Tag Archives: consumer

Holiday Horror: Airbnb and Booking.com Users Battle for Refunds Over Wrong Accommodations

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The century-old oak crashed down on the very first day of his vacation. James and his partner Andrew had just finished breakfast moments earlier, causing a ruckus with tables and chairs that ended up damaging the windshield of a rental car on the terrace.

Their Airbnb cottage in Provence, France, was entangled in branches that shattered the living room windows and breached the roof. “I was convinced there was a ceiling above us,” James remarked. “If it had fallen moments earlier, we could have been seriously hurt or killed.”

A day was needed for the host to clear the tree from the cottage and make temporary repairs, but the shaken couple opted to book a hotel for the remainder of their vacation, concerned that their accommodation might be structurally compromised.

Airbnb showed little concern. “I understand this has caused you inconvenience,” was the start of countless identical AI-generated replies before the comical, unresolved case was ultimately labeled as “keep safe.”

The host also seemed unbothered. “All that happened was you heard a loud noise and saw the tree on the terrace,” she responded to their refund request. “You chose to remember worries and trauma instead of celebrating unique experiences.”

Now that summer has passed, the tale of Holiday Horror Story is overflowing on Guardian Money.

Unfortunate travelers report being stuck or locked out of accommodations—whether real or not—and facing issues during mysterious nights in unknown cities. Accounts of dirty rooms, unsafe items, and illegal sublets abound. A common binding factor for these ruined trips is that they were booked via online platforms that deny refunds.

The rise of services like Airbnb and Booking.com has encouraged travelers to plan multiple getaways. These companies showcase their expansive global real estate in efforts to fulfill wanderlust on a budget.

However, consumer protections have not adapted alongside this growing industry.




The 100-year-old oak, which struck during James and Andrew’s stay in Provence.

Package deal customers have legal protections for travel nightmares as outlined in Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements; however, those booking accommodations through third-party sites often find themselves at the mercy of the host.

While some platforms promote extra protections, your agreement lies with the accommodation provider.

James and Andrew had spent £931 for a week at Proven Zal Cottage. Feeling unsafe upon returning, he switched to a hotel. They remain unsure if the damaged rental car liability falls on them. Nonetheless, Airbnb’s Air Cover pledge to refund customers in the event of serious rental issues, indicated that it was up to the host to grant any refunds, according to the host who insisted that Airbnb made the decision.

After 10 weeks of automated responses to James’ complaints, Airbnb decided to close the case, stating that the matter had dragged on for far too long. The host concluded that repairs totaled 5,000 euros (£4,350) and offered no reimbursements. Instead, she suggested the couple should celebrate their survival and “turn the event into a beautiful story.”

Eventually, Airbnb issued a full refund along with a £500 voucher after scrutiny of its health and safety policies. A spokesperson expressed, “We apologize for the initial handling of this case, which did not meet our usual high standards. We will conduct an internal review.”




The sightseeing time for one Booking.com customer was cut short due to a broken lock. Photo: Alejandro García/EPA

I was trapped

Kim Pocock booked a flat through Booking.com for a two-night stay in Barcelona. She and her daughter found themselves locked inside for almost the entire duration of their only day in the city due to a malfunctioning front door security lock.

“The host sent a maintenance man, but he couldn’t assist,” she recalled. “Eventually, a locksmith arrived, attempting to access the lock from the outside. He even had to purchase rope, which he used to hoist tools up to our window.”

Pocock sought a full refund for the stress and ruined trip. Booking.com informed her that it was up to the host to decide. Not only did the host refuse, but they also deducted a deposit of 250 euros to cover the replacement lock. Although that sum was eventually returned by Booking.com, Pocock felt the burden of the 446 euro rental fee.

“Had there been an emergency during our confinement, our lives would have been at significant risk, yet the hosts blamed us for using the lock,” she lamented.

Another Booking.com customer, Philip (name withheld), found himself locked out of a London flat he had booked for £70 just as he was about to check in. The owner informed him that he was abroad and suggested Philip find alternate accommodations for the night. Consequently, he spent an additional £123 at a hotel, only to face four months of futile efforts to obtain a refund.

“Booking.com essentially claims there’s nothing they can do because the owners are unresponsive,” he remarked. “I can’t comprehend how businesses can function this way without any accountability. The additional twist is that the property is still listed on the platform.”

Following intervention from Guardian Money, Booking.com refunded both customers. The platform confirmed that the host who had locked Philip out of the rental could not be reached. When questioned about why problematic accommodations are not delisted, the response was that they rely on guest feedback to ensure property suitability.

Reviews do not always tell the complete story. A consumer group reported last year that Booking.com’s default system shown reviews classified as “relevant,” which makes it easy for users to miss a surge of recent reviews that indicate a listing might be a scam or unavailable.

Booking.com responded by stating that it allows customers to sort reviews by newest or lowest ratings to facilitate informed decisions about the property.

