National Savings & Investments has warned about a series of bogus websites pretending to be NS&I and targeting pensioners with claims to offer pensioner bonds.
According to Kelvin Hall, spokesman for the government-backed savings provider NS&I, had been put on alert that these alleged fraudsters were contacting members of the public, cold-calling them and offering them the chance to invest in the 65+ Guaranteed Growth Bonds.
Only the real NS&I can offer these bonds.
Victims then received a follow-up email or phone call from the alleged fraudsters requesting evidence of identity documents and bank account details either over the phone or by sending the victims fake forms to fill out.
A common name that appears on the emails sent by the suspected fraudsters is reported to be Kevin Archer, but when the phone number on one of the emails was called, nobody answered.
In a statement, NS&I said: “We advise customers to remain vigilant, and if they are concerned then they should call us.”
A spokesman for the FCA said the regulator could not comment on whether it was investigating cases or not.
Adviser view
David Stealey, a financial planner with Vale of Glamorgan-based Romilly Financial, said: “The non-regulated underworld is voraciously looking for angles on how to transact with clients who don’t quite understand – and the need for regulated financial advice has never been greater.”
