Cyber-attacks and scams are still on the rise, and we want to help you stay protected against them.
We’ve included some tips that could help keep your money and information safe. But the real question is who should you trust?
Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated, repeatedly using well‑known and recognised companies’ names, letter headed paper and websites which appear to be convincing to make you think that what you’re seeing or hearing is the real deal.
When you receive a communication about your pension, should you trust it?
Be wary when you’re contacted out of the blue
Beware of those who contact you unexpectedly, especially if they’re promising financial gains or asking for personal information.
Did you know? It’s illegal for companies to call you with pension offers out of the blue so these kinds of calls will never come from authorised companies or individuals.
Verify the source
Before engaging with any financial services or products, verify the company is legitimate.
Did you know? You can check that a financial services company is legitimate by checking the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA’s register of authorised firms) at fca.org.uk/register
Protect your personal information
Keep your information safe and improve your online security by using strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a trusted password manager to help keep track of your passwords and usernames – don’t write them down where they’re easy to find.
Did you know? Legitimate organisations should never request sensitive data (like passwords) through email.
Recognise the warning signs
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be particularly cautious of deals that promise unusually high returns on investments, or ways to get rich quick.
Did you know? Scammers often employ high-pressure tactics, urging you to act quickly or confidentially. Take your time to evaluate any financial decisions.
Report suspicious activity
If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
