6 SIGNS OF A PENSION SCAM

What is a pension scam?

Pension scams are on the increase in the UK (The Pensions Regulator (TPR) and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) have jointly reviewed the threat of pension scams June 2022). The tactics used are becoming more sophisticated. Scams usually begin with an unexpected text, call, or email. But increasingly online fraudulent websites and social media are being used to target people. Scammers often claim to represent a financial services firm or Government body and can originate from within the UK or from overseas.

Scams are a threat to your retirement savings. You can lose your entire pension pot which could be difficult or impossible to get back. There are things you can look out for to help you spot a scam, and ways you can protect yourself. Read ‘6 signs of a pension scam’ to help you avoid being scammed.

Thomas Coughlan, Financial Planning

If you suspect that you have been the victim of a scam you should contact us or your existing Pension Provider immediately.

You can also find out more helpful information at:

www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart and in the online leaflet
www.fca.org.uk/publication/fca/pensions-scams-leaflet-print.pdf (PDF, 81KB) as well as
www.moneyhelper.org.uk and searching ‘how to spot pension scams’.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

01 You are contacted out of the blue expandable section

If you receive an unexpected call, text or email from an individual or firm about your pension, this may not be legitimate. Scammers are also targeting victims through social media platforms, using direct messaging or the chat functionality.

You should also be aware of anyone who contacts you unexpectedly to discuss your pension planning or offer a pension review and claims to work for a Government body such as the Money and Pensions Service (MaPs) or Pension Wise from MoneyHelper. It could be part of a scam.

If you think that you’ve been the victim of a scam you should contact us or your existing Pension Provider immediately. The following steps can help you check that a pension opportunity is genuine.
02 You receive an offer that’s too good to be true expandable section

Scammers can be financially knowledgeable with authentic-looking websites, testimonials and marketing materials that are hard to distinguish from the real thing. Scammers try to persuade pension savers to transfer their entire pension savings, or take money out of it, by making attractive promises that they have no intention of keeping.

Scammers may use the terms ‘pension liberation’, ‘free pension review’, ‘limited time offer’, ‘one-off investments’ or discuss ‘loopholes’ that allow you to access funds before you’re 55. They can also promise ‘too good to be true’ returns and opportunities. These types of opportunities are unlikely to be genuine.

If you’ve been promised a high guaranteed return on your pension investment, then we recommend that you receive advice or guidance. The following steps can help you check that a pension opportunity is genuine.
03 Offering access to your pension before the age of 55 expandable section

Scammers will sometimes promise savers early access to their pension pot through loans, loopholes or cashback deals.

An individual or firm offering such a scheme, is likely to be trying to scam you.

Savers could lose all their money and face a high tax bill from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if they withdraw their pension savings before the age of 55 (in 2028, the Government is increasing the age from which pension benefits can normally be taken to age 57).

If you've been offered an early release of cash from your pension pot, then you should check this isn't a scam. The following steps can help you check that a pension opportunity is genuine.
04 You are expected to invest in an unusual asset or pay higher charges or fees expandable section
Scammers often ask pension savers to invest in unusual high-risk investments, which tend to be overseas, unregulated and with no consumer protections. The pension money is often invested in a range of investments like:
- overseas property and hotels
- unusual assets such as cryptocurrency, offshore bonds, crowdfunding and loans
- complicated structures where it isn’t clear where your money will end up
- renewable energy bonds
- forestry
- parking
- storage units.
If there are several parties involved in your pension, they may all be taking a fee, which means the total amount deducted from your pension is significant. You might be persuaded to invest in assets that maybe locked into a fixed investment period or are otherwise difficult to sell when you need access to your money. You need to check your pension savings regularly, otherwise it could be several years before you realise something is wrong.

Many scammers often persuade savers to transfer their money into pension schemes that the scammer controls. Scammers may also pretend to help you and ask you to download software or an app so they can gain access to your device. This could enable them to also access your bank account or make payments using your card.

