How to stay safe online and keep your pension secure

Pension Awareness Week is a timely reminder that while it’s important to plan for your future, it’s equally important to protect it.

Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it more important than ever to stay vigilant. Fraudsters now using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to gain personal information or persuade people to make decisions about their pension.

The good news is that many scams share common warning signs. By knowing what to look out for and understanding how LPPA will communicate with you, you can help protect yourself and your pension savings from fraud.

Common pension scam tactics

Scammers often use similar approaches, including:

Unexpected phone calls, emails or text messages.
Offers of free pension reviews.
Promises of unusually high or guaranteed returns.
Pressure to make quick decisions.
Claims that a special opportunity is only available for a limited time.

If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Warning signs to watch out for

Be cautious if you are:

Contacted unexpectedly about your pension.
Asked to act urgently.
Pressured into transferring pension benefits.
Promised access to pension savings before normal retirement age.

Asked to share sensitive personal information without being confident who you’re speaking to.

What LPPA will ask for

To help protect members, LPPA may need to verify your identity when discussing your pension or making changes to your account.

This is a normal part of keeping your information secure.

What LPPA will never ask for

LPPA will never pressure you into making pension decisions.

Be cautious of anyone who:
Encourages immediate transfers.
Promises guaranteed investment returns.
Requests sensitive information unexpectedly.
Pressures you to act without taking time to consider your options.

If you’re unsure, stop and verify who you’re dealing with before taking any action.

What to do if you’re concerned

If something doesn’t feel right:

Pause and do not rush into a decision.
Verify the source of communication.
Avoid sharing personal information until you are confident it is genuine.
Contact LPPA directly using official contact details if you have concerns.

A short delay to carry out checks could help protect your pension savings.

Protecting your future

Your pension is one of your most valuable assets and protecting it should be just as important as growing it.

While scammers are constantly adapting their tactics, taking a few simple precautions can make a huge difference.

If you’re ever unsure about communications relating to your pension, contact LPPA directly before taking any action.