Overview
This SMS Privacy Policy explains how Commonwealth of Massachusetts ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your mobile phone number and related information when you opt in to receive text messages (SMS/MMS) from us. This policy supplements our general Privacy Policy and applies specifically to our text messaging program.
By opting in to receive SMS messages from Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, you agree to the terms outlined below.
Information We Collect
When you sign up for our SMS program, we collect:
- Your mobile phone number
- The date, time, and method of your opt-in (e.g., retirement application form, SMS optin form, keyword text)
- Message engagement data (delivery status, opt-out requests, HELP requests)
- Any information you voluntarily provide in your text messages to us
How We Use Your Information
We use the information collected through our SMS program to:
- Send you appointment reminders
- Respond to your inquiries (e.g., HELP requests)
- Process opt-out requests (e.g., STOP requests)
- Improve our messaging program and customer experience
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise share your mobile phone number or SMS opt-in data with third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes.
We may share your information with:
- Service providers who help us operate our SMS program (e.g., SMS platform/aggregator providers, customer service tools), solely to deliver the service
- Parties as required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request
- A successor entity in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (subject to this policy continuing to apply)
This restriction applies specifically to text messaging originator opt-in data and consent — this information will not be shared with any third party for purposes unrelated to providing you with the services you've signed up for.
Message Frequency and Costs
Message frequency is up to 4 messages per month for a scheduled appointment. Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan. Contact your carrier for details about your text and data plan.
Opting Out
You may opt out of receiving SMS messages from us at any time by replying STOP to any message you receive from us. After you opt out, we will send you a one-time confirmation text, and you will no longer receive messages from us unless you opt back in.
For help, reply "HELP" to any message, or contact us at:
Email: PER-ProsperHelp@mass.gov
Phone: 617-591-8983
Data Retention
We retain your mobile phone number and related opt-in/opt-out records for as long as necessary to operate our SMS program and comply with legal, regulatory, and carrier requirements, even after you opt out, in order to honor your opt-out preference and prevent inadvertent re-enrollment.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Children's Privacy
Our SMS program is not directed at individuals under the age of 18 (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect information from minors through our SMS program.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this SMS Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued participation in our SMS program after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of those changes.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this SMS Privacy Policy or our SMS program, please contact us:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission
10 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Medford, MA 02155
Email: PER-ProsperHelp@mass.gov
Phone: 617-591-8983
Website: mass.gov/perac
| Date published: | August 17, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last updated: | August 17, 2026 |