Clients experiencing fraud can become vulnerable 'in an instant'

It can be ‘hard’ for firms to convince customers they are being scammed

Jen Frost
clock • 3 min read

Advisers must work to protect already vulnerable clients from scams, while acknowledging that a fraud event can make any customer vulnerable “in an instant”, attendees at a conference heard.

Speaking on a panel last Thursday (21 October), Rathbones Group chief risk officer Sarah Owen-Jones shared that the business has seen recent instances of "criminal conduct" against its clients. "In these situations, we have to act very quickly, but quite often… it's [through] somebody the client trusts, that has got the knowledge of the client, to be able to ask one extra question that flushes out that a fraud is underway." Owen-Jones highlighted two sides to the coin when it comes to fraud and vulnerability. Clients who are already vulnerable can be particularly at risk of falling vi...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

The five-minute complaint and the five-day investigation

The five-minute complaint and the five-day investigation

GSI Group CEO on complaints, AI and the latest set of FOS reforms

Mark Buck
clock 12 August 2026 • 5 min read
Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin
clock 12 August 2026 • 4 min read
New Talent Alliance launches financial advice careers guide

New Talent Alliance launches financial advice careers guide

Designed to attract new entrants into the profession

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 August 2026 • 2 min read