fbpx

3 Common Scams You Need To Be Aware Of

Scams and online fraud account for over 40% of criminal activity in the UK, and between April 2022 and March 2023, there were over 3,5 million incidents involving people aged 16 and over in the UK.

Falling victim to a scam can be extremely worrying and have massive implications on your lifestyle and finances. Sadly, too many people are still fooled by scammers; as seen on the BBC 1 show Scam Interceptors and the methods used by unscrupulous scammers are becoming more sophisticated, manipulative and conniving as they go through the process of trying to obtain money and items that don’t belong to them.

Knowing the scam is part of being able to stay safe, and this post is going to look at a few of the more common scams seen in the UK to help you stay wise to criminals and their devious tactics.

3 Common Scams You Need To Be Aware Of - scam image
Photo by Anna Tarazevich:

Amazon Scam

The Amazon scam is quite possibly one of the most common and even well-known scams. What happens is you get a call from someone pretending to be from Amazon (FYI, amazon will never call you out of the blue, so this should be a sign to hang up). Continuing the amazon scams approach, the caller will try to convince you someone is attempting to use your account to buy something expensive, and they’re going to hippo you to stop this by finding the person responsible and preventing you from losing money. The opposite is likely to happen.

Hi Mum

The “Hi Mum” scam is carried out via Whatsapp or text message. And it will simply be a message from an unknown number saying hi, mum. You will then be expected to respond with your child’s name to check if it’s them and ask why they are contacting you from a different number. They will then use this to ask you for money to go to an account you probably won’t recognise again, telling you a story as to why. If in doubt, don’t respond. Call the actual number for your child to talk to them directly.

Missed Delivery

Missed delivery texts or email scams are becoming more popular as more and more people use delivery services for good delivery. You will typically be told you need to pay an additional fee to have your parcel released, something which most companies don’t do unless import fees have not been covered, and this is usually relayed to you prior to delivery from the courier service or you will have a card posted through your door via Royal Mail.

To avoid flailing victims of any of these scams:

  1. Always hang up and use another method of communication to contact the company in question directly via usual methods, not using any suggestions from the potential scammer.
  2. Avoid giving them access to your phone by downloading an app or any other software they suggest.
  3. If they become pushy or impatient with you, then this is a clear indicator of a scam, and you should end all communications.
  4. If in doubt, call your bank or other associated accounts to protect your details and stop any transactions.

The more you know about the different scams and tactics used by scammers, the easier it is to spot different scams and stay safe.

Why Regular Maintenance is Key to Aerial Installation Longevity

Aerial installation is an essential component of any home entertainment system. It allows us to access a wide range of television channels and ensures a clear and uninterrupted viewing experience. However, like any other technology, aerial installations require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. In this article, we will explore why regular maintenance is key to aerial installation longevity and how it can help us avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future.

Why Regular Maintenance is Key to Aerial Installation Longevity

Importance of Regular Maintenance

1. Ensures Signal Strength and Quality

Regular maintenance of your aerial installation helps to maintain the signal strength and quality of your television reception. Over time, aerials can become misaligned or suffer from wear and tear due to exposure to the elements. By checking and adjusting the alignment of your aerial periodically, you can ensure that it is pointing in the right direction to receive the strongest signal possible. This will result in a clearer and more reliable television viewing experience.

2. Prevents Damage from Environmental Factors

Aerial installations are exposed to various environmental factors such as wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. These factors can cause damage to the aerial and its components, leading to a decrease in performance or even complete failure. Regular maintenance allows you to inspect the aerial for any signs of damage, such as loose connections, rust, or physical wear. By addressing these issues early on, you can prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of your aerial installation.

3. Identifies and Resolves Technical Issues

Regular maintenance provides an opportunity to identify and resolve any technical issues with your aerial installation. This can include problems with the cabling, connectors, or amplifier. By inspecting these components regularly, you can identify any issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach can save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.