Is it the same? The report noted that listings frequently flagged as fraud were still present. Booking.com responded by affirming that it relies on hosts to adhere to their terms of service and maintain up-to-date availability.




Booking.com insists that customers must review guest feedback to ensure the property is “suitable.” Photo: Dado Ruvić/Reuters

Grey Area

The issue for travelers who receive substandard services is that their contracts are with the accommodation providers rather than the booking platforms.

Both Airbnb and Booking.com claim they will assist in finding alternative housing during emergencies, but securing compensation for a problematic stay is a more complicated battle. Both platforms generally rely on hosts to act responsibly.

Consumer advocate and journalist Martin James argues that the sector requires stricter regulations. “With online platforms essentially policing themselves, if a dispute isn’t resolved, your only option is legal action,” James explains. “But who would pursue that? There’s a contract between you and the host, meaning you need to initiate legal steps in your own country.”

He adds, “You might contend that the online marketplace has failed to manage your complaints adequately, but pursuing this is a legally ambiguous matter. Both companies are registered abroad and have substantial resources.”

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act, which came into effect in April, mandates online platforms to “exercise professional diligence” concerning consumer transactions promoted or conducted on their platforms.

A DBT spokesperson stated: “This government supports consumers and has implemented stringent new financial penalties for breaches of consumer law to safeguard people’s money.”

They further stated: “Companies providing services to UK consumers must adhere to UK legislation. We have strengthened their competitive stance and market power to ensure they face significant penalties for non-compliance.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why UK Readers Choose to Carry or Not Carry Wallets: Insights on Consumer Behavior

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A recent survey reveals that 50% of British adults still carry physical wallets, while many opt for mobile phones and smartwatches to transport their payment cards.

Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay have become the go-to payment methods for Generation Z and Millennials. In contrast, many individuals over 44 continue to depend on traditional debit and credit cards.

Four readers have shared their insights about wallets.

‘Not needed’




Alosh K Jose suggests that the shift to online and contactless payments post-Covid means there’s no necessity for a wallet anymore.
Photo: Alosh K Jose/Guardian Community

“It used to overwhelm me,” shares Alosh K. Jose from Newcastle upon Tyne. “Bringing it everywhere has become increasingly unnecessary.”

Josue states that the shift to online and contactless payments post-Covid means he doesn’t need a wallet. “All my bank cards are on my phone,” says the 31-year-old, who operates a business that provides local cricket sessions.

Despite being caught on a Spanish train during a widespread blackout that hit parts of Europe last April, Jose felt financially okay without too much cash.

“My fiancé and I traveled from Barcelona to Madrid, waiting five hours on the train before disembarking. [£8.70] Luckily, a few people shared cash with us, allowing us to catch the bus,” he recounts.

“If something similar were to happen in Newcastle, I’d be fine. There’s no language barrier even without physical cash.”

“I don’t want to risk my sensitive information being misused.”




Still favoring a physical wallet, Roger feels exposed when pulling his phone out.
Photo: Roger/Guardian Community

In Buckinghamshire, Roger, a retired IT professional, maintains both a wallet and a coin pouch. “Putting all my cards on my smartphone feels like risking everything at once,” he mentions.

At 69 years old, he prefers having physical cards on hand and feels vulnerable when taking out his phone. “Using it to pay at a store feels risky, and I worry about dropping it too often.”

“Having worked in security, I’m aware of the risks associated with personal information. I don’t want that window of potential misuse to be left open by using a digital wallet.”

Among his wallet’s contents, Roger holds cash, payment cards, reward cards, and even a snippet of a Times article from the 1980s.




Snippets from an article in the Times from the 1980s.
Photo: Roger/Guardian Community

“I prefer using physical cards – it’s about control.”




Georgina, part of Gen Z, finds it surprising how few people have wallets.
Photo: Georgina/Guardian Community

At 26, Georgina is astonished that many don’t have a wallet. “I always carry mine because I prefer to possess physical items instead of just digital equivalents,” she explains.

Her wallet includes a debit card, driver’s license, train cards, supermarket loyalty cards, and even £20 in emergency cash, along with an “overused business card from a taxi service.”




Georgina stands against the trend by not adopting digital wallets.
Photo: Guardian Community

As a member of Gen Z, Georgina, living in Leeds and developing online technology training courses, resists the trend of digital wallets.

“Call me old-fashioned, but I despise that idea,” she remarks. “Most of my friends use their phones to pay, and while I acknowledge it’s convenient—

“I cherish tangible things like cards and even nostalgic items like paper concert tickets. I prefer not to be overly reliant on my phone; it’s about having control. I used to worry about carrying my card, but now I find myself asking if I have cash.”

‘My wallet is essentially a generous phone case.’




Before receiving her first smartphone during the pandemic, Sarah Hayward carried a wallet “twice the size” of her current phone case.
Photo: Sarahayward/Guardian Community

Sarah Hayward, a 61-year-old artist from Worcester, mentions that her wallet has become “a generous phone case.”

