STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

I READ that there is a compensation fund for people who were tricked into transferring money to fraudsters via Western Union. I lost money in a scam five years ago. Can you tell me how to apply? M. P., Spilsby, Lincs. I’VE put a form in the post for you. You can print a form at FTC.gov/WU or call a u.S. number (001 844 319 2124, international charges apply) and ask for one to be posted. To be eligible, you must have lost money between January 1, 2004, and January 19, 2017. The deadline is February 12, 2018. NATWEST is closing 197 branches next year and RBS a further 62. Where can I find a full list of the closures? J. T., Appledore, North Devon. THErE’S a list of closures, as well as where to find your next nearest branches and cash machines, online. For NatWest, visit personal.natwest.com/personal/ways-tobank/ telephone- and- branch- banking/ branch-closures.html

And for rBS, go to personal.rbs.co.uk/ personal/ ways- to- bank/ telephone- andbranch-banking/branch-closures.html THE seat cushion on the sofa I bought 13 months ago has already gone flat. I complained to the shop and the Furniture Ombudsman, but both say this is the result of wear and tear. I paid £1,500 for it. R. S., Ipswich. THE shop’s managing director confirmed the firm’s position that there is no manufacturing fault with the sofa. The only solution is to pay £45 to have a new cushion fitted. LAST year, fraudsters took £16,860 from me and £1,950 from my wife’s Yorkshire BS account. My bank refunded the money — but Yorkshire BS refused. It said I shouldn’t have had access to my wife’s account, as it is against its terms. G. B., Essex. YorkSHIrE BS says it is vital for security reasons that only the person named on the account manages their money, even following a criminal attack. However, it has now agreed to refund the cash.

A spokeswoman says: ‘We appreciate it has been a difficult time for Mr and Mrs B. We have reviewed our initial investigation and are refunding the full amount.’