How to check if messages are from us and stay safe from scams

In our emails and letters: 

• we will address you by your name and never use ‘Dear member’  
• we will include your PPF or FAS reference number  
• we won’t ever ask for your password 
• we may include QR codes in printed newsletters to help you to reach useful information on our website on your phone. We won’t include QR codes that ask you to log in to the PPF or FAS member websites. 

What signs of a scam should I look out for? 

• spelling mistakes or other things that don’t look right, including strange or messy design
• letters, emails, phone calls or text messages that don’t greet you by name or use a known reference number and you’re not expecting the contact
• a sense of urgency and being pressured into acting quickly, including making financial decisions 
• cold calling about pensions is illegal and likely a sign of a scam 

How can I protect myself from scams?  

• double check that the email address or web page is spelt correctly – sometimes scammers may change only one or two characters
• report suspicious messages, emails or letters to the organisation by using a phone number from their official website - don't call the number provided 
• don’t reply to an email, click on links or attachments if the email doesn’t look right  
• check links look correct before clicking them and if you’re in any doubt contact the organisation to check 
• don't give out any information until you’re sure that the person you're speaking to is who they say they are. If you’re unsure, hang up and call back using a phone number from their official website  
• check your passwords often and change them if you think someone else may know them 
• use strong passwords and different passwords for different sites and apps  
• use a password manager to help remember your passwords. Never give out your passwords 
• turn on Multifactor Authentication, also known as MFA. This means you take an extra step when you log in to online accounts or apps. For example, you may need to enter a code sent by text or email  
• make sure your devices are up to date with the latest security updates and install anti-malware and anti-virus software 
• always download apps from official app stores and keep them updated 

Why has Target Professional Services contacted me? 

You may receive a letter from a company called Target Professional Services asking you to confirm your address. Target is the company we use to help us keep up to date with our members.  

It’s important that we have your up-to-date address so we can continue your payments if you’re retired. If you’re not retired yet, we use it to write to you nearer your retirement date. 
 
If you’ve been contacted by Target Professional Services and have any questions or concerns, you can contact them on +44 (0) 1243 601333 or email them at [email protected]. 

What is the PPF Trustmark?  

The PPF Trustmark is a badge used by other firms that we work with, called our ‘panel firms’. These firms support our work and schemes we’re assessing. It recognises these firms’ expertise and high standards of service. You may see it in emails, letters and on websites, including member portals. 

You can check if an organisation using our Trustmark is one of our panel firms on our panel firm page.  

If you see the PPF Trustmark used by anyone other than our panel firms, please let us know.  

Where can I get more information about scams? 

Learning about common scams can help keep you safe. You can get more information on the Age UK website, the MoneyHelper website, and the Financial Conduct Authority's ScamSmart hub. 

If you’ve been a victim of fraud, you should report it to Report Fraud.