mindset than simply reaching a target retirement age.

The research found a clear relationship between retirement expectations and retirement behavior. Workers who expected to spend more years in retirement were significantly more likely to save regularly and seek professional guidance. They also were more likely to think about how their savings would eventually be converted into retirement income. Meanwhile, individuals who expected shorter retirements were less likely to engage in those activities.

For OPERS members, the lesson is straightforward: Retirement planning should account not only for when you retire, but also for how long your retirement may last. Members participating in the Traditional Pension Plan have the advantage of a lifetime monthly benefit, while participants in the Member-Directed and Combined plans should regularly review their savings levels, investment allocations and long-term goals. Regardless of plan choice, understanding longevity can help members make more informed financial decisions throughout their careers.

Retirees may benefit from the same perspective. A retirement that lasts several decades requires careful attention to spending, health care planning and preserving financial resources for the future. While no one can predict exactly how long they will live, considering a longer retirement horizon can help reduce the risk of outliving one's financial resources.

As supported by the TIAA Institute study, one of the most powerful retirement planning approaches is to understand that retirement may last much longer than you think.

Enrollment ends on Sept. 22 for Colonial Life’s term- and whole-life policies

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Sept. 10, 2026 – OPERS members have less than two weeks to apply for term- and whole-life policies this year through Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co.

It’s the ninth-consecutive year that the insurer is offering the policies to active members, their spouses and children. The voluntary insurance would be in addition to life insurance that members’ employers might offer, and OPERS members would bear the cost.

The policies will be guaranteed issue, within certain limits, and this year’s open enrollment period ends Sept. 22.

OPERS members can obtain a policy only by speaking with a Colonial Life benefits counselor through a virtual enrollment option. Virtual enrollment allows members the flexibility of connecting with their benefits counselor via conference call, video chat or screen-share.

Three Colonial Life digital postcards emailed to OPERS members in 2026 contain more information about virtual enrollment. The postcards include a link to schedule a session with a local benefits counselor and other information about life insurance coverage.

For more information, refer to this postcard.

You also can listen to a recorded webinar that provides additional details on the 2026 open enrollment period and the voluntary benefits that are available.

For the first time, election officials are no longer considered OPERS members

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Sept. 3, 2026 – With Election Day approaching, OPERS members and retirees should know about a recent change affecting those who work at the polls.

Ohio House Bill 96, which took effect Sept. 30, 2025, changed how OPERS treats service as a precinct election official, the position formerly commonly called an “election worker” or “poll worker.” Section 145.012 of the Ohio Revised Code now exempts anyone appointed as a precinct election official from OPERS membership for that service. Precinct election officials must be qualified voters and serve as election officers for their precincts.

Because precinct election officials no longer participate in OPERS for this service, the amount they earn working at the polls during a calendar year no longer affects their OPERS membership status.

If you have questions about becoming a precinct election official, contact your local board of elections.

Process yielded no races that will result in member or retiree voting

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Aug. 27, 2026 – The OPERS Board of Trustees certified the slate of candidates for this year’s trustees election at the August meeting. The qualification process yielded no competitive races that will result in member or retiree voting.

Four board positions are open for election this year. Three of those seats received only one qualifying submitted petition each: current trustee Russell Smith for the college/university employee seat, Daniel Sferra for the municipal employee seat; and current trustee Steve Toth for one of the two retiree seats.

According to Ohio law, the Board is not required to hold an election if only one candidate has been nominated for an elected position by petition. Thus, those three candidates will take office as if elected, for four-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

The other seat that was up for election this year, for state employees, received no qualified candidates. That means the seat will become vacant in January, and the trustees at that time will proceed with selecting a successor from the state employee group, according to Ohio law.

This month: We address the COLA, retiring early and other retirement benefits

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Aug. 20, 2026 – Members and retirees often ask us questions through our social media channels that others could benefit from. Periodically we post these questions and answers in our PERSpective blog.

