When Michael and Brenda Pickup received a knock on their door and an offer of free insulation under the Government’s Green Deal, they thought it was a safe way to save money. But, six years on, the pensioners face a bill of nearly £20,000 to correct the damage caused by rogue traders cashing in on … Read more
Bodgers beware: That DIY disaster could cost you £2,000 – and lower the value of your home The annual cost of DIY disasters is £7billion, according to research by Aviva Nearly a third of households ended up paying for a professional after a DIY fail One in ten has run up a bill of more … Read more
It was inevitable that sooner rather than later Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak would put the nation on red alert that taxes will have to rise to pay for the £190billion of support the Government has given the economy to steer it through lockdown and beyond. The alert came just a few days ago, … Read more
Now they’re trying to make us all get smart water meters…and, guess what, it’ll lead to higher bills By Toby Walne, Financial Mail on Sunday Published: 21:57 BST, 11 July 2020 | Updated: 22:40 BST, 11 July 2020 Water companies are forcing ‘smart’ water meters on to customers in a move critics fear will trigger … Read more
Many households have bolstered their financial defences with the purchase of protection insurance during coronavirus – with sales up by a quarter By Jeff Prestridge, Financial Mail on Sunday Published: 21:57 BST, 11 July 2020 | Updated: 22:40 BST, 11 July 2020 The coronavirus pandemic has caused many households to bolster their financial defences with … Read more
Banks have quietly launched a vital security crackdown to prevent fraudsters intercepting payments. Online bank transfer payments will now be blocked if the recipient’s name and account number do not match. A box will pop up asking you to check the payee’s details for errors – and alerting you to potential fraud. This will happen … Read more
With fitness centres initially offering only limited facilities as coronavirus lockdown lifts, is now the time to cancel your gym membership? By Toby Walne, Financial Mail on Sunday Published: 21:53 BST, 27 June 2020 | Updated: 21:53 BST, 27 June 2020 Gyms are expected to start reopening from the middle of next month – potentially … Read more
From game consoles to bikes: Does your insurance cover treats bought in lockdown? Sales of high-value items such as smart TVs and game consoles have jumped Also purchases of home gym equipment and bikes But experts are urging consumers to make sure any new items are covered By Rachel Wait For The Mail On Sunday … Read more
Rave five-star reviews that influence the online shopping habits of millions of consumers are scams in half of all cases, warn industry experts. The rip-off ruse involves fraudsters posting fake ‘top buy’ reviews on the internet to trick people into buying often sub-standard goods and services – sometimes even potentially dangerous counterfeits. While major online … Read more
Football’s back on television after coronavirus lockdown – here’s how to watch it for free By Toby Walne, Financial Mail on Sunday Published: 21:55 BST, 13 June 2020 | Updated: 21:55 BST, 13 June 2020 Sports fans are being targeted with a range of new TV package ‘special offers’ to coincide with the restart of … Read more