As the UK continues to experience stormy and unsettled weather, it’s important for homeowners to be alert to rogue traders offering to repair storm or flood damage:

• Never engage with cold callers knocking on your door or who call out of the blue.
• Be wary of using traders recommended on social media.
• Choose a trader that is part of the Trusted Trader Scheme.
• Get 3 quotes from different and independently sourced traders.
• Be careful of online reviews as these may not be genuine.

If you think you've fallen victim to a rogue trader, you can report this to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline by calling 0808 223 1133. You can also contact them for advice prior to entering into a contract to purchase goods or services.

Before rushing to switch, take a moment and ask yourself ‘could it be fake?’

Fraudsters are capitalising on the increasing cost of living by offering cut-price energy deals, support grants and prizes or rewards. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you into sharing your personal or financial info or to make upfront payments. It's OK to reject, refuse or ignore these requests.

Always do your research on any company you are considering using and check online reviews.

Fraudsters are impersonating the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) by sending out fake letters about a compensation scheme for victims of previous scams. The letter in question, which includes the CTSI logo, informs the recipient that Trading Standards has caught some insurance scammers and that they should fill in a "creditors debt form," which they claim is a compensation scheme. This compensation scheme is fake and by filling in the form the recipient will actually be giving the fraudsters the means to gain access to their personal details, including bank information, putting them at risk of financial loss. These types of letters are fake and are nothing to do with the CTSI. If you receive a letter like this, please don’t respond to it. Instead, report it to the Financial Conduct Authority and the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline by calling 0808 223 1133.

If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.

The current high cost of living means that the humble hot water bottle is making a comeback as a cost-saving way of staying warm this winter.

However, hot water bottles can be dangerous and cause burns if they are not cared for or used properly. According to The Children’s Burns Trust, burns and scalds to children from hot water bottles have increased by 45%. If you do use a hot water bottle, make sure you follow this advice:

• Check for signs of wear and tear regularly because rubber deteriorates over time, meaning that old hot water bottles can burst or leak.
• Look at the flower symbol on the funnel of the hot water bottle, as this indicates exactly when it was made. Don’t use a hot water bottle that is more than two years old.
• Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water.

Be wary of any messages you receive telling you that you’ve missed a delivery, or that payment is required for a parcel delivery. These types of messages are a common tactic used by criminals. Although the messages look like they are from trusted organisations, they will direct victims to fake websites and trick you into providing personal and financial information and money.

Never click links in messages. Always contact the courier directly using a known email or phone number. 

If you believe you've fallen for a scam, contact your bank immediately on a number that you know to be correct. Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Do you own an e-bike or e-scooter or are you thinking of buying one?  E-bikes and e-scooters use large lithium-ion batteries which can present a risk of serious fire or explosion in certain circumstances. While these can be used safely, there have been a number of fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including in conversion kits. Our friends from the Office for Product Safety and Standards have some important safety advice for e-bikes and e-scooters:

• Research – only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews.
• Read – always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters.
• Check – not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger.
• Charge – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging.
• Never – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.