Fraud losses from coronavirus scams hit £5m mark

11,000 scams

Hope William-Smith
clock • 2 min read

A total of £5.1m worth of losses to fraud have been reported across the UK since February, according to ActionFraud.

More than 11,000 coronavirus-themed scams have been brought to ActionFraud since the start of the lockdown, the Press Association reported, with the most common identified as including a pension-related scam. This is commonly in the form of fraudsters convincing victims to transfer their pension pots or release funds. The sharp increase in scam activity comes despite continued warnings throught April and May from The Pensions Regulator (TPR) about heightened fraud risk. TPR chief executive Charles Counsell said: "These figures once again show the true devastation of scams; anyone c...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser

  • 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 Your profession

Labour govt would not improve UK economy, industry says

Labour govt would not improve UK economy, industry says

The latest PA Asks results show a lack of belief in a Labour government

Isabel Baxter
clock 29 November 2023 • 2 min read
Savings boost of 15% needed for young people to retire early

Savings boost of 15% needed for young people to retire early

L&G highlights ‘power’ of compound growth when pension saving

Holly Roach
clock 29 November 2023 • 1 min read
Majority of advisers believe clients mostly value 'peace of mind'

Majority of advisers believe clients mostly value 'peace of mind'

Whereas clients place more emphasis on positive investment performance

Isabel Baxter
clock 29 November 2023 • 1 min read