In an increasingly digital world, we all need to know how to look after our data online. As recent cyber security incidents at Capita and other large organisations show, cyber crime is on the rise, so it’s important to be vigilant.
WHAT YOU CAN DO.
Whenever you’re using online services, there are some things you can do to keep your data safe:
- Use strong passwords with numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and symbols.
- Have different passwords for different accounts – so if one is compromised cyber criminals can’t use that data to access anything else.
- Check that emails and links match those you’ve previously used or separately verify them using another source (e.g., by searching for a company’s website on Google).
Legitimate emails from the Scheme or its administrators will come from @capita.co.uk, @capita.com, @marksandspencer.com, @marks-and-spencer.com, @mands.com or @email.mandspensionscheme.com. We’ll never ask you for your password or other login details for the member Portal via email, or over the phone, and if you do want to call, the number is 0333 003 7080 – and you can check any details on this website.
We’ve also added additional security to the member Portal, to make it easier for you to log in, whilst keeping your details safe. Find out more in our article.
LOOK OUT FOR PENSION SCAMS.
As well as more general cyber crime, some criminals will specifically try to target your pension savings. It’s important that you understand the rules around your pension and what tactics scammers might use.
The most common scams will:
- Try to convince you that you can get more money by investing your pension somewhere else – anything offering guaranteed returns, or that sounds too good to be true, is likely to be a scam.
- Offer you a loophole or another scheme to access your pension before age 55 if you’re not already retired (see our article on the minimum pension age for more information).
- Pressure you into making a decision, rather than give you time to seek professional advice from a regulated adviser.
Remember, it’s illegal to make cold calls about financial services, including pensions, so if anyone contacts you out of the blue, it’s likely to be a scam.
If you’re unsure about any offer you’ve received, investigate it fully and take professional advice. You can check if an adviser is regulated on the FCA website, and find out more about how to avoid scams on its dedicated page – Protect yourself from scams.
You can find more information on the Pension scams page.