Scams And Rip Offs Archive

Published in December 2008

The Most Consistent Savings Accounts
by Szu Ping Chan | Want to find a savings account that will remain competitive over the long term? Here are the accounts that have provided the most consistent returns over the past three years.
Ten Ways To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of ID Fraud
by Rachel Wait | Identity fraud is a growing problem in the UK, and all of us are in danger of becoming the next target. Here's how to prevent it from happening to you..

Published in November 2008

Ten Trader Scams - Banned!
by Rachel Wait | New regulations now protect you, the consumer, from unfair, misleading or aggressive selling. Here's the lowdown on what you need to know....
Another 21 Trader Scams - Banned!
by Rachel Wait | Get the lowdown on more dodgy practices traders use to try and swindle you out of your money.
Don't Be Dazzled By These Property Tricks
by Rachel Wait | Faced with challenging market conditions, housebuilders are offering ever more tempting incentives on new homes in a bid to attract buyers. Is it all too good to be true?

Published in October 2008

Four Cures For Rip-off Britain
by Cliff D'Arcy | With the government keen to keep the electorate happy, these four clean-ups would be a good start...
Ditch These Rip-Offs And Save Money
by Emma Lunn | The credit crunch means that many people could be tempted to ditch some insurance policies to save money. So which insurance policies do you really need and which could you live without?
It's 2-2 In The Bank Charges Case
by Neil Faulkner | The banks have pulled level in the bank charges fight, but there's at least one more round to go. Read all about where the contenders stand...
Let's Get More Data On Financial Complaints
by Harvey Jones | The Financial Ombudsman Service wants to publish data on the number of complaints made about different financial services companies. This is an excellent idea.

Published in September 2008

Avoid Rip-Off Redundancy Insurance
by Jane Baker | Worried about losing your job? Why redundancy insurance isn't the answer.
Don't Waste Your Money On This!
by Emma Lunn | Why you shouldn't use a claim firm to recover unfair bank charges or mis-sold PPI.
How To Get Money Back When Firms Fail
by Cliff D'Arcy | Sadly, the UK's third-largest tour operator, XL Leisure, went into administration on Friday, leaving 290,000 holidaymakers in the lurch.
Credit Crunch To Blame For Insurance Fraud And Traffic Jams
by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner explains how you can legitimately lower your insurance costs without bending your ethics.

Published in August 2008

Avoid These Budget Airline Rip-Offs!
by Szu Ping Chan | Budget airlines may have rock-bottom fares, but if you're not careful, you could get charged an extra £32 just for checking in a bag at the airport. Here's a guide on how to avoid these, plus other tips on budget travel.
Know Your Rights!
by Szu Ping Chan | Don't get ripped off! This financial safety net could save you when all else fails...
The five worst credit rip-offs... ever!
by Cliff D'Arcy | Thank to the credit crunch, borrowing has become more expensive. So, be sure to steer clear of these swindles.

Published in July 2008

Fight Back Against Unfair Fines!
by Cliff D'Arcy | Nobody likes a tyrant, so here are five ways to get your own back on bullying banks.

Published in June 2008

The Worst Property Rip-Offs Ever!
by Donna Ferguson | Have you ever got rip-off road rage? Here's a list of the worst property rip-offs ever -- and how to avoid them!
Avoid These Airport Rip-Offs!
by Serena Cowdy | If you're flying off on holiday this summer -- don't get caught out at the airport! Serena Cowdy highlights the scams and swindles you need to avoid.
Avoid These Airport Rip-Offs!
by Serena Cowdy | If you're flying off on holiday this summer -- don't get caught out at the airport! Serena Cowdy highlights the scams and swindles you need to avoid.
The Great Booking Fee Rip-Off!
by Szu Ping Chan | Booking fees for tickets: yet another scandalous rip-off we can't avoid... or can we?
The Great Booking Fee Rip-Off!
by Szu Ping Chan | Booking fees for tickets: yet another scandalous rip-off we can't avoid... or can we?
The Death Of Rip-off Insurance?
by Cliff D'Arcy | The Competition Commission has released its findings into the sale of loan insurance. This is bad for banks but brilliant for borrowers!

Published in May 2008

Get £500 For Pain Caused By Your Bank
by Neil Faulkner | If you feel you've been treated unfairly by your bank, lender, pension provider or other financial company, there's a simple but effective way to get your money back, plus up to £500 in compensation.
Customers Claw Back £30m From Banks!
by Laura Starkey | Thanks to the new Faster Payments Service, the interest banks made on uncleared funds will now wing its way to your bank account.
31 Types Of Scam To End This Month!
by Neil Faulkner | New consumer regulations provide much better protection for all of us against door-step selling, aggressive practices, prize-draw scams and many more dodgy practices!
Rejected For Credit? Change Their Minds!
by Neil Faulkner | It's worth writing to your lender if you're rejected for a credit card or loan, as several in The Fool's community have found to their delight!

Published in April 2008

Fight Back Against Spam
by Szu Ping Chan | May 1st sees the 30th anniversary of the first spam email. But who exactly sends all those life enhancing, fat reducing emails anyway? And how can you prevent too many from reaching your inbox?
CliCK HeRe To WiN £1,000,000!
by Szu Ping Chan | May 1st sees the 30th anniversary of the first spam email. But who exactly sends all those life enhancing, fat reducing emails anyway? And how can you prevent too many from reaching your inbox?
Don't Fall For These Car Insurance Tricks!
by Serena Cowdy | Serena Cowdy examines some of the potential pitfalls of car insurance -- and how you can avoid them.
The Utilities Tariff That Tricks You
by Laura Starkey | If you're moving house this year, beware the deemed tariff! Laura Starkey shows you how to avoid the energy providers' sneakiest trick.
Identity Fraud: Who Is Most At Risk
by Szu Ping Chan | Who are the most typical victims of identity fraud? According to one fraud prevention service, it may not be who you think.

Published in March 2008

New Banking Code Fails Consumers
by Neil Faulkner | The banks' foremost propaganda piece 'The Banking Code' continues to be a non-event, particularly when it comes to its stated goal of 'treating customers fairly'.
The Collapse Of Consumer Confidence
by Serena Cowdy | Is the economy really going down the tubes? And if so, what can we all do to save ourselves?

Published in February 2008

Beware This Pesky Practice
by Serena Cowdy | 'Can I interest you in a credit card? Or a mortgage? Or perhaps a high-interest loan?' Serena Cowdy outlines one sales technique that really gets under her skin.
One Letter Could Win You Thousands
by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're a victim of one of these five financial scandals, then one letter of complaint could win you a hefty amount of compensation.

Published in January 2008

The Greatest Rip-Off Rolls On!
by Cliff D'Arcy | As the City watchdog fines a lender £1 million for mis-selling loan insurance, we recommend tougher penalties.
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