During the Work and Pensions Committee hearing on 8 July 2020, Anthony Arter, the Pensions Ombudsman, predicted that, alongside an increase in ill-health claims arising from COVID-19, the number of complaints to public Ombudsman services concerning pension scams will "undoubtedly" increase as fraudsters target those struggling financially.

Arter further warned that, as employers continue to cope with the financial impact of the pandemic, some may fail to pay contributions into pension schemes, or encourage members to opt out of their auto-enrolment schemes.

Source: Pensions Ombudsman says number of complaints will "undoubtedly" increase due to Covid-19, pensionsage.com, 8 July 2020.