The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has urged the pensions industry to report scams and suspicions of scams to Action Fraud, after an EastEnders storyline highlighted the devastating impact of pension scams, in a fresh warning for savers to stay vigilant.

Popular character Jean Slater, 61, was persuaded to transfer her pension into a high-return investment after participating in a free pension review, although it later transpired that Jean had been scammed, and now faced the heartbreaking consequences of her financial loss.

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) and other organisations worked with EastEnders to ensure their viewers were given a powerful insight into fraudsters' strategies to exploit the vulnerable.

TPR, alongside Stop Scams UK and independent adviser Nick Stapleton, provided behind-the-scenes guidance to the show's scriptwriters and researchers. They also shared insights into the latest scammers' tactics and the far-reaching financial and emotional toll on victims.

TPR executive director of regulatory compliance, Gaucho Rasmussen, said: "We commend the BBC for tackling such an important and complex issue in this storyline. By bringing Jean's experience to prime-time television, millions of viewers will become more aware of pension scams, potentially empowering them to recognise and resist similar fraudster approaches.

"Sadly, our work continues to uncover the real-life damage caused by pension scams. But while the threat of scams and fraud is ever-evolving, so is our response."

TPR also issued a call to action for the industry, as Gaucho added: "To provide the valuable intelligence we and our Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG) partners need in the fight against fraudsters, we urge the pensions industry to report scams and suspicions of scams to Action Fraud.

"It is our hope that viewers of the EastEnders’ storyline will be prompted to report any suspicious activity to Action Fraud too. Every report counts, helping to enhance our national intelligence picture.”

Last month, TPR also launched a video campaign featuring critical care nurse Pauline Padden, one of 245 victims in a £13.5 million TPR prosecution case.

And as recently as today, The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) ordered two former trustees to repay £5.2m into pension schemes, after an investigation by its Pensions Dishonesty Unit (PDU) revealed that scheme funds were invested in breach of trustee investment duties.

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