New statistics indicate that the highest percentage of scam attempts on investments and pensions were experienced in the East of England during the last year.
The figures, published by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in its recent Financial Lives Survey, gives an overview of the financial circumstances of individuals across the UK, providing an insight into the areas which could be more vulnerable.
According to the report, the last 12 months have seen almost a quarter of adults (23%) experience an unsolicited approach relating to investments or pensions which could have been a scam.
At 20%, rural areas were less likely to be targeted by the possible scams, compared to more urban locations at 24%.
The proportion of adults affected in areas such as Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire were all above the UK’s average of 23%, at respective figures of 31% and 29% each for the latter two places.
At the other end of the spectrum, areas which saw the proportion of adults who experienced an unsolicited approach fall below the UK average included Eastern Scotland at 16% and South Yorkshire at 14%.
Commenting on the figures was FCA Chief Executive, Andrew Bailey. He said:
‘This survey shows just how different the experience of financial services is for consumers across the country. That’s important for us, as we shape financial services policy. But it is also important for firms, as they decide how best to serve their customers.’
