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Over 5 million people across the UK could be at risk of falling for at least one of six common tactics used by pension scammers.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR) are joining forces again this summer to warn the public about fraudsters targeting people’s retirement savings.
This warning comes as new research suggests that 42 per cent of pension savers, which would equate over 5 million people across the UK, could be at risk of falling for at least one of six common tactics used by pension scammers.
"We know we can beat these callous crooks, because getting the message out there does work. Last year’s pension scams awareness campaign prevented hundreds of people from losing as much as £34 million, and I’m backing this year’s effort to be bigger and better as we build a generation of savvy savers," said Guy Opperman, minister for pensions and financial inclusion.
According to the FCA, the likelihood of being drawn into one or more scams increased to 60 per cent among those who said they were actively looking for ways to boost their retirement income.
Pension cold calls, free pension reviews, claims of guaranteed high returns, exotic investments, time-limited offers and early access to cash before the age of 55 could all tempt savers into risking their retirement income.
The research also found that those who consider themselves smart or financially savvy are just as likely to be persuaded by these tactics as anyone else.
"It doesn’t matter the size of your pension pot – scammers are after your savings. Get to know the warning signs, and before making any decision about your pension, be ScamSmart and check you are dealing with an FCA authorised firm," said Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight.
Pension savers were tempted by offers of high returns in investments such as overseas property, renewable energy bonds, forestry, storage units or biofuels. However, exotic or unusual investments are high-risk and unlikely to be suitable for pension savings. Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of the 45-65-year-olds questioned said they would be likely to pursue these exotic opportunities if offered them.
Helping savers to access their pensions early also proved to be a persuasive scam tactic. One in six (17 per cent) 45-54-year-old pension savers said they would be interested in an offer from a company that claimed it could help them get early access to their pension. However, the FCA warned, accessing your pension before 55 is likely to result in a large tax bill for the saver.
23 per cent of all those surveyed said they’d talk with a cold caller that wanted to discuss their pension plans, despite the government’s ban on pension cold-calls this January. Nearly a quarter said they would ask for website details, request further information or find out what they’re offering, even if the call came out of the blue.
Victims of pension fraud reported in 2018 that they had lost an average of £82,000. Last year’s FCA's and TPR's ScamSmart campaign resulted in more than 370 people being warned about unauthorised firms.
FCA's four simple steps to protect yourself from pension scams: