Protecting your wealth in a world of evolving scams and fraud

Fraud isn’t what it used to be. It’s slicker, smarter, and looks to target those who have the most to lose.

Forget the clumsy phishing emails and obvious scams. Today’s fraudsters are playing a long game, deliberately targeting high-net-worth individuals and families with convincing tactics.

If you’ve built something worth protecting, your wealth, your legacy, your family’s future, then you need to safeguard it thoughtfully.

Our Private Wealth Team shares expert insights and practical steps to help you stay ahead of the threat, tighten your defences, and protect what matters most.

1.  Keep Your Will Updated and Valid

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. 

  ✔ Ensure it reflects your current wishes. 

  ✔ Store it securely yet accessibly. 

  ✔ Have it professionally drafted. 

Wills that are poorly written or outdated can lead to significant issues after someone has died, often resulting in disputes, delays, and unexpected outcomes.

2.  Plan for the Unexpected with Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) 

If you were suddenly unable to manage your affairs, who would step in? 

LPAs allow you to designate trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if needed.

  ✔ One for Health and Welfare. 

  ✔ One for Property and Financial Affairs. 

Without LPAs, families may face lengthy court delays and uncertainty over who is in charge. With them, you maintain control, even if you cannot speak for yourself.

3.  Be Thoughtful About Lifetime Gifts

Gifting during your lifetime can be a useful approach to reduce inheritance tax, but it must be done wisely. 

 ✔ Only give what you can afford to lose. 

 ✔ Ensure gifts are genuine and complete. 

  ✔ Never rely on someone else to “look after you later”. 

Poorly planned gifts can be lost to divorce, creditors, or mismanagement, and may not even be effective for tax purposes.

4.  Watch for “Planning” That’s Anything But 

Unfortunately, we’ve seen clients caught off guard by estate planning structures that seemed clever but were flawed. 

❌ Be cautious of promises of tax-free transfers or non-existent loopholes. 

❌ Beware of schemes involving your home or restrictive trusts. 

❌ Avoid companies that fold before any corrections can be made. 

Good planning doesn’t arise from internet ads or cold calls. If something sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

5.  Consider Trusts or Family Investment Companies 

Trusts and Family Investment Companies can help protect your assets in the long term. 

 ✔ They provide structure and control. 

 ✔ They offer protection from creditors and divorce claims. 

 ✔ They help preserve wealth across generations. 

Trusts are particularly useful when children or vulnerable family members are involved, as they can prevent poor decision-making and financial exploitation.

6.  Monitor, Protect, and Insure

 ✔ Secure your personal information. 

 ✔ Monitor your accounts for unusual activity. 

 ✔ Work with regulated and insured professionals. 

Having the right people with the right protections around your finances creates a stronger safety net for your future.

7.  Choose Advisers You Can Trust

Only work with fully regulated lawyers, accountants, and financial advisers. 

 ✔ They should clearly explain their services. 

 ✔ There should be complete transparency regarding costs and risks. 

Investments in areas such as cryptocurrency, overseas property, or alternative assets may carry additional risks, not just to your finances but also for your executors and attorneys if you are not around to clarify them.

8.  Don’t Be Afraid to Get a Second Opinion

✔ Regularly review your structures and arrangements. 

✔ Ask independent professionals to assess for weaknesses. 

 ✔ Stay informed and involved. 

Fresh eyes can identify risks, inefficiencies, or even opportunities you may have missed.

9.  Never Be Rushed

If you feel pressured to sign something or move money quickly, that’s a red flag. Take the time to seek advice. Remember, genuine professionals welcome questions.

Your Wealth Deserves Protection That’s as Sophisticated as Today’s Threats

Our Private Wealth team works with individuals and families to build smart, future-proof structures that not only safeguard wealth but stand up to scrutiny, now, and for generations to come. If you’re reviewing your affairs or feeling unsure about a potential risk, we’re here to guide you with clarity, confidence, and care. Because when it comes to protecting what matters most, trusted advice makes all the difference.