Scams And Rip Offs archive

Scams And Rip Offs Archive

Published in December 2010

The worst new scams of 2010

by John Fitzsimons | The last 12 months have seen a number of new scams spring up. Here are five of the worst.

Most annoying customer service excuses and requests

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell takes a look at the worst things people in customer service say to make our blood boil!

Watch out for this Xmas shopping rip-off!

by Emma Lunn | Whatever you buy this Christmas, don't buy this!

Snowed in? Know your rights!

by Alison Hunt | With a vast number of schools and nurseries closed due to the adverse weather conditions, what does this mean for working parents?

This list will destroy your happiness

by John Fitzsimons | A sucker list for boiler room fraud containing 50,000 names has been found. So what is boiler room fraud, and how do you protect yourself?

10,000 Twitter passwords hacked into

by Jane Baker | Watch out if you use the same password for Twitter and other sites!

The eight biggest Christmas cons

by Cliff D'Arcy | As Xmas approaches and consumer spending becomes a whirlwind, we reveal the eight biggest ways to get taken for a ride -- but not in Santa's sleigh...

4 major rip-offs you can fight back against

by Rosalind Kent | It's easy to fight back against these four rip-offs - just follow these steps!

Published in November 2010

You're making it easy for fraudsters!

by John Fitzsimons | By being sloppy with our PIN, many of us are making life far too easy for the scammers!

Scammers exploiting protection meant for you!

by John Fitzsimons | It's meant as vital consumer protection, but fraudsters are using Section 75 to make big bucks!

Wise up women or get scammed silly online!

by Robert Powell | The type of person most likely to get scammed online has been revealed. Do you fit the description?

Wronged by a rip-off trader

by Rosalind Kent | Been ripped off by a tradesman and don't know how to fight back? Rosalind Kent has all the answers.

by Robert Powell | It's not just phone operators who are profiting from the public's love of iPhones, BlackBerrys and Android handsets. A new breed of digital spies has emerged, who may be ripping you off right now.

Win in the small claims court!

by Rosalind Kent | Rosalind Kent shows you how to be successful in the small claims court.

Watch out for the rollover rip-off

by Rachel Wait | If you're signed up to a contract with a utility or telecoms provider, watch out for this big rip-off...

Published in October 2010

Nasty small-print surprises

by Neil Faulkner | This product is guaranteed, it's gold, it's platinum, it sounds wonderful! Pity it's just a name.

5,000 Brits caught out by clever new scam

by Donna Ferguson | Find out how to protect yourself before it's too late.

Six swindles to avoid

by lovemoney.com staff | Watch out for these six swindles!

How to spot a scam

by Donna Ferguson | Almost one in ten adults have been the victim of a scam. Are you about to fall victim to life-destroying form of fraud?

Eight ways to spot a phishing scam

by Rachel Wait | Phishing fraud is on the up. Find out how to avoid becoming a victim...

Uncovered: The biggest frauds in history

by Mark Adams | As French rogue trader Jerome Kerviel heads to jail following his role in the near-collapse of banking giant Societe Generale, we uncover the tricks and losses behind the biggest frauds in history

How to fight the big boys and win!

by Serena Cowdy | We show you how to complain in a way that gets results.

5 disgusting scams we hate!

by Jane Baker | Scammers won't think twice about preying on vulnerable people. Here's how we can all fight back.

Seven sneaky identity theft tricks

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Wait reveals some of the sneaky tactics used by fraudsters to steal your identity...

Watch out for these social networking scams

by Rebecca Atkinson | Rebecca Atkinson explains how to stay safe online.

Published in September 2010

Fight back against rip-off Britain

by Rachel Wait | The UK and Ireland are the worst places to live in Europe. Find out how you can fight back...

Avoid this costly holiday scam

by Jane Baker | Bogus holiday rental scams are escalating fast. Find out how you can book your accommodation safely online.

New computer scam that preys on your fears

by Rachel Wait | The over 50s are being targeted with a new computer virus scam to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash....

More rip-offs, scams and swindles

by lovemoney.com staff | As lovemoney.com readers seem to lap up our warnings about everyday rip-offs, we've come up with seven more swindles to shun.

How to find a trustworthy solicitor

by Emma Roberts | Find out how to find a trustworthly solicitor - and complain about one that's treated you badly!

Beat these Ryanair rip-offs!

by Rachel Wait | Ryanair is doing its best to find more and more ways to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash. Here, we highlight the worst Ryanair rip-offs and show you how to avoid them!

Beat the Kings of Leon ticket touts

by Mark Adams | Rock giants Kings of Leon will tour the UK this December in support of their new album Come Around Sundown. The six-date tour sold out in hours - and the few remaining tickets come with a hefty mark-up above the official price. We reveal how to beat the touts and secure must-have gig tickets

One letter could win you thousands

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're a victim of one of these four financial scandals, then one letter of complaint could win you a hefty amount of compensation.

Five scams we all fall for

by John Fitzsimons | At least £3.5bn is lost to fraud each and every year. We look at the most common scams - and how to protect yourself from them.