Q: With inflation so high, couldn’t OPERS increase the amount of the cost-of-living adjustment in 2027?

A: The amount of the COLA that OPERS provides to retirees is written in state law. The annual COLA for those who retired prior to Jan. 7, 2013, is set at 3%. The COLA is based on inflation for those who retired on or after that date.

Specifically, it’s based on the change in the CPI-W from the end of June two years prior to the issuance of the COLA to the end of June in the year before the COLA, with a maximum adjustment of 3%. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the CPI-W increased 3.5% over the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Thus, the inflation-based adjustment for 2027 will be 3%.

Q: Is there a way to view my OPERS online account without using my Social Security number?

A: Personal information, including the member or recipient’s name, date of birth, Social Security number, mobile number, email address and physical address, is required to register for the OPERS online account. OPERS has updated its online account registration process to meet current security standards. As part of this process, OPERS uses identity verification to help protect members’ and recipients’ accounts. Personal information is needed to verify identity and complete online account registration.

Q: I would like to retire early, but I am not sure what preparation I have to make leading up to my OPERS retirement. I also would like to know what my options are when it comes to my medical insurance. What should I do?

A: OPERS has a robust website and set of educational tools that offer plenty of information for those seeking to know more about retirement and health care.

Our “Retiring from the Traditional Pension Plan” page includes information about retirement eligibility, when you’re eligible for health care, how to apply, and tools that can help you create pension and health care estimates from your online account.

Our Education Department offers in-person events and live webinars. Plus, you can always schedule a session with an OPERS counselor through your online account, or by calling 800-222-7377.

Q: I’m currently going through a divorce, and I was eligible to retire last year. I know my spouse will receive a portion of my retirement, but will the amount freeze at the divorce date if I continue to work? Must I list my spouse as a beneficiary?

A: Under Ohio domestic relations law, retirement benefits acquired by a spouse during marriage are marital property and are subject to equitable distribution, or division, between the spouses when the marriage is terminated. OPERS follows what is agreed upon and ordered in your Division of Property order/divorce decree/separation agreement. The OPERS Domestic Relations leaflet provides further information about how divorce can impact your OPERS pension.

Q:  Do OPERS retirees have the option of getting a Survivor Benefit Plan, similar to plans that the U.S. military and Cincinnati Retirement System provide for dependents?

A: Survivor benefits are available to be paid to eligible survivors if the member is in the Traditional Pension Plan or Combined Plan, passes away prior to retirement, and had met the eligibility requirements. The OPERS Survivor Benefits leaflet provides further information.

At the time of retirement, the member chooses a plan of payment and can designate a beneficiary or multiple beneficiaries to receive a lifetime monthly benefit upon the member’s passing. Further information about these payment plans can be found on the OPERS website.

Q: I am retired with just less than 12 years in OPERS, and I receive a monthly pension. I would like to work the election this fall but was told by another OPERS member that this is not allowed, because I would be paid a small stipend. Is this true? 

A: Re-employment with a public employer may impact monthly service retirement benefits and the Health Reimbursement Arrangement. The OPERS Returning to Work After Retirement leaflet provides information about how re-employment can impact benefits.

However, in accordance with an Ohio law enacted in 2025, election workers are no longer considered public employees regardless of their earnings. Retirees re-employed as poll workers or other election workers will not have their retirement benefits impacted in any way. Please contact your employer to determine if you would be required to contribute to OPERS during your re-employment.

New report indicates improved funding among plans nationwide

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Aug. 13, 2026 – The newly released State of Pensions 2026 report from the Equable Institute indicates that public pension systems across the United States have entered their strongest position in more than a decade. After years of volatility, the report shows steady improvement in funding levels, investment performance and long‑term stability.

According to Equable, the national funded ratio has risen to 85 percent, the highest level since 2009. The improvement reflects both strong market returns and sustained employer contributions. Public plans collectively reduced their unfunded liabilities to $1.13 trillion, down from $1.37 trillion the previous year. The report states that this reduction marks one of the most significant year‑over‑year improvements since the Great Recession.

