shopping-banking

Voucher / gift card scams

A voucher or gift card scam takes place when unsuspecting victims are approached by fraudsters and persuaded to pay bills, fees or debts using iTunes gift cards or other vouchers....

Loyalty Card Fraud

Loyalty schemes operated by retail, hospitality, entertainment, travel and dedicated card businesses have become very popular to the extent that they represent a billion-pound industry. Schemes vary in how they operate: some...

Subscription Traps

Subscription traps take place when you sign up online or on the phone for free or low-cost trials of products, only to find that you have been unwittingly locked into costly repeat payments. Typically, these products are slimming...

Mobile Banking

Mobile banking – using banking apps or mobile websites on smartphones and tablets – is growing rapidly in popularity as people realise the benefits of the convenience of checking accounts, transferring money and making...

Contactless Payments

Contactless technology is becoming increasingly commonplace as a means of making payments or sending information. The process – enabled by a technology known as Near Field Communication (NFC) – works by means of a wireless...

Telephone Banking Fraud

Telephone banking fraud is a scam which is becoming increasingly commonplace. The fraudsters do not actually scam their victims online, but use the telephone to do so. Here’s how it works: ...

Copycat Websites

Copycat websites are those which offer services from government departments or local government, but are not the official site and charge an often substantial premium for those services, often with no tangible benefit to the...

Donating to Charity Online

The work carried out by charities and voluntary organisations is invaluable to society, helping people in the greatest need both at home and abroad. Charities rely on donations from the general public and businesses to carry out...

Price Comparison Websites

Price comparison or ‘aggregator’ sites have grown enormously in popularity in recent years. In general, they represent a major step forward – enabling you to secure better value when buying insurance, financial services,...