# Robert's Pension Digest - Edition 3

Robert Wakefield   15th January, 2026

**Robert's Pension Digest - Edition 3**

**Keeping Track of your Overseas Scheme Members**

Pension schemes must maintain accurate member addresses and confirm pensioners’ existence to prevent overpayments. While this is straightforward in the UK, overseas members present unique challenges.

**Why is it harder overseas?**

- Data access restrictions: Different countries have varying data protection laws, limiting access to national databases. For example, UK schemes can check death registers, but similar checks aren’t always possible abroad.
- Limited local data: Overseas residence databases are also often inaccessible.
- Innovative solutions: Social media, forensic tracing methods, and genealogical tracing methods now make locating overseas members more feasible.
- Digital verification: Many firms now offer secure online tools and apps for existence checks via smartphones.

**Beware of Scammers**

Online verification typically involves uploading an official ID and a selfie for comparison. Scammers are finding ways to exploit these systems, so technology now includes biometrics, liveness detection, and even 3D facial mapping to stay ahead.

**Why does all this matter?**

Beyond routine checks, these tools are vital for projects like de-risking exercises and preparing accurate data for pensions dashboards.

**What about traditional methods?**

Paper-based verification has drawbacks:

- Risk of interception and fraud
- Cost of professional certification
- Unreliable overseas postal services

**The good news**

Modern solutions make staying connected with overseas members easier and more secure than ever.

For any questions or to discuss further please reach out to [justin.mcguirk@thetracinggroup.co.uk](mailto:justin.mcguirk@thetracinggroup.co.uk)

**Robert**