NEED TO KNOW How to avoid pension scams

BE SUSPICIOUS

Criminals will usually contact you out of the blue by phone, email or text or even advertise online. They might be introduced to you by a friend or family member who is also unknowingly being scammed.

BEWARE HIGH RETURNS

These fraudsters will often promise high returns and low risk, which might seem appealing in the current climate. But in reality, pension savers who are scammed are usually left with nothing, warns the Pensions Regulator.

WATCH OUT FOR WARNING SIGNS

Pension scams can be hard to spot, as scammers can be convincing and financially knowledgeable, with credible-looking websites, testimonials and materials that are hard to distinguish from the real thing. However, some warning signs include being offered a ‘free pension review’ and if they use high-pressure sales tactics. For more info visit fca.org.uk/scamsmart/how-avoidpension-scams.