You’ve just received a call saying they need to “verify” a retirement check from Empower. Your heart drops. I get it — checks, retirement money, and phone calls are an anxious mix. But hanging up in a panic is usually the worst move. Take a breath. This guide walks you through how to tell real from fake, which Empower numbers to use, a simple script to verify the call safely, and what to do if something smells fishy. 🕵️♀️
Calls that claim to be “verification of a check” are a favorite trick for scammers. They create urgency and use official-sounding language to get you to share personal information or to move money. Don’t let them. I’ll show you a straightforward, step-by-step approach you can use the next time someone calls about a retirement check.
Why this matters (and how scammers use “verification”)
Scammers mimic banks, employers, and retirement providers. They often say they need to confirm a check or distribution before it’s deposited or mailed. The goal is to get you to confirm account numbers, full Social Security numbers, one-time codes, or to instruct you to transfer or re-route funds. Real providers want to protect your account — scammers want access to it. The difference is in the process and in what they ask for.
Quick checklist: What to do during a suspicious verification call
- Pause. Do not give out full account passwords, full Social Security numbers, or one-time security codes.
- Ask for the caller’s name, department, and employee ID. Then say you’ll call back on the official number you have in your account or statement.
- Do not use any phone number or link the caller gives you. Call Empower using the official number on your account, plan documents, or the phone numbers below.
- Log into your Empower account or app to confirm any pending distribution or check issuance. Use in-app secure messaging or the official support phone line — not the number the caller gave you.
Official Empower phone numbers you can use to verify (bookmark these)
Below is a compact reference. Use these lines when you want to call Empower back yourself. If your plan has its own contact number (on your plan statement), use that instead — plan documents are the single most reliable source for plan-specific questions.
| Number | When to use |
|---|---|
| (888) 943-8967 | General customer support for personal accounts and quick questions. |
| (855) 756-4738 | Participant workplace retirement inquiries (plans like 401(k) and 403(b)). |
| (866) 442-3888 | Beneficiary and claim assistance (if a loved one passed and checks/claims are involved). |
Tip: If your plan sponsor or employer gave you a different plan phone number on your statement, use that plan-specific number. It overrides general numbers for plan-specific questions.
A simple script to verify the call safely (say this out loud or read it)
“Thanks. I don’t give personal info over the phone. Please tell me the caller’s name and employee ID. I’ll hang up and call Empower at the number on my account to confirm. Please hold.” Then hang up. Call Empower yourself using one of the official numbers above or the number in your plan documents. This puts you back in control.
What a legitimate verification call will and will not ask for
Legit companies may ask for limited information to confirm identity — for example, the last four digits of your Social Security number, the date of birth, or a distribution request number. They will not ask for your full account password, your full Social Security number, or to move money immediately to a different account because someone “verified” it over the phone. If someone asks you to withdraw funds, transfer to a new account, or purchase gift cards or crypto — that is always a red flag.
If the check or call seems fraudulent — immediate next steps
- Hang up and call Empower using an official number or use secure in-app messaging.
- Contact your bank and tell them you suspect a fraudulent check or attempted fraud. Ask whether the check has cleared; request a stop payment if appropriate.
- Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission and to local law enforcement if money was lost.
What to have ready when you call Empower back
When you call the official number, have these items handy: your account or plan number, the check number (if you have it), the exact amount, the date on the check, the caller’s phone number and name (from the suspicious call), and any emails or screenshots. This helps customer service verify quickly and give clear next steps.
Physical check checks — how to inspect a paper check
If you received a paper check, inspect it like a pro. Check that the payee name is correct, verify the amount, look for security features such as microprint or watermark, and compare the check’s routing and account numbers to previous legitimate checks from the same issuer (if you have them). If anything looks smudged, different, or off-center — question it and verify before depositing.
Common scam scripts and what they mean
Scammers often use the same tactics: urgency, threats, or a reward. A caller might say “we need to verify the check before it’s deposited” or “your check was flagged for fraud — confirm now.” These lines pressure you to act fast. Real verification is slower, requires secure channels, and lets you call back on a known number. If they demand immediate action, it’s almost always a scam.
Real example — a small win
Someone I helped got a call saying their distribution check needed “final verification.” They followed the script above, hung up, and called Empower on the official number. Empower confirmed no check was pending and that the caller had been a scammer. The person avoided a six-thousand-dollar loss. Little actions like this save serious money.
When to worry about data exposure — and what to do if you already shared info
If you accidentally gave out a one-time code, change your Empower and email passwords immediately. If you gave full Social Security details or bank login info, contact your bank, place fraud alerts, consider a credit freeze, and report identity theft. Quick action reduces damage.
How Empower’s mobile verification tools help
The Empower app and Personal Dashboard offer secure verification tools like mobile app verification and push notifications. Use those features when they’re available — they’re safer than returning an unknown call. If you can’t access the app, call the official support lines listed earlier.
Reporting suspected fraud
Report the suspicious call to Empower’s support team and to the major consumer protection authorities. Reporting helps stop scammers and may help you recover funds. If money was lost, file reports with your bank, your local police, and the national consumer protection agency.
Short glossary — clear explanations
One-time code: a short numeric code sent to your phone or email to confirm a login. Treat it like a password — don’t share it with callers.
Plan number: a unique number for your retirement plan provided by your employer. It’s on your statement and helps representatives find your account quickly.