Don't get ripped off by a rogue trader

by Jane Baker | Rogue traders can turn your dream home into a nightmare. Make sure you don't get caught out.

Scammers who invade your home

by Rachel Wait | More of us are being targeted by rogue traders trying to sell us stuff we don't need. Here, we reveal what your rights are...

Published in August 2010

The six biggest train rip-offs!

by Rachel Wait | Travelling by train? Watch out for these rip-offs....

Six dark secrets banks don't tell you

by Serena Cowdy | We reveal six ways your bank might try to pull the wool over your eyes.

The new tax refund scam

by Jane Baker | Make sure you don't get caught out as HM Revenue & Customs warns taxpayers against the taxman scam.

Seven rip-offs that prey on your fears

by Serena Cowdy | We highlight the exploitative rip-offs to avoid - and show you how to fight back.

10 rip-offs we all fall for

by Jane Baker | The financial industry is littered with rip-off products. Here are ten of the worst which you should always avoid.

The biggest ways banks rip you off

by Rachel Wait | In a world where everyone is after your money, it's easy to pay out more than you need to. Here's how to avoid getting ripped-off ever again!

Watch out for this Wills scam

by Rachel Wait | Everyone should write a Will, but make sure you don't get caught out by dodgy will-writers.

How fraudsters are targeting job-hunters

by Mark Adams | Criminals are trawling recruitment websites to search for their latest victims. Their promises of legitimate easy money soon prove false - instead a new scam tricks users into committing financial fraud. We uncover the tricks behind the crime - and how to beat it!

Bank error in your favour. Collect £1,000

by Neil Faulkner | Find out what you are entitled to when you transfer money to the wrong account by accident, or when money is mistakenly transferred to yours.

Get £1,000 compensation for this rip-off - quick!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Nearly three million borrowers could be in line for insurance refunds averaging £1,000 - so what are you waiting for?

The scam that destroys lives

by John Fitzsimons | Identity fraud is on the rise. We look at how fraudsters catch us out, and what you can do to protect yourself.

The biggest 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.

Five everyday swindles you can't avoid

by Cliff D'Arcy | Watch out for these terrible rip-offs!

The 7 most dangerous scams this summer

by Rachel Wait | If you don't want to get stung this summer, keep an eye out for these seven scams!

5 big lies that companies tell us!

by Emma Roberts | Avoid being conned by companies! Emma Roberts reveals the fattest lies that companies feed us.

5 big lies that companies tell us! - Video Script

by Emma Roberts | Avoid being conned by companies! Emma Roberts reveals the fattest lies that companies feed us.

Complain and get your share of £204 million

by John Fitzsimons | If you've been ripped off by a financial firm, don't stand for it. Follow these tips and get compensation.

How to spot a fake banknote

by Rachel Wait | Although the number of counterfeit banknotes is falling, you still need to be aware of how to spot a fake!

The eight biggest summer rip-offs!

by Rachel Wait | Make sure you enjoy the summer to the max and avoid these eight rip-offs!

Published in July 2010

The worst things that banks do

by John Fitzsimons | Dealing with banks is a necessary evil, but at times they try to get away with appalling behaviour.

5 common consumer myths busted open - Video script

by Emma Roberts | Don't be fooled by consumer myths! Emma Roberts finds out what the public really know about their consumer rights and sets the record straight.

5 common consumer myths busted open

by Emma Roberts | Don't be fooled by consumer myths! Emma Roberts finds out what the public really know about their consumer rights and sets the record straight.

Sussing out Scams

by Emma Roberts | Don't be scammed! Emma Roberts reveals some dangerous scams that are circulating the web

When falling in love can be costly

by Mark Adams | Criminals are preying on singles looking for love in a new scam that has claimed thousands of victims. We uncover the tricks behind lonely hearts scams - and how to avoid them.

Sussing out Scams - Video script

by Emma Roberts | Don't be scammed! Emma Roberts reveals some dangerous scams that are circulating the web

Stop spam and spot scams

by Neil Faulkner | Find out how to stop spam, spot scams, detect identity theft, check your benefits entitlement, and find missing pensions.

Don't let this scam destroy your summer holiday

by Jane Baker | Fall victim to this scam and your dreams of a perfect summer holiday could be shattered.

Disgusting scams that prey on your fears

by Neil Faulkner | The worst scams often target the most desperate people. Read more to help you make better buying decisions.

How to avoid being scammed on eBay

by Serena Cowdy | Are you worried your dream online bargain could turn into a nightmare purchase? Here's how to avoid being `had' on the world's biggest auction site.

Don't get ripped off ever again!

by Rachel Wait | In a world where everyone is after your money, it's easy to pay out more than you need to. Here's how to avoid getting ripped-off ever again!

Avoid the new bogus loan scam

by Jane Baker | A growing number of us are getting caught out by bogus loan companies, but find out how you can beat the fraudsters.

