Pension Credit and Cost of Living Events
As we approach winter and many pensioners will lose their Winter Fuel Payment our Offices in Broxtowe are holding two events to help people see what help is available. These are drop-in events and no appointment is required. The sessions are not just for pensioners, anyone who is struggling with the cost of living can pop along and chat to one of our advisers.
Scams Awareness Week 2024
Every year, Citizens Advice run a national Scams Awareness campaign. The campaign aims to create a network of confident, alert consumers who know what to do when they spot a scam. The first week of activity in 2024 will run between 21 – 27 October and will focus on supporting consumers around financial and investment scams.
Citizens Advice runs the Scams Awareness campaign in close collaboration with the Consumer Protection Partnership. This brings together key partners in the consumer landscape to identify, prioritise and coordinate collective action to tackle detriment. Partners include Trading Standards service and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
There will be a strong focus on financial and investment fraud this October. Our Financial Resilience Team are always on the lookout for signs of financial fraud when supporting clients in Broxtowe. This can include:
- Fake accountsScammers may impersonate a bank, friend, or brand on social media to trick users into giving away personal information or access to their devices.
- Investment opportunitiesScammers may share links to fake websites that look like legitimate entities, or appear to be endorsed by celebrities.
- Requests for personal informationScammers may create quizzes, competitions, or posts to harvest sensitive information that can be used to guess passwords or target users with other scams.
- Job opportunitiesScammers may approach people online about jobs that involve receiving and transferring money for a third party, which could make the user liable to prosecution.
Reporting a scam and talking to support services can help victims understand what happened, and can help authorities prevent future scams. If you feel you have been a victim of a scam information on how to report it can be found here. Alternatively contact your local Citizens Advice.
New Ofcom guidance
Ofcom have issues new guidance on broadband information. Under new Ofcom guidance, broadband providers must be clear to people who are signing up to a contract what type of network technology they will be using. They must
- give a short description of the network technology using clear terms such as “cable”, “copper”, “full-fibre” or “part-fibre”
- not use the term “fibre” on its own
- give a more thorough explanation of the technology, for example through a link, so consumers can understand what it means to them
Being digitally connected is now an essential part of daily life and many of our clients are disadvantaged if they are considered digitally excluded and pay more for goods and services as a result. The affordability and effectiveness of a households broadband is important and that is why we are welcoming these changes.
If you are struggling with the costs of broadband connection or other communications devices contact our team who will be happy to check if your contract is fair or if you qualify for a social tariff.
Community round-up
