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Launch of rainy day savings scheme

A government-backed savings scheme is launched, tens of thousands of people receive tax demands for tens of thousands of pounds, and what banks can do to stop 'push payment' fraud.

Having 拢1,000 in savings halves the risk of falling into problem debt according to debt charity StepChange. But for lower earners, building up those rainy day funds can be a stretch. A government scheme called Help-to-Save launched this week aiming to help. It offers savers a bonus of 50p on every 拢1 saved over a four year period.

Tens of thousands of people are receiving demands for tens of thousands of pounds from the taxman for using "contractor loan schemes". People were often advised to use these schemes say they paid less income tax and National Insurance. Some are teachers, nurses and social workers. The charges are being applied retrospectively - going back 20 years which campaigners say is unfair.

UK banks admit that criminals stole 拢236 million last year from people who were tricked into giving thieves their money. In the first of a three part series we look at what more the banks could be doing to prevent what's known as authorised push payment fraud. This is where you transfer money to someone who you think is genuine but realise too late they have stolen your money.

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Alex Lewis
Editor: Charlotte McDonald and Emma Rippon.

Available now

24 minutes

Last on

Sun 16 Sep 2018 21:00

Chapters

  • Loan Charge

    Up to 50,000 people are being told they owe HMRC tens of thousands of pounds tax.

    Duration: 11:22

  • Help To Save

    A new Government scheme to encourage low income households to start saving.

    Duration: 03:17

  • Fraud: Part One.

    How thieves hijack email accounts to steal thousands of pounds from bank customers.

    Duration: 08:04

Related Links

Tax Demands

Help to Save

Push Payment Fraud

Broadcasts

  • Sat 15 Sep 2018 12:04
  • Sun 16 Sep 2018 21:00

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