Pensions - Articles - Pension Scam red flags at highest level recorded

 November saw a new high in the Red Flag Index, with 64% of transfers showing at least one warning sign of a potential scam. Transfer activity remained steady and transfer values finished the month largely unchanged, although this masks some volatility throughout November.

 This month also saw a further ruling in the Lloyds Bank GMP equalisation case. The high court has determined that pension schemes now need to revisit up to 30 years’ worth of past transfers and pay top-ups where necessary.

 Mark Barlow, Partner, XPS Pensions Group commented: “November was a turbulent month with England’s second national lockdown and the US election and Brexit remaining in the headlines. As a result, it is no surprise that transfer values were volatile.”

 “It is concerning that we continue to see such high volumes of cases raising red flags of pension scams. The recent Lloyds Bank case will result in pension schemes making one off payments to many former members, presenting a further opportunity for scammers. It is vital that trustees and sponsors do all they can to protect their members, including signing up for the Pensions Regulator’s pledge to combat pension scams.”