Consumers must beware DB transfer cold-callers - FOS

‘Vast majority of advisers are professional’

Tom Ellis
clock • 1 min read

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has added its voice to those warning consumers off picking up unsolicited contact with cold-callers following the introduction of the pension freedoms.

The ombudsman said it was seeing evidence "unscrupulous firms" were taking advantage of consumers who wanted to transfer out of their defined benefit (DB) schemes to make the most of the flexibility of pension freedoms rules. It is unlikely regulated financial advisers and reputable companies will cold-call people about pensions, said the FOS, before explaining it often hears from people who thought they were dealing with a well-established firm, only to discover their life savings had been stolen. Pensions cold-calling ban a 'meaningless tweak' - campaign group The ombudsman added...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

The Mills Review: AI innovation must be matched by AI governance

The Mills Review: AI innovation must be matched by AI governance

As AI becomes embedded in FS governance can no longer be treated as an afterthought

Chris Davies
clock 13 July 2026 • 4 min read
FCA moves to remove 'co-manufacturing' label in latest consultation

FCA moves to remove 'co-manufacturing' label in latest consultation

‘Firms would be either a principal or secondary manufacturer’

Jenna Brown
clock 29 June 2026 • 4 min read
Is FCA expert evidence truly independent?

Is FCA expert evidence truly independent?

Upper Tribunal judgment thinks not

Gareth Fatchett
clock 25 June 2026 • 5 min read