Pension Fraud Defence Lawyers

If you or your organisation have been accused of pension fraud, seeking legal advice from a team of specialist solicitors is essential. Punishments and fines for this kind of crime are severe and being accused can permanently damage the reputation of the organisation or the individual involved. The right pension fraud solicitor can help you to mount a strong defence and avoid the most serious consequences.

The expert team at JMW has extensive knowledge of this area of the law and a proven track record of success in defending individuals accused of committing pension fraud and related offences. Our specialist pension fraud solicitors understand the legal obligations that businesses must meet and the evidence you can rely on to strongly defend charges of this nature.
Being accused of a serious business crime can be stressful, confusing and costly, but JMW can help you remove that burden and concentrate on running your business. Speak to us today by calling 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.

How JMW Can Help

JMW offers a range of legal services that are relevant to cases involving pension fraud, and represents clients who have been accused of conducting pension fraud in any of the following ways:

• Diverting employee payments into another account
• Stealing cash from pension funds
• Setting up fake employees and obtaining fraudulent payments
• Mis-selling personal pensions

The consequences for making fraudulent pension payments or related fraud offences can be severe, and it is vital to work with an experienced fraud lawyer to build a strong defence. JMW will put together a bespoke defence team for you, who will be able to help you to:

• Defend your prosecution
• Prepare your case for trial
• Secure bail
• Prepare for police interviews
• Deal with search warrants

In complex cases involving financial fraud, we often call on contacts including forensic accountants, computer experts and financial industry experts. This comprehensive approach to gathering evidence and building an effective defence strategy rooted in our team's multidisciplinary expertise means that we can secure the best possible outcome for you.

Meet Our Pension Fraud Defence Solicitors

How Does Pension Fraud Work?

Pension fraud involves dishonest activity relating to a person's pension fund, and usually means individuals or organisations attempting to deceive pension companies, holders or schemes for financial gain. There are several offences that may be prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006, the Pensions Act 1995, the Pensions Act 2004 or the Pension Schemes Act 2021. These include:

• Pension liberation fraud, which is a scam aimed at people under the age of 55. It involves persuading them to transfer their pension savings with promises of early access. This can result in heavy tax charges and loss of funds for the pension holders in question.
• Investment fraud, through convincing pension holders to transfer funds into high-risk or fictitious schemes, often overseas.
• Employer or trustee fraud, where those responsible for managing pension contributions misappropriate or misuse funds.
• Scams targeting pension freedoms, where fraudsters offer products or advice designed to exploit pensioners cashing out lump sums. This was made possible under 2015 reforms that made pension providers allow more flexible access.

These types of fraud work either by inducing pension holders to move money into fraudulent arrangements, or by abusing positions of responsibility in managing pension schemes. However, there is always a risk that investments will not work out, and it is frustrating to face accusations of pension fraud under these circumstances.

What Are the Main Pension Fraud Offences?

The main offences that may be charged in relation to pension fraud include:

• Fraud by false representation, where a fraudster misrepresents the nature of a pension investment or falsely claims authorisation.
• Fraud by failing to disclose information may be charged if the defendant failed to reveal risks or tax liabilities in a pension transfer.
• Fraud by abuse of position may be used where a pension trustee or adviser abuses their role to siphon off funds.
• Conspiracy to defraud, if multiple actors were involved in running a fraudulent pension scheme.

There are also pension-specific criminal offences under the Pension Schemes Act 2021, which target those who intentionally or recklessly place pension savings at risk, including directors, employers and scheme managers.

If you are facing any charges of this nature, it is vital to seek legal advice at your earliest opportunity. JMW's expert pension fund fraud defence solicitors can build compelling evidence into the strongest possible defence, and provide advice and legal services to defend your position and your reputation.

Why Choose JMW?

Building a defence against pension fraud allegations can be complex, and requires a team of fraud lawyers who can examine the prosecution's evidence, identify mitigating circumstances and develop an effective legal strategy. JMW's pension fraud solicitors have a wealth of experience in all types of fraud cases and can represent clients from their first police station interview to any appeals that are necessary.

This area of the law is particularly complex and requires due diligence and deep understanding of the Fraud Act 2006, as well as all related legislation, to ensure a successful defence. Our solicitors are armed with this knowledge, and combine it with decades of experience representing clients accused of pension fraud. This makes us extremely well equipped to help you if you have been accused of this serious offence.

Our business crime team has a reputation for being one of the best in the North West and is available to represent organisations and individuals across the UK. As a full-service law firm with offices throughout the country, we have the resources to scale our services to even the most complex and serious criminal investigations.