Page 4 - November 2019 Newsletter :: Bullimores

Bullimores Newsletter November 2019

Scams - Protect yourself

Scam tactics have varied over the years, but most rely Some obvious pointers, but easily forgotten when dealing
on our inherent desire to trust someone who phones with persuasive callers or urgent email requests:
or emails us. Recent scams have included people
duped by callers supposedly from HMRC or BT and • If in doubt, take the caller’s number and check this to
hacking into the email account of small businesses to an independent source.
send clients seemingly legitimate messages suggesting
that the company’s bank details have changed. Some • Never ever give secure bank account details even if
have reported receiving emails from a name they were the caller offers a refund.
expecting but only on closer inspection, often too late,
their email address differed by something as simple as the • Never let the caller have remote access to your
inversion of two letters. Victims have transferred large computer.
sums, sometimes deposits for homes, to the fraudster’s
account. • Don’t forget to update the operating system on your
phone, tablet or computer as soon as it becomes
available and install anti-virus software.

• When shopping online check that there is a padlock in
the address bar indicating a secure connection.

• If buying online do not pay by bank transfer. Always
use a credit card or a payment option that offers
protection.

• Don’t be scared to double-check, a legitimate trader
will understand and applaud – better to be safe
than sorry.

There are other important protections and the National
Crime Agency advises that individuals and businesses
visit the websites of Cyber Aware, Get Safe Online and the
National Cyber Security Centre.

What hasn’t changed is how these crimes make victims
feel, where the impact felt is far beyond the financial loss.

Pensioner Freedoms

A Royal London Pensions survey found that people with
small pension pots often have other employment related
pensions and are using their pots as an additional banking
facility. The survey showed people with larger portfolios
of at least £250,000 are more cautious with the way in
which they draw, and it seems more likely that they will
be reliant on those funds for income in retirement. The
survey comes to the conclusion that there is little reason
for concern since pension freedoms are not being used
irresponsibly.

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