Pension scam 'red flags' dip after 2020 record high - XPS

Scam warnings

clock • 2 min read

Two-thirds (60%) of defined benefit (DB) pension transfers triggered a 'red flag' warning for potential fraud or scams last month but the figure was down from December's record-high, data from XPS Pensions showed.

The consultant's Transfer Watch revealed red flags for pension scams were at 60% in January this year, a fall from the record high 76% the month prior. However, this number remains high in light of the hike in scam concerns across the pensions industry. By comparison, in February 2020 the pension scam red flag index sat at 34%. XPS' Transfer Watch - which monitors how market developments have affected transfer values for a typical pension scheme member - also revealed transfer values remained stable for the start of the year. The transfer value index showed a slight, but steady, fa...

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 Pensions

Salary sacrifice change to 'hit' more than three million workers

Salary sacrifice change to 'hit' more than three million workers

Government releases impact assessment

Jen Frost
clock 05 December 2025 • 3 min read
Andrew Tully: Plummeting pensions confidence is 'siren call' for wide-reaching action

Andrew Tully: Plummeting pensions confidence is 'siren call' for wide-reaching action

'We're seeing a deep erosion of trust in the retirement system'

Andrew Tully
clock 05 December 2025 • 3 min read
When is a SIPP not a SIPP? Time for a terminology rethink

When is a SIPP not a SIPP? Time for a terminology rethink

'I would suggest that it’s time to review the use of the term SIPP,'

Caitlin Southall
clock 01 December 2025 • 4 min read