4. Extends the Lifespan of Your Aerial Installation

By conducting regular maintenance, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your aerial installation. A well-maintained aerial is less likely to suffer from major issues or failures, allowing it to function optimally for a longer period. This means that you can enjoy uninterrupted television viewing without the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Maintenance Tips for Aerial Installations

1. Visual Inspection

Perform a visual inspection of your aerial installation regularly. Look for any signs of damage, such as loose connections, rust, or physical wear. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

2. Check Alignment

Check the alignment of your aerial periodically. Ensure that it is pointing in the correct direction to receive the strongest signal. If necessary, adjust the alignment to optimize signal strength and quality.

3. Clean the Aerial

Clean the aerial regularly to remove any dirt, debris, or bird droppings that may accumulate on its surface. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently clean the aerial, taking care not to damage any delicate components.

4. Check Cabling and Connectors

Inspect the cabling and connectors of your aerial installation for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that all connections are secure and free from corrosion. Replace any damaged cables or connectors to maintain optimal performance.

5. Consider Professional Maintenance

If you are unsure about conducting maintenance yourself or if you notice any significant issues with your aerial installation, consider hiring a professional. A qualified aerial engineer can conduct a thorough inspection, identify any problems, and provide the necessary repairs or replacements.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of your aerial installation. By conducting routine inspections, checking alignment, cleaning the aerial, and addressing any technical issues promptly, you can extend the lifespan of your aerial and enjoy uninterrupted television viewing. 

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and investing time and effort in regular maintenance can save you from costly repairs or replacements in the future. So, make it a habit to maintain your aerial installation regularly and reap the benefits of a reliable and long-lasting home entertainment system.

4 Ways To Recover From A Financial Setback

Your finances are an important part of your life and your family’s life. Ideally, you want to do a good job of managing your finances. However, the reality is that life happens and sometimes there are obstacles you will need to face.

You must stay strong and keep a positive mindset when your finances get messy. Focus on what you can be doing better instead of the problem. Here you can learn four ways to recover from a financial setback.

recover from a financial setback. man counting notes image

Photo by Karolina Grabowska:

  1. Identify What Went Wrong

Your first step should be to identify what went wrong with your personal finances and review any devastating experiences that arose for you. This way you can better learn from your mistakes and improve in the future. For example, maybe you lost your job or maybe it’s that you were living outside of your means. Once you know what the issue is you can begin working on fixing it. Remind yourself that you’re not alone and that many couples experience setbacks with their finances along the way. Now is a good time to set new goals for yourself and figure out a new and brighter path for yourself.

  1. Find Ways to Reduce & Manage Stress

Managing your finances can be stressful. It is also stressful when you have a financial setback, especially if it is unexpected. You may be feeling more anxious than usual these days. One idea is to reach out to a clinical psychologist so you have someone who you can talk to about your money problems and feelings. They will listen and can offer up some ways for how you can get out of your situation and do better. It’ll be good to have someone who you can talk to and bounce ideas off of so you’re not bottling up all of your different emotions. Also, make sure you take good care of yourself by practicing self-care at a time like this. 

  1. Start Saving More Money

Another way to recover from a financial setback is to take a look at your spending. Create and follow a strict budget going forward. Now is also a good time to start saving up as much money as possible. You will want to have an emergency fund that you can turn to in the future if necessary. It may require that you set up an automatic savings plan so your money goes right into this account and you aren’t tempted to use or spend it. Get on the same page with your partner as well so you are both working toward this common goal.

  1. Get Professional Help & Advice

There are also professional financial services out there that you can turn to at a time like this. Recover from a financial setback by reaching out to a financial advisor and getting a professional opinion. They might have new ways of looking at the problem and advice you can apply in your life to help you get back on your feet. They might also have new ways of looking at your situation and can offer you a plan of action for going forward so you can get back on the right track.

Smart Ways To Save Your Business Money

The cost of living has been steadily rising and businesses have been feeling the pinch too. Saving money in business has many advantages, not least of them being able to invest the saved money back into the business. The more money a business has, the better the chance of future growth.