If you’ve been asked to invest in an unusual asset, this may be a scam. The following steps can help you check that a pension opportunity is genuine.
05 You’re asked to withdraw money first expandable section

You can usually only take money from your pension when you’re 55 or older, except in certain circumstances, like having a terminal illness.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned savers to beware of scammers as thousands withdraw pension savings to cover the cost of living crisis.

If you're required to take money out of your pension to invest in a particular asset you could be being scammed. You will not normally be required to withdraw pension monies to be able to invest them. Instead, your pension savings will be invested directly in the funds or assets you select.

If you do decide to withdraw funds from your pension to invest elsewhere, you should independently verify whether the new investment is legitimate.

If you’ve been asked to withdraw money from your pension, be aware that this may be a scam. Do not proceed with any transaction that you have doubts about.
06 You are told to act quickly for the best deal expandable section

Scammers use high pressure sales tactics such as time limited offers to get the best deal. They can also use couriers to send documents to you, who may even wait with you until they’re signed. Scammers might warn you that your current pension provider or former employer will try and stop you transferring out, suggesting that they just want to keep your money.

This isn’t the case. Your pension provider will have to do some thorough due diligence checks on the scheme you’re planning to transfer to. If they suspect a scam, they have a legal obligation to try to protect your funds.

You should take your time and never be rushed into making a decision. You need to fully understand what you are being asked to do before making such a significant decision. You should also obtain suitable advice and guidance. If you don’t have one, you can find a financial adviser at www.unbiased.co.uk Advisers normally charge for any advice they give. You can also contact Pension Wise from MoneyHelper on 0808 196 2316 for guidance.

HOW TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED

Don’t be rushed or pressured into a decision. Before accessing your pension, we recommend you receive advice or guidance before making a final decision. If you’ve not already spoken to someone, there are options for you.

If you are aged 50 or over, you can arrange a free appointment with Pension Wise. Pension Wise from MoneyHelper is a free and impartial service, which helps you understand your options for using your retirement savings. Provided by MoneyHelper, a government organisation, it offers clear and simple guidance (not advice) online, over the phone or face to face. To find out more or make your own appointment directly with them, visit Pension Wise from MoneyHelper or call 0808 196 2316.

You can also contact your financial adviser if you would rather have advice. If you don’t have one, you can find a financial adviser at www.unbiased.co.uk Advisers normally charge for any advice they give.

Following a few simple steps can help you check that a pension opportunity is genuine. You should not rely on the person contacting you to provide answers to the questions you have; instead you should carry out the following research yourself:

Carry out an internet search on the person, their firm and the pension opportunity they are promoting. If you cannot easily locate details or it/they look dubious, it is potentially a pension scam.
Contact us, your existing pension provider or Government regulated body such as Pension Wise from MoneyHelper for pension guidance in the first instance. Our Retirement Explained site can also help answer any pension questions you may have.
Check you are speaking to a regulated financial adviser, firm or pension provider. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register enables you to do this. You can also call the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768. If you can’t find any details about the people who have contacted you, it’s likely to be a scam.
The FCA website is simple to navigate, this is how you would search for Scottish Widows, for example:

Screenshot of the FCA search form. The text 'Scottish Widows' is in the search field

Screenshot of the FCA search results. 'Scottish Widows Limited' is highlighted.

If a caller claims to work for a company that appears on the FCA Register, carry out an independent search for their phone number and contact them to ask if they employ the individual concerned.
Do not proceed with any transaction you have doubts about. If you suspect that you have been the victim of a scam you should contact us or your existing Pension Provider in the first instance. You should also report scams to Action Fraud online or by phone on 0300 123 2040 (for customers in England, Wales & N Ireland). For customers resident in Scotland call Police Scotland on 101 or Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 398. You can also contact Pension Wise from MoneyHelper on 0808 196 2316 for advice.