MONEY MORSELS
Gas price hike
SCOTTISH Power is hiking its gas and electricity prices by an average of 5.5 pc or £63 from June 1. Nearly 1 million households who are on standard variable tariffs will be affected. Customers who pay quarterly will see an even bigger average rise of 6.9 pc or £85 on a typical bill. It follows rises by British Gas, EDF and E.ON earlier this month.
Data check
FACEBOOK users can check whether their data was misused in the Cambridge Analytica scandal. About 71 million people’s information was allegedly used in political campaigns in the UK and U.S. Type this address into your web browser: facebook.com/ help/1873665312923476? helpref=search&sr=1& query=cambridge
HMRC error
THE taxman has been urged to take down a web page that wrongly tells users how much money they can put into a pension. Royal London’s director of policy Steve Webb says HMRC has admitted that the site is giving incorrect figures. In one case a customer was told they could only save £10,000 when the correct figure was £35,000.
Scam alert
FRAUDSTERS are targeting people who are struggling financially by asking them to pay for a loan which they never receive, the City watchdog has warned. This type of fraud cost £3.5 million last year, with reports increasing by 44 pc.
Sickness limit
HOLIDAYMAKERS who seek payouts after falling ill on their trip will have their compensation entitlement limited. The travel industry says claims have soared even though actual cases have fallen. The rules will be in place before the end of summer.
No claim boost
DIRECT Line customers will not lose their no claims bonus if their car is stolen, hit while parked or damaged by a pothole, flood or storm. Drivers will not lose out if they claim after an incident where there is no third party to claim against. A spokesman warns this doesn’t guarantee their premium won’t rise at renewal.
Loyalty blow
BORROWERS should look at their credit card rewards and cashback to see if they are getting a good deal, experts have warned. Moneyfacts reveals shoppers can earn as little as 0.5 pc in cashback — just 50p per £100 spent.
First Direct
ONLINE and telephone bank First Direct has launched welcome gifts for new customers. You can choose from self-development courses, a £150 Expedia voucher and gadgets such as Bose headphones or an Amazon Echo Spot. You will also get £100 if you switch away after six months.