Investment performance played a key role. Plans earned approximately 9.4 percent, surpassing their assumed return rate for the fourth consecutive year. Equable attributes the gains to diversified portfolios that have benefited from broad market growth. While the report acknowledges risks associated with valuation‑priced assets and concentrated holdings in large companies, it states that recent returns have strengthened overall system stability.

Employer contributions also increased. Plans received 31.8 percent of payroll from employers, the highest rate on record. The report states that a substantial portion of these contributions continues to address legacy pension debt, but the rising funded ratios suggest these payments are having the intended effect. Equable says improved funding positions give states and municipalities more flexibility to manage future obligations.

The report places these developments within the broader context of retirement security for public workers. Equable’s companion Retirement Security Report finds that full‑career workers continue to receive strong benefits from traditional pension plans. As funding improves, the report suggests that states may have greater capacity to modernize benefit structures for short‑ and medium‑term workers, who historically have been less well served by existing plan designs.

Equable also identifies emerging trends in pension investment strategies. The report notes increased exposure to artificial intelligence‑related companies and a growing share of assets held in private equity and other valuation‑priced investments. While these trends introduce certain risks, Equable states that they have contributed positively to recent returns and may continue to do so if markets remain stable.

Overall, the State of Pensions 2026 report indicates that public pension systems are stronger and more stable than they’ve been in years. Funding levels have improved, liabilities have decreased and investment performance has exceeded expectations. The report concludes that while challenges remain, particularly in ensuring equitable retirement outcomes across all worker groups, the national pension landscape is on firmer footing than at any point in the past decade.

Public pension systems serve millions of workers nationwide, and their stability is central to long‑term fiscal planning. The latest findings from Equable indicate that these systems are moving in a positive direction, supported by strong returns, steady contributions and improving financial fundamentals.

Planning ahead of time can help protect your personal information

By Betsy Butler, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Aug. 6, 2026 – The Internet allows us to stay in touch with friends and family, book reservations, shop, enjoy entertainment, research medical queries, and check bank balances from the comfort of home. Despite the convenience and benefits of being online, our personal information is at risk if we don't take precautions.

Consider these suggestions to stay secure online:

Stay on top of software updates: Beyond offering new and improved features for your apps and devices, software updates often include security patches designed to foil cybercriminals from stealing your personal information. Updated antivirus software also protects your computer against ransomware and other kinds of malware. Keep current on installing the latest available updates.

Use strong passwords: Combine at least eight upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols to create unique, hard-to-guess passwords for each online account you use. Change them frequently, record them in a safe place and don’t enable your computer’s password-saving option. Multifactor authentication --- such as a one-time code sent via email or text, or face or fingerprint scans --- adds an extra layer of security beyond logging in with just a password. Consider using a strong, unique password for every online account you have. Turning off the “save password” feature in browsers is also a good idea. Never share your login credentials with anyone.

Be aware of artificial intelligence: AI enhances online security in many ways, including detecting cyber threats, preventing fraud by detecting unusual transactions, and enhancing login security through user authentication. However, hackers are using AI to create more sophisticated cyberattacks and manipulate data. Remain vigilant not only in spotting phishing emails and malware that can bypass traditional defenses, but also in protecting your private information. Understand the risks of using sensitive data with AI tools.

Verify that the website is secure: To steal a user’s credentials, bad actors can concoct fake login pages that look familiar, but aren’t what they appear. Don’t provide personal or financial information through a website until you have checked for indicators that the site is secure. Look for “https” in the website address (the “s” stands for secure) displayed in the search bar of your web browser. A safe website also will display a padlock preceding that address; click on it to verify security details and ensure that the connection is secure.

Pass up a phisher’s bait: “Phishers” try to steal sensitive information by making calls or sending emails and text messages that appear to be official, urging you to take immediate action to update or validate your account details. Be aware of surveys and questionnaires that can trick you into divulging sensitive information.

