Protecting yourself against fraud
Stay Alert Against Fraud During the Tax Year-End
As we approach the tax year-end, it’s a busy time for many of us, with additional financial activities and deadlines. Unfortunately, this also presents an opportunity for fraudsters looking to exploit the increased financial traffic and urgency to deceive individuals and businesses.
To help protect you, below are some key points to keep in mind.
1. Be cautious of Unexpected Communications
Fraudsters often impersonate legitimate institutions, such as tax authorities, banks, and wealth management firms, particularly during peak financial periods. Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, or texts that claim to be urgent. If you’re unsure, don’t click on links or provide any information until you’ve confirmed the sender’s identity by contacting them through official channels.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Be mindful of what personal details you share over the phone, email, or online. Fraudsters often pose as financial advisers or tax professionals to extract sensitive information. Our team will never ask for passwords, PINs, or full account details over email or phone.
3. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Check your accounts frequently for any unusual activity. Reporting suspicious transactions as soon as possible can reduce potential losses and allow us to act swiftly on your behalf.
4. Secure Your Devices and Networks
Ensure your devices and networks are secure with the latest updates and antivirus software. Using multi-factor authentication for all financial accounts adds an extra layer of security.
5. Be Cautious with Tax-Related Offers
During tax season, you may see an increase in offers for quick refunds or tax-saving schemes. Many of these can be fraudulent. Avoid unsolicited offers and always verify the credentials of any individual or organisation offering tax-related services.
Protecting yourself against fraud
Fraud awareness
We have several websites, and will also contact you via email from time to time. When receiving these emails or accessing our website, it is important to know that these are genuine.
Fraud Prevention
Fraudsters are constantly developing their tactics and looking for new ways to steal your money through social engineering tactics. Resist the urge to act immediately no matter how dramatic the claim or urgent the situation. It is important to recognise a scam and understand how you can help protect yourself.
Fraud alerts
Unfortunately scams and attempted frauds through social media, phone calls and emails claiming to be from a Schroders Personal Wealth representative do sometimes occur. You may be contacted by people claiming to be from Schroders Personal Wealth who will try to persuade you to invest with them.
Recognising the red flags of alternative investment scams
With the surge of interest in alternative investments comes a concerning increase in scams. It’s important to educate yourself on the potential pitfalls and red flags when considering alternative investments.
5 tips to stay secure online
People are increasingly falling victim to online identity fraud but there are steps you can take to help safeguard your personal data.
Contact us
Get in touch with us right away if you are suspicious of any communication you may have received or if you suspect that you may have been a victim of fraud using the Schroders Personal Wealth brand.
You can contact our Financial Crime Prevention team via:
Telephone: 0800 640 4161
Email: fraudandfinancialcrime@spw.com
If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, we advise you to report it immediately to your bank who may be able to assist you in stopping or recovering funds. You can report fraud and cyber crime if you live in the UK to Action Fraud.
When you contact Schroders Personal Wealth, we will investigate your suspicions and where possible take necessary steps to prevent others falling victim to the same scam.
Please note that any information sent via email is not secure and could be read by others.