STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

I AM a Yorkshire Bank current account customer. I’m trying to compare the cost of overdrafts. How much would I pay if I went £ 500 into my authorised overdraft and stayed at that level for the whole year?

J. C., Leeds. Yorkshire Bank charges interest on authorised overdrafts of 9.9 pc, plus a £6 monthly usage fee. Being £500 in the red over a year would cost £49.50 in interest and £72 in total monthly charges — a total of £121.50 over a year. I HAVE been receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Pension Service, asking for my bank details.

I have so far refused to give them any information as I think I’m being called by a conman. Am I correct?

G. B., Westward Ho!, Devon. Yes. it is a scam. Next time, put down the phone. A spokesman for the Department For Work And Pensions says it will never ask for your bank account number or sort code over the phone.

however, staff may ask security questions, which may involve you having to confirm the name of your bank or building society. I’VE received a leaflet with my British Gas bill, which says the cost of its annual service for my HomeCare boiler cover is to rise from £48 to £60. This is a 25 pc increase. I have tried calling customer services to find out why, but can’t get an answer.

C. L., Dorset. You’re not alone in your confusion — other readers have been in touch with the same query. But you’ll be pleased to learn the price rise, in fact, only applies to those who cancel their homeCare heating insurance.

A poorly worded leaflet fails to spell out that the hike only applies to customers who take out the policy, have an engineer visit to inspect their boiler, and then annul the deal. The cost of the annual boiler service is included in your monthly premium. WHEN my mum died, I found a £ 1 Premium Bond among her paperwork. I’m the sole beneficiary of her will. Can I transfer it into my name?

V. B., London. You cannot transfer a Premium Bond into someone else’s name. it will be entered into the prize draw for the 12 months after her death. Any prizes won will be paid to you.

After this, the bond becomes invalid and you will be paid what the bond is worth — in this case, £1.

To ensure the money is sent to you, you must inform National savings & investments (Ns&i) of your mum’s death. Call 0500 007 007 or visit nsandi.com/whatdo-i-do-when-someone-dies