Fortunately, there are many ways to save money in business that exist now where they didn’t a decade ago. Take advancing technology, for instance. Technology can help businesses to save time and money in many different ways. Take a look at the smartest ways to save your business money today.

Smart Ways To Save Your Business Money - business laptop and signature image

Image by aymane jdidi from Pixabay

Hybrid Working

Many people are looking for hybrid or remote working positions now. After COVID-19 forced many people to work from home, the whole landscape of business and how or where employees work has completely changed. Allowing employees to work remotely or have a hybrid role, saves on the office space needed.

Businesses have found that they’ve been able to downscale when it comes to office space and save money on property spending. 

Software Solutions

Technology has advanced rapidly in the last few years and with it has come software solutions that present answers to many business problems. For example, private equity software from Ontra.ai allows legal firms to operate at their most efficient by providing services like contract automation. Most businesses have mundane tasks that can be outsourced to software solutions.

Passing on these time consuming tasks can free up employees time to concentrate on more complicated matters within the business.

Analyze Customer Data

The better you know your customers, the less guess work you’ll need to do. If you can narrow down your target audience and create a customer profile using the data analyzed from digital marketing, you’ll know exactly how to catch your fish. Many businesses make the mistake of marketing to a wider audience just in case they miss out on a few sales.

This takes time and costs money. Money that is often wasted. Investing in learning about your customers and what they want from you is a great way to hit the bullseye every time.

Improve Productivity

The higher productivity levels are, the more money your business makes. When productivity levels slide, it can cost your business more money because you’re paying more man hours. The best way to boost productivity is to boost morale.

As a business owner, you’ll need to lead by example and know how to boost morale when it’s needed. It could simply be giving a pep talk and thanking your employees for their hard work or offering an incentive to employees who increase their productivity levels.

Word of Mouth

Never underestimate the power of word of mouth. If you can increase the number of customers who are advertising your business by word of mouth, you can decrease the amount your business is spending on advertising. Refer a friend programs are ideal for those wanting to share your products to receive a reward.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, take a look at the others.

Don’t Give Up On Your Personal Finances Just Yet

We have heard from a lot of people in the past that they are tempted to just give up with their personal finances altogether, and do whatever they want. Sometimes people get into a state where they are no longer able to effectively manage their finances for whatever reason, and this gets them down. The problem here is that it is then tempting to say that you are done putting the effort in, which will cause you more issues going forward. Instead, you need to stick with it, and not give up.

Don't Give Up On Your Personal Finances Just Yet - coin in money box image

Work On Boosting Your Income Where Possible

One of the things that we suggest is that you start working on boosting your income where possible. This might mean that you want to work more shifts and hours if you can, or it might mean that you want to get a second job to go alongside your first. If this doesn’t really appeal to you, then perhaps a side hustle would be a better idea for you as you can do this as and when you have the time.

Investing is also an option that you should consider, but you need some spare money to get this started. Boosting your income where possible helps you get out of financial holes that you get yourself into, but it’s not going to happen on its own.

Work Your Way Out Of Debt First

It’s also important that you are working your way out of debt before you give up. We do understand that one of the common reasons why people feel like they want to give up is because they haven’t gotten their debts sorted in the time that they have had them, and this can be extremely frustrating. The thing is that there is always hope for as long as you are willing to put the effort in here, and make payment plans to work towards being debt free.

If you approach your creditors with an offer of what you can afford, and you stick to this, you will be out of debt before you know it.

Don't Give Up On Your Personal Finances Just Yet - coaching session personal finance

Seek Professional Advice Where It’s Needed

here are going to be times where professional advice is needed, and you shouldn’t be worried about being judged or anything about this. There are companies and independent contractors out there who have helped many people, probably a lot who have been in far worse positions than you are in right now. Even with professional advice it isn’t going to be easy to reach your financial goals, but it might give you the motivation that you need not to give up.

Hopefully you have now got a better idea of why you shouldn’t be giving up on your personal finances just yet, and some of the things that you can do to try to get them back in order. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing situation here, it can simply be you doing your best as you go along.