A man has praised his financial adviser after quick thinking saved him from losing his entire retirement fund to a sophisticated scam.

Keith, a long-standing client of Lyndhurst Financial Management, contacted his adviser with an urgent request to withdraw his entire pension. But the adviser's instincts suggested something wasn't right – and that intervention may have stopped him from losing everything.

Keith revealed he had borrowed money from his bank to invest in what he believed was a legitimate Bitcoin trading opportunity. As the adviser dug deeper, it became clear that he had been caught up in a scam.

Instead of processing the withdrawal, the adviser urged him to report the case to Action Fraud, contact his banks, and link up with a specialist victim support group.

Although he had already lost around £80,000, the swift action prevented much greater losses – and with the bank's support, some of the money has since been recovered.

Keith said: "I was embarrassed and confused, but my adviser didn't judge me. They listened, asked the right questions, and ultimately protected me from making a terrible mistake. I'm so grateful they were there."

The case highlights the growing threat of financial fraud and the importance of having trusted, professional support. According to Lyndhurst, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, catching out even the most careful individuals.

Jo Haigh, Chartered Financial Planner, Lyndhurst Financial Management, said: "This shows why financial advice is about more than managing investments. We build close relationships with our clients, so we can step in when something doesn't feel right. That personal connection can make all the difference."

Residents in Hitchin and across North Herts are being urged to remain vigilant. If you're ever unsure about a financial opportunity or request, experts advise speaking to a trusted professional before taking action.