Scams magnet

by Donna Werbner | Award-winning scams expert Tony Levene explains why he's writing a blog about scams and why he is The Scam Magnet!

Published in June 2010

The worst mobile phone rip-offs ever!

by Serena Cowdy | Are you being ripped off by your mobile phone provider? Find out here.

The new scam that secretly steals your bank details

by Jane Baker | Watch out for this new online phishing scam which uses 'tab napping' to attack your computer - and your finances...

The seven biggest World Cup rip-offs!

by Rachel Wait | Whatever you're planning to do to celebrate the World Cup, make sure you don't fall for these massive rip-offs...

The scam that won't die

by Jane Baker | Boiler room scams are on the rise. Find out how to make sure you don't fall victim.

Published in May 2010

The eight worst restaurant rip-offs!

by Rachel Wait | If you enjoy the odd meal in a restaurant, make sure you watch out for these sneaky rip-offs...

14 ways to protect your privacy

by Rachel Wait | With more and more threats to our personal data, we take a look at how you can fight back and protect yourself...

The five biggest lies companies tell us

by John Fitzsimons | As a new report reveals rail firms are selling first class tickets for trains without first class seating, we reveal the biggest lies companies tell us - and how to fight back.

Top 10 best and worst retailers

by Donna Ferguson | Find out which are the best and worst retailers in Britain.

The top five worst scams

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson reveals five of the worst scams around...

The top five worst scams - Video script

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson reveals five of the worst scams around...

Six scams to shun

by Cliff D'Arcy | Don't fall for these sick tricks!

Don't fall victim to a volcanic ash scam

by Rachel Wait | If you've been affected by disrupted flights caused by the Icelandic volcano, make sure you don't get duped by this latest swindle...

This scam will ruin your summer!

by Rachel Wait | If you're planning to book tickets to a concert or festival over the coming weeks, make sure you don't get caught out by this scam...

Published in April 2010

Fight back against ID fraud!

by Rachel Robson | Follow these top tips to protect yourself against ID fraud

Fight back against ID fraud! - Video script

by Rachel Wait | Follow these top tips to protect yourself against ID fraud.

The five worst ID fraud scams!

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson highlights the five worst types of ID fraud and shows you how to protect yourself...

The 10 most hated financial products

by Neil Faulkner | The number of bad products out there is frightening but, if you are careful, you can steer clear of this minefield.

The five worst Ryanair rip-offs!

by Rachel Wait | Ryanair is doing its best to find more and more ways to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash. Here, we highlight the worst Ryanair rip-offs!

Four sneaky sales tactics exposed

by Serena Cowdy | Make sure companies don't make a mug of you with these rotten sales tricks!

The five worst scams ever!

by Szu Ping Chan | Here's the lowdown on the UK's five most appalling scams, together with how to spot and avoid them.

This scam will ruin your life

by John Fitzsimons | With this scary type of fraud on the rise, John Fitzsimons looks at how the scam works, and how to protect yourself.

Published in March 2010

Don't fall victim to a card scam!

by Jane Baker | Card scammers managed to steal £440 million in the past year. Here's how to ensure you're never a victim of card fraud.

The top five latest online scams

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson gives you the lowdown on five online scams to watch out for...

The three biggest online threats

by Mark Adams | A cyber-crime syndicate with a network of 13million virus-infected computers was busted by Spanish police this week - the biggest so-called `botnet' yet uncovered. Yet the threat doesn't end there - we uncover and explain the three most-common frauds circulating online.

How to complain and fight for your rights

by Chris Torney | Find out how to complain if you think you've been treated unfairly by a financial company.

Your rights if you've been scammed

by Chris Torney | Where do you stand if you've been ripped off by a scam, or fall victim to identity theft or Chip-and-Pin fraud? Will you get your money back?

Published in February 2010

Don't get ripped off in the gold rush!

by Serena Cowdy | Serena Cowdy looks at whether postal gold merchants are worth their weight in it!

Stop hackers attacking your online accounts

by Jane Baker | There's only one way to properly protect your online accounts from hackers. Here's how to do it.

Beat the Chip & PIN security scare

by Mark Adams | A flaw in the Chip and PIN security system that protects our credit and debit cards has been uncovered - which allows thieves to make purchases and withdrawals without being identified. We uncover the latest security scare - and show you how to stay safe.

How to appeal against parking penalties

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson shows you how to fight back against unfair parking tickets.

The scams that make you shiver

by Donna Werbner | Donna Werbner gets your two pence on the scams you hate, and finds out how you can protect yourself and stop the scammers from stealing your cash.

The scams that trap millions

by John Fitzsimons | As we enter Scams Awareness Month, John Fitzsimons looks at how to protect yourself from the scams that are trapping millions.

The worst Valentine's Day rip-offs!

by Jane Baker | We show you five of the biggest rip-offs for 14 February, and reveal cheaper alternatives for budget conscious romantics.

Identity theft rises by a third

by Cliff D'Arcy | Last year saw a huge surge in financial fraud, partly due to the recession. Here's how to keep your hard-earned money away from crooks.