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

Ros Altmann urges govt to 'press pause' on 'rushed' salary sacrifice cap

Ros Altmann urges govt to 'press pause' on 'rushed' salary sacrifice cap

Peer says legislation ‘not clearly thought through’

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 03 March 2026 • 4 min read
Alltrust launches sophisticated investor SIPP

Alltrust launches sophisticated investor SIPP

For advisers and ‘advanced’ clients

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 March 2026 • 2 min read
FCA non-advised pension transfer plans branded 'anti-consumer'

FCA non-advised pension transfer plans branded 'anti-consumer'

AJ Bell blasts FCA’s plans as ‘worst kind of regulatory intervention’

Jenna Brown
clock 23 February 2026 • 3 min read