Never reply to or click on links in emails asking for personal data. Never verify your identifying information to someone unknown who contacts you. If you think there may be a need to provide requested details, contact the organization by telephone; email is not a secure transmission method.

Think before you click: Don’t download a file, scan a QR code, open an email attachment or use an unfamiliar USB drive on your computer unless you are expecting it or know what it contains. It could include a virus that may infect your computer.

Filter out spam: Use spam filters provided by your email service. Delete junk or unsolicited commercial email without opening the message. Never reply to it, even to be removed from a mailing list.

Opt for electronic statements: Thieves can steal paper account statements and bills from your home mailbox. Choosing to have statements delivered via email is not only more secure but also may avoid paper statement fees.

Monitor your online financial accounts: Review recent activity to ensure that there are no fraudulent charges to your bank accounts. If you find something suspicious, report it right away.

Shop or donate cautiously: If you shop online, check out the seller before you buy. Pay via safe online payment services, such as PayPal. Use a credit card rather than a debit card, as the card issuer can intercede on your behalf if there’s an unauthorized charge or a problem with the merchant. Setting up mobile phone payments also can help protect you from fraud. Realize that malicious actors can use fake shipping notifications to get people to click. Be aware of fake video and audio clips that can trick you into sending money. Verify any donation request that seems suspicious.

Research online causes: Crowd-funding sites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe offer creative ways to support new initiatives, donate to worthy causes, and provide financial support to those in need, but proceed with caution. Before you contribute, read the fine print and research the organization or person behind the pitch.

Be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi, keep your devices with you, and lock your screen when you’re away from your machine.

Watch what you share: Bad actors can gather information you share and use it to create targeted attacks, so think before you post. To protect yourself, don’t share your phone number, home address or other sensitive personal details. Use privacy settings that let you control who can see what you post. Resist the urge to post photos that reveal your location and indicate you’re away for a while; wait to do so until you return home. Similarly, be careful about what you say, share and send during virtual meetings.

OPERS’ Retirement Readiness seminars offer tips on making informed decisions

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

July 30, 2026 – Whether you’re eligible to retire or will be within the next five years, the decisions you make now will have a direct impact on your income, health care and long-term financial security.

OPERS offers Retirement Readiness seminars for members within five years of retirement eligibility. These sessions are designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence, giving you the knowledge, tools and guidance to plan for your future.

What You’ll Learn

• When you can retire, and what timing means for your income, including reduced vs. unreduced benefits
• How to estimate your pension to support your family and lifestyle
• How understanding your personal salary replacement will strengthen your retirement
• What to expect with health care coverage and costs in retirement
• How to use the “Readiness Checklist” as a personalized action plan so you know exactly what steps to take, and when

Why attend

Retirement success doesn’t happen by chance – it comes from making informed decisions at the right time. Whether you’re close to retiring or planning ahead, this session will help you build a clear, confident path forward.

Don’t leave one of the most important decisions of your life to guesswork. Register today and start planning your retirement with confidence.

Inflation-based adjustment to be 3.0%, based on government statistics

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

July 23, 2026 – Cost-of-living adjustments for all eligible OPERS members in 2027 will be 3%.

While those with a benefit effective date prior to Jan. 7, 2013, automatically receive a 3% adjustment, those with an effective date after that date have their COLAs based on the Consumer Price Index-W, the government’s inflation index for urban wage earners and clerical workers.

According to state law, the annual COLA for those retirees is to be based on the change in the CPI-W from the end of June 2025 to the end of June this year, with a maximum adjustment of 3%. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the CPI-W increased 3.5% over that period, so OPERS’ CPI-based COLA for 2027 will be 3.0%. For reference, click on “CPI-W, June 2026” on this page of the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and refer to cell AD-7 in the spreadsheet.

OPERS’ inflation-based COLA uses the same index as Social Security. But the time period measured is different, so the adjustments might not always match up.

The adjustment is calculated on recipients’ original monthly benefit and is paid on the anniversary of their benefit effective date.