Market updates, Covid-19 response and Scam awareness
We understand that you’re facing many challenges right now, including how best to support your clients, keeping them vigilant and aware of the latest scams, and also changes to the way you work. Below you’ll find guidance and information to help you navigate the uncertainties.
Scammers are taking advantage of the Covid-19 situation
Some individuals have been targeted by an investment scam referencing M&G and Prudential brands and offering attractive returns and above market realities on money invested in fixed rate or fixed return products - specifically Fixed Rate Savers and Fixed Rate Deposit Bond. But there may also be others in use.
Please remind your clients to remain especially vigilant and remind them to look out for:
- Calls, texts, or emails from businesses and individuals offering great deals - such as free pension review, investment opportunities with ‘guaranteed returns’
- High pressure sales tactics from businesses or individual pushing a deal or to sign anything
- 'Good cause’ scams where scammers want people to invest in items such as face masks and hand sanitiser and promise lucrative returns
- Any requests for upfront fees.
Scammers are very sophisticated - even the most well-informed people are at risk. The FCA ScamSmart website offers lots of useful information and support for your clients, on how to avoid investment and pension scams.
And we’ve put together this Covid-19 Scam Alert email template to help you reach out to clients about this and more information on how to protect themselves from investment scams, is on pru.co.uk.
A message from M&G plc Chief Executive John Foley
‘In these very difficult times, our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of colleagues and to continue to serve you and your clients to the best of our abilities.’
Built to navigate uncertainty
Our PruFund range of funds are designed to navigate choppy markets, geo-political uncertainty and imitation – and still manage to deliver over the long term.