The Pensions Regulator is warning employers not to fall for a scam involving the sale of fake certificates which suggest the holders do not have any workplace pension duties.
The scammers persuade employers to pay £58 for the documents, claiming that the paperwork means the holders do not have any workplace pension duties, such as auto enrolment. However, the documents are worthless as no such documents are produced or accepted by The Pensions Regulator as evidence of automatic enrolment exemption. There is no evidence that employers are buying the fake documents with the intention of committing any offences. However, employers who have failed to comply with their duties because they believe the documents give them an exemption leave themselves open to being fined.
Any employer who is offered to buy a certificate of exemption or any similar sounding document is being urged to decline and contact The Pensions Regulator immediately.
