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29/10/2026
Author: Editorial
<div>Scammers take advantage of busy periods, using sophisticated tactics to target people. As Black Friday and Christmas approach, stay alert to scams and fraud.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>It was reported that £17.7 million was lost to pension fraud in 2025, with an average of £47,000 per victim, according to <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/media/tfwhiccf/fighting-pension-fraud-reference-slides-march-2025.pdf">Action Fraud</a>, now Report Fraud.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Being scammed doesn’t just affect finances. Victims often describe feelings of guilt and shame, along with a loss of confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h5>How to help protect your pension&nbsp;</h5><div>Protecting your pension savings is our priority. Railpen, the Scheme’s administrator, has strong safeguards in place to protect your personal information and pension savings. However, you also have a vital part to play in keeping your pension safe.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><h5>Stay alert to scams and fraud&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Only use the official websites: The official websites for the railway pension schemes and Railpen are:&nbsp;<ul><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.railwayspensions.co.uk/home">railwayspensions.co.uk&nbsp;</a></li><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.btppensions.co.uk/">btppensions.co.uk&nbsp;</a></li><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.railpen.com/">www.railpen.com&nbsp;</a></li></ul></li><li>Genuine emails from the Scheme or Railpen will come from @railpen.com.&nbsp;</li><li>Double check the spelling of emails, websites and links: Scammers might try to use links with slight spelling mistakes to send you a page designed to look exactly like official websites.&nbsp;</li><li>Cold calls about pensions are illegal. Be wary of free pension review offers and promises of high or guaranteed returns, too.&nbsp;</li><li>Don’t rush: Scammers often create a sense of urgency and might claim to offer ‘free’ or ‘limited’ deals.&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Learn more about pension and other scams&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Learn how to spot the warning signs and explore <a href="https://www.railwayspensions.co.uk/pension-essentials/pension-scams" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">10 ways to help protect your pension</a>.</li><li>You can also learn about scams on the following pages and websites:&nbsp;<ul><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/scams/how-to-spot-a-pension-scam">MoneyHelper&nbsp;</a></li><li><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart">Financial Conduct Authority&nbsp;<div></div></a></li></ul></li><li>For advice on staying secure online at home, visit the <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home">National Cyber Security Centre's website</a>.</li></ul><h5>If you’ve been targeted by scammers&nbsp;</h5><div>Check the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Services Register at <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://register.fca.org.uk/s/">register.fca.org.uk</a>. Check whether the firm is authorised to offer the advice or services. Compare its contact details with those on the register.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>If you think you’ve been targeted by fraud, report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call 101. You can also visit <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="http://www.reportfraud.police.uk/contact-us/">www.reportfraud.police.uk/contact-us/</a>.&nbsp;</div>
Blog

Keep your pension safe this festive season

As Black Friday and Christmas approach, stay alert to scams and fraud.
Scammers take advantage of busy periods, using sophisticated tactics to target people. As Black Friday and Christmas approach, stay alert to scams and fraud. 

It was reported that £17.7 million was lost to pension fraud in 2025, with an average of £47,000 per victim, according to Action Fraud, now Report Fraud. 

Being scammed doesn’t just affect finances. Victims often describe feelings of guilt and shame, along with a loss of confidence.  

How to help protect your pension 
Protecting your pension savings is our priority. Railpen, the Scheme’s administrator, has strong safeguards in place to protect your personal information and pension savings. However, you also have a vital part to play in keeping your pension safe. 

Stay alert to scams and fraud 
  • Only use the official websites: The official websites for the railway pension schemes and Railpen are: 
  • Genuine emails from the Scheme or Railpen will come from @railpen.com. 
  • Double check the spelling of emails, websites and links: Scammers might try to use links with slight spelling mistakes to send you a page designed to look exactly like official websites. 
  • Cold calls about pensions are illegal. Be wary of free pension review offers and promises of high or guaranteed returns, too. 
  • Don’t rush: Scammers often create a sense of urgency and might claim to offer ‘free’ or ‘limited’ deals. 
Learn more about pension and other scams 
If you’ve been targeted by scammers 
Check the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk. Check whether the firm is authorised to offer the advice or services. Compare its contact details with those on the register. 

If you think you’ve been targeted by fraud, report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call 101. You can also visit www.reportfraud.police.uk/contact-us/. 

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