As the majority of the population own (or have access to) a mobile phone, the UK market has become one of the most competitive in the world. The fight to grab your attention and grab your business has reached fever pitch between the hundreds of mobile phone “agents†in the UK alone.
UK Regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA) is demanding a change in the way in which insurance companies “cold call†customers to sell them financial products. After carrying out a detailed review of “cold calling†techniques the FSA have highlighted a number of areas of concern, and formerly requested immediate changes.
In perhaps one of the largest confirmed cases of fraud in recent times, literally thousands of motorists have reported large scale unauthorised transfers from their bank accounts. Many of the motorists who have suffered are reporting their accounts being wiped out, in what is believed to be a scam masterminded by Sri Lankan fraudsters.
How Did This Happen?
At some point in our lives the majority of us will be involved in a car purchase, whether for ourselves, a partner or one of our children. The majority of UK car buyers will probably opt for the second hand market, which has historically offered more value than the new car market.
It is common knowledge that as soon as you take a new car from the garage forecourt it will probably have reduced in value by at least 10%, but is the second hand market any better?
Yesterday saw the implementation of the Consumer Credit Act 2006, which while a long time arriving has been gratefully received by many. The Act has been the result of many years of sole searching by the regulators, in order to protect the public from unfair credit terms and unfair practices. While the act has received very little comment in the press, the impact will be felt by millions.
It has today been confirmed that TJX, the parent company of the TK Maxx retail brand of cut price designer wear, have been the subject of a sustained period of attack by hackers. It has been announced that details of at least 45.7 million credit and debit cards have been stolen over a 16 month period from July 2005.
The stolen information includes details of transactions as far back as December 2002, which is obviously causing great concern to current and historic customers of the group.
