2 October 2025
The Pensions Regulator has issued an industry alert about the rise in impersonation fraud, where scammers pretend to be scheme members in order to gain access to their retirement savings.
They can do this by hacking into emails to get enough information to impersonate you, and then arrange for bank account details to be changed or for fake pension accounts to be set up in your name, to which funds can be transferred.
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from impersonation fraud:
- Use two-factor verification – it’s set up automatically on PlanViewer, but make sure you check any other pension portals you use.
- Review your passwords – use strong, separate passwords for each site.
- Don’t click on links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details. Remember, the scammer may already know some personal information about you, which can make their request look very convincing.
- Scammers can learn a lot from a person’s social media posts, so think about what you’re posting and review your privacy options.
- Review your bank statements regularly and tell your bank if you see anything unusual.
There’s more information about fraud on the Stop! Think Fraud website.