CAB Bank letters could be identity theft
I’ve been getting letters from various different companies, including a few from banks in my name. The letters refer to me as a customer, but I’ve never been in touch with them. Who do I report this to?
This could be identity theft. Letters you receive about accounts you know nothing about shouldn’t be ignored.
You should contact your bank as well as any other banks and or organisations that has issued letters in your name without delay, and raise the matter with them.
Your bank will investigate any suspicious activity, will take steps to secure your account and will refer the crime to the police.
If credit has been applied for in your name you should get in contact with the main credit agencies – TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.
You can report the fraud to them and they will get in contact with the companies listed on your credit file to sort out any accounts that were wrongly opened in your
name.
I’m being made redundant at the end of the month and my employer has given me details of my statutory redundancy payment, but I don’t think it is right. Is there anywhere I can check this?
Redundancy is a form of dismissal where an employer has no more need or capacity for a job position.
To qualify for redundancy pay, an employee would need to have worked for their employer for a minimum of two years.
The government has a statutory redundancy payment calculator at www.gov.uk/calculate-yourredundancy-pay
To use the calculator, you will need to provide your redundancy date, the number of full years of service you have worked for the employer, your age at the time of the redundancy and any number of years worked from when you turned 41, if applicable to you, and what your weekly pay before tax and deductions is.
In addition to your statutory redundancy pay, you will also be entitled to receive notice pay calculated on the basis of one week per each full year of service and to a maximum of 12 weeks, any unpaid wages, and holiday pay for any accrued, but not taken, annual leave.
I’m from Poland and have been living and working in the UK for six years. I applied and was granted settled status last year. I recently lost my job and want to know whether I am able to claim benefits.
As you have settled status, this automatically gives you a right to reside and, therefore, means you can apply for benefits.
If you want a full benefits eligibility check, contact the Bureau by calling 0141 889 2121 or book an appointment at www. renfrewshirecab.org.uk
We also offer assistance applying for any eligible benefits and income maximisation focused advice.