DWP worker jailed for £50k Universal Credit fraud
A DWP executive officer exploited Covid rules to approve £50,000 in fake Universal Credit claims. Rafiq Master has been sentenced to 32 months in prison. Read the full story.
A DWP executive officer exploited Covid rules to approve £50,000 in fake Universal Credit claims. Rafiq Master has been sentenced to 32 months in prison. Read the full story.
Santander UK warns of a sharp rise in sophisticated online purchase scams ahead of Christmas, with average losses per case reaching £2,325. Experts reveal how AI is fuelling the fraud wave.
Barclays reveals a surge in sophisticated scams, with investment fraud now claiming 47p of every £1 lost. Learn the new tactics and how to protect your money.
A con artist who stole £900k from women via dating apps is jailed for 17 years. Experts warn romance scams targeting over-55s rose by 52% last year. Learn how to protect yourself.
Scammers are using fake texts and emails to exploit festive deliveries. Learn the 7 most common parcel scams and how to protect your money and personal information.
Rosie Slater, 32, admitted conning fans with fake Oasis concert tickets. She will be sentenced in April 2026. Police urge the public to buy only from reputable sellers.
An alleged Primark employee claims to know the exact date for major reductions on Christmas lines. Find out when to bag the best bargains before the big day.
Discover Dunelm's range of unique Christmas Eve stockings, priced from £10 to £20. Shoppers praise the 'delightful' and 'well-made' festive essentials. Find your perfect stocking today!
A 64-year-old woman admitted dishonestly claiming benefits. Her case emerges as the government unveils new powers to disqualify serious fraudsters from driving.
Boots launches rapid on-demand delivery from 500 UK stores, with orders up to midnight on Christmas Eve. Get last-minute gifts delivered in 30 minutes.
A Telford carer who fraudulently claimed sick pay while working and running a business has been ordered to repay over £6,000. Read the full story of the deception.
A savvy NHS worker from West London reveals how she saved £29,000 over 14 years by hunting for yellow sticker discounts in unexpected places like garden centres and petrol stations. Discover her top tips for frugal living.
Escape the festive frenzy at Root 13's new green oasis in Birmingham's Goodsyard. Discover a calming space with plants, an aquarium, and a dedicated chill-out zone. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm.
The new Cotswolds Designer Outlet near the M5 celebrates its first Christmas with festive markets, big discounts, and family activities. Find all your gifts under twinkling lights.
A stark warning for state pensioners as one in four adults faces scams weekly. Experts reveal the four most common frauds targeting retirees this winter and how to stay safe.
The DWP gains new powers to access bank data in a major anti-fraud drive targeting Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit. Discover how the government plans to protect taxpayers.
The DWP unveils a major crackdown on benefit fraud with new data powers to prevent overpayments and recover billions. Discover the new 'no hiding place' measures.
UK shoppers are urged to check festive postal deadlines now, with the first cut-off for overseas parcels on 5th December. Avoid missing Christmas with our essential guide.
Shoppers are snapping up real Christmas trees for a bargain £10.99 at Home Bargains. Discover the best festive tree deals from Tesco and Morrisons too.
Discover Cheltenham's festive magic with four unique Christmas markets, an ice rink, and independent shopping, just a 35-minute train ride from Birmingham. Plan your perfect Christmas day out.
The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour 2025 has announced its next steps. Find out where to see the festive lorry, get a free drink, and capture perfect holiday photos.
A gang of four has been convicted for running a sophisticated £500k illegal tobacco factory in Birmingham, defrauding the public revenue of an estimated £4 million. Read the full story.
New DWP powers to check bank accounts for benefit fraud receive royal assent. Universal Credit, ESA, and Pension Credit are the first targets. Find out the consequences for fraudsters.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
A carer from Retford who fraudulently used a friend's mobility car for 41,800 miles and stole over £5,000 has received a suspended sentence. Read the full court details.
A couple has been sentenced for illegally renting out their Solihull Council property while living in Essex, making nearly £3,000 profit. Read how the fraud was uncovered.
Discover six new retailers that opened at Birmingham's Bullring in 2025, from wellness pop-ups to major flagship stores, reinforcing its status as a top Midlands shopping destination.
Lidl launches a festive 'Wrapped' initiative with free gift wrapping and exclusive Birmingham-themed paper. Pop-up opens on December 17. Details inside.
Smyths Toys warns parents its click & collect uses clear bags, risking Christmas surprises. Plus, expert tips for the best 2025 festive food shop dates.
Lloyds Bank issues urgent fraud warning ahead of Christmas, extending a scheme that has seized £15m from criminals to fund prevention and victim support.