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Siobhan Record Our Lifestyle’s Financial Expert

UK Finance is warning that criminals have been exploiting and adapting to Covid-19 with a growth in fraud and scams that target people online. Many of these scams harvest customers’ personal and financial details, for example through phishing emails or smishing text messages impersonating trusted organisations.

Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance reports that “Criminals have ruthlessly adapted to this pandemic with scams exploiting the rise in people working from home and spending time online. These range from investment scams promoted on social media and search engines to the use of phishing emails and fake websites to harvest people’s data.”

It is really alarming to hear of the increasingly sophisticated fraud that criminals are now subjecting on their unsuspecting victims. I know I have certainly noticed an increase in said phishing emails into my inbox and it is incredible how realistic some appear to be.

So, what can we do to protect ourselves… UK Finance is urging customers to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and remember that criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. Criminals spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you will let your guard down for just one moment. Stop and think: it could protect you and your money.

• Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

• Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests.

Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

• Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

You have worked hard for your money so don’t let the fraudsters take it away! For more information and guidance please do take a look at the UK Finance website: www. takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

If you are interested in knowing more about how I work and you have investments of over £100,000 why not give Jo a ring on 01562 745730 to arrange a no obligation 30 minute free meeting in our offices.

The information in this article does not constitute investment advice; you must not rely on the content when making investment decisions without taking advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value investments and the income from them, may fall or rise and investors may get back less than they invested.

Talbots Law has maintained its commitment to developing the legal talent of the future by supporting 10 trainees to qualify as solicitors.

The independent law firm cast aside the pressures of the pandemic to support its trainee solicitors through their Training Contracts and will now be using their expertise to assist a growing client base across the Black Country, Birmingham and Worcestershire.

Chris Jones, Laura Underhill, Sharan Kaur, Jade Hinton and Jodie Wilding all qualified in the Residential Property department, whilst Ajay Sharma and Amy Marsh will be specialising in the booming New Build Residential Property arena.

They were joined by Sam Oakley (Childcare), Katie Jones (Dispute Resolution) and Rebecca Pickering (Commercial Property).

The investment in bringing new talent through the ranks comes at the right time for Talbots, after it predicted a 20% increase in fees over the next twelve months.

Rachel Pardoe, Director of Human Resources, commented: “We’ve scored a perfect 10 with our latest trainees, with all of them who started the Training Contract successfully passing - despite Covid-19 striking in the middle of their learning.

“This is great news for the long-term expansion of our business and a real testament to the commitment, passion and knowledge of our new solicitors, who have mixed one-toone support with remote learning, socially distanced meetings and their Professional Skills Courses.”

For further information, please visit: www.talbotslaw.co.uk or follow @talbotslaw on twitter.