In-app secure message: A message sent inside the provider’s official app or dashboard. It’s more secure than email because it stays within the provider’s system.
Checklist summary — do this every time
Pause. Ask for ID. Say you’ll call back. Hang up. Call an official Empower number or use the app. Confirm whether a check or distribution exists. If it’s a scam, report it and contact your bank. Repeat as needed until you feel safe.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a caller really works for Empower
Ask for the caller’s full name, department, and employee ID. Tell them you’ll hang up and call Empower at the official number from your account or statement. Real employees will expect that. If they pressure you to stay on the line or to give sensitive info, that’s a red flag.
What phone number should I call to verify a check
Call the official Empower number listed on your account statement or the numbers in this article. Do not call any number the suspicious caller gives you. Use the plan-specific number on your statement if you have one.
Will Empower ever ask for my full password over the phone
No. Legitimate providers will not ask for full account passwords or full Social Security numbers over the phone. They may ask for limited pieces of information to verify identity, like the last four digits of your Social Security number.
What should I do if I already shared my one-time verification code with a caller
Change your account password immediately, remove any device sessions you don’t recognize, and contact Empower support. Also check your bank accounts for unauthorized transactions and alert your bank.
Can I verify a check in the Empower app
Yes. The Empower Personal Dashboard and app offer secure verification and messages. If you see a pending distribution or a check issued in the app, that’s strong confirmation. Use in-app messaging to confirm details when possible.
Is it safe to deposit a paper check from Empower at my bank branch
Usually yes, if the check looks legitimate and you’ve verified its origin. If you have doubts, call Empower first or ask the bank to hold verification before clearing the funds.
What if the check has already been cashed or deposited by someone else
If a check has been cashed fraudulently, contact your bank immediately and report the fraud. Also notify Empower so they can investigate and freeze any compromised access.
Should I trust caller ID that shows Empower on the screen
No. Caller ID can be spoofed. Always verify by hanging up and calling the official number you have on file.
What information should I have ready when I call Empower back
Have your account or plan number, the check number and amount (if you have it), the date of the call, and the caller’s name and number. These details speed up the verification process.
Will Empower ever ask me to transfer funds to a new bank account to “secure” a check
No. That’s a scam tactic. Never move funds to an account at a caller’s request without confirming through official channels and documentation.
How long does it take for a retirement check to be issued and mailed
Timing varies by plan and distribution type. Use your account dashboard or contact Empower via the official number to get an expected timeline for issuance and mail delivery.
What if the caller knew personal details about me
Scammers can get bits of personal data from breaches or public records. That doesn’t make the call legitimate. Verify through the official channels before trusting anything they say.
Are email and text verification messages from Empower safe to use
Only if they come through your registered account contact methods and not from unknown links. When in doubt, don’t click links in unexpected messages — log into your account directly and check secure messages.
How do I report a scam that pretends to be Empower
Report to Empower’s official support, your bank, and the national consumer protection agency. Also file a police report if money was lost. Reporting helps authorities trace and stop these scammers.
Can I request a reissued check if a check was lost or intercepted
Yes. Contact Empower through an official channel and request instructions. They will verify your identity and explain next steps, which may include stop payments and reissue procedures.
Will Empower call me to verify routine checks often
No. Routine distributions normally follow a documented process via your account. Unexpected verification requests by phone should be handled cautiously and confirmed through official channels.
If I’m worried about identity theft, what immediate steps should I take
Contact your bank, change passwords, add fraud alerts or freezes to your credit file, and report the incident to consumer protection authorities. The faster you act, the better the outcome.
Can scammers get me to reverse a legitimate check deposit
They try. If someone pressures you to reverse a deposit or to send money back, confirm with your bank and with Empower before doing anything. Fraudsters exploit confusion and pressure.
What does “mobile app verification” mean and why use it
Mobile app verification uses your registered device to confirm sign-ins or transactions. It’s a secure method because it ties confirmation to something you physically control — your phone — rather than a voice call from an unknown number.
Is voicemail or email a safe way to verify a check
Secure in-app messages are safer than voicemail and email. If you receive a voicemail that seems suspicious, confirm details through the app or official phone numbers before acting.
Who do I contact if the suspicious caller threatened me
Contact local law enforcement immediately and report the threat. Also inform your bank and the retirement provider via official channels. Threats escalate the need for rapid action.
Are there common times scammers call about checks
Scammers target people year-round, but they often concentrate around tax season, stimulus or rebate periods, and known distribution times. Always treat unexpected calls with caution.
What if my employer’s plan sponsor calls and asks me to verify a check
Use the plan-specific phone number on your plan documents or statement to call back. Employer plan contacts are often different from general support, so verify using the plan’s published contact info.
How long should Empower hold a disputed check while they investigate
Investigation timelines vary. Empower will typically advise you on the expected timeline and interim protections. Ask them for an estimate when you report the issue.
Can I block numbers that call me repeatedly pretending to be Empower
Yes. Blocking helps, but sophisticated scammers change numbers. Reporting the calls to your phone carrier and to consumer protection agencies helps reduce repeat targeting for others as well.
Final thoughts — stay calm and verify
Scammers try to make you act fast. Slow down. Use the tools you control: your app, your plan statement, and official phone numbers. Treat one-time codes and passwords like cash. If in doubt, hang up and call back using the number on your account. Simple habits like these keep your retirement funds safe — and they’re easier than you think.