It’s taken the Government a while to get around to it but finally on the 9th January 2019 it became illegal for anyone to contact you and offer advice about your pension plans, unless they already have permission to do so. Either you must have requested the contact or already have an existing relationship with that caller or organisation. The now outlawed activity is known as ‘Cold Calling’.
Before this ban came into force it could be very difficult to work out whether the caller was someone intent on de-frauding you of your hard earned pension savings, or whether they were genuinely offering help. Callers were skilled at offering eye-catching investment returns and’ special opportunities’ requiring you to take action before certain deadlines. They relied on the fact that Pension Legislation is complex, and many people are understandably unsure of what can and can’t be done with pension savings. In reality it often proved that the caller was the only person to benefit and your pension fund could disappear without trace!
Now that you know for sure that anyone operating in this way is doing so illegally, you are encouraged to report them to the Information Commissioner’s Office by calling 0303 123 1113.
You can only legally be contacted by someone who is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or is the trustee or administrator of a pension scheme of which you are a member. Even so, that person or organisation still needs your permission to make contact, or you must already have a relationship with them which requires on-going contact.
If you have been contacted about your pension and are unsure about the person or organisation who has been in touch or nature of advice received, we can help you establish if that contact and/or advice is legal and within Pension Legislation, enabling you to proceed with greater peace of mind if everything appears in order. If you have not been contacted about your pensions and would like some help understanding your existing arrangements and legal options, or indeed require a full review of your retirement plans, we can also provide a wide range of services to suit your individual needs. An initial assessment is confidential and without cost or obligation and you can be confident you are dealing with a company authorised by the FCA to provide truly Independent Financial Advice. If you are a client of Hunter Gee Holroyd Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers – do ask your regular contact about HGH Wealth Management Ltd and the additional services we provide.
Visit www.hghwealth.co.uk or contact us: enquiries@hghwealth.co.uk or call 01904 655202.
HGH Wealth Management is an appointed representative of InvestAcc Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company No. 3203520. Registered office: Club Chambers, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DN.
