The Financial Conduct Authority has warned clients of Hartley Pensions that they could be targeted by potential scammers.
In an update published today (January 17), the FCA said it was aware that some people had received emails from ‘admin@hartleypensionsuk.com’ and calls from the number ‘0207 971 1496’.
The regulator said: “These messages and calls appear to claim that they are on behalf of Hartley.
“Any correspondence from this email address or phone number is not authorised by Hartley or the administrators and may be a scam.
“If you receive communications from this email address or phone number, the administrators advise that you do not engage with it, and report it via hartleypensions@uhy-uk.com or 0800 063 9113 (UK callers), +44 20 3282 8151 (international callers).”
In March the Financial Conduct Authority told Sipp provider Hartley it could no longer accept new clients and a restriction was placed on new business.
Then in August, Hartley entered administration.
Towards the end of last year, Hartley director Tony Flanagan accused the FCA of "aggressively" pursuing a policy that would harm members' pensions.
The regulator, alongside the administrators, then hit out at the director, accusing him of sharing "factual inaccuracies" with clients.
Last week (January 12), Hartley Pensions’ administrators said they would form “an informal committee” of interested parties to assist them in weighing up client interests with regards to the 'exit and administration charge'.
It said they will invite regulatory bodies, independent financial advisers and a selection of clients to join the committee.
amy.austin@ft.com