Before getting her first smartphone during the pandemic, Hayward carried a wallet that was “double the size” of her current phone case. As an artist, she has often carried a digital camera. Now, her phone case has become a combination of all of her essentials.




While Sarah Hayward keeps a physical card, it remains hidden in her phone case.
Photo: Sarahayward/Guardian Community

“I carry bank cards, taxi cards from the airport, supermarket loyalty cards, season tickets from a local majestic home garden, annual travel insurance details, GHIC cards, my polaroid snapshots, and memories of my children with their partners from a recent Moroccan wedding, along with self-employment receipts and emergency cash.

“My phone also contains a video of my mother from four years ago before she passed away. It’s like a living wallet that has her presence in it.”

Hayward avoids digital payments as she finds physical cards much more “secure.” However, she acknowledges a downside to her preferred method: “There’s no space for lipstick and tissues.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Meta Approves Crowdfunding Ads for IDF Drones and Unveils Consumer Watchdog Initiative

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Meta serves ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads from pro-Israel organizations soliciting funds for military assets, including drones and tactical gear for Israeli Defense Forces battalions.

“We are Sheikh’s sniper team stationed in Gaza. We require a tripod to fulfill our mission at Jabaria,” states one Facebook ad that was first posted on June 11 and remains active as of July 17.

These sponsored advertisements were initially uncovered and reported to Meta by Ekō, a global consumer watchdog. They have identified at least 117 ads beginning in March 2025 that specifically requested donations for IDF military equipment. This marks the second instance an organization has highlighted an ad by the same publisher to Meta. In a prior assessment from December 2024, Ekō flagged 98 ads, urging the tech giant to take action against many of them. Nonetheless, the company has largely permitted publishers to initiate new campaigns with similar ads since then. The IDF itself has not made any public appeals for funding.

“This proves that Meta essentially accepts funding from anyone,” remarked Maen Hamad, a campaigner with Goku. “There appears to be minimal balance in the oversight that platforms are supposed to provide. If that’s the case, those measures are only implemented post-factum.”

In response, Ryan Daniels, a spokesperson for the social media company, stated that Meta has reviewed and eliminated ads violating company policy after receiving inquiries. Any advertisement related to social issues, elections, or politics must undergo an approval process and contain a disclaimer disclosing advertising payments, according to the company. These particular ads, however, did not meet that criterion.

These ads garnered at least 76,000 impressions, a metric indicating the number of times an ad is shown to users solely within the EU and the UK. The group was unable to ascertain the number of impressions in the US.

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At least 97 recent advertisements are soliciting donations for specific models of private drones, many of which remain operational. A new investigation by +972 Magazine reveals that these drones are utilized by Israeli combat units to drop explosives on Palestinians. Although these quadcopters can be found on Amazon, IDF units often modify civilian drones sourced via Facebook groups, primarily produced by a Chinese company called Autel, at a fraction of the cost of military-grade drones. Several IDF soldiers spoke to +972 anonymously.

“Most of our drones are damaged and in disrepair. We have no replacements.” Another ad states. “Donate now. Every second counts and every drone can save lives.”

It remains unclear if these combat units leverage the funds received from these specific ads to purchase drones, but soldiers informed +972 that they have received donations, fundraisers, and inexpensive drones sourced through Facebook groups, manufactured by Autel.

Funding advertisements from Vaad Hatzedaka, one of the publishers flagged by Ekō, link to a donation webpage detailing the equipment being funded, which includes two Autel drones. Vaad Hatzedaka, a nonprofit organization, has set a fundraising target of $300,000 and has already secured over $250,000 for these drones and other assistance for various IDF units, according to the donation page. The second publisher, Mayer Malik, is an Israel-based singer-songwriter who has run ads directing to a landing page offering sponsorship avenues for various tactical gear, raising more than $2.2 million in total donations for the IDF.

Meta’s advertising policy strictly prohibits the promotion of donation requests for “firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements,” with limited exceptions. Meta has removed some recent ads and associated funding requests for military resources that were flagged earlier, primarily due to the absence of necessary disclaimers accompanying the ads. Social issues, elections, or political ads are subject to disclose requirements as stated in Meta’s Advertising Library.

According to Ekō, these advertisements may also breach certain provisions of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Under the DSA, platforms like Meta are required to eliminate content that contravenes national or EU legislation. In France and the UK, the laws restrict how charities can fund and the means by which they can support foreign military entities. For instance, in January 2025, the Charity Commissioner in the UK issued an official warning to a London charity that raised funds for IDF soldiers, stating that it was “neither legal nor acceptable.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Instagram Users Claim They Were Banned Without an Appeal Process | Consumer Concerns

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I am a young black entrepreneur and RM leader. His personal and business social media profiles have been deleted by Meta, the parent company of Instagram. There was no notice, no option to appeal, and no explanation given to my understanding. He had successfully established two businesses in clothing design and music events.

Just six days prior to the ban, he sold 1,500 tickets for an electronic dance event in London. Instagram, rather than his website, serves as the main platform for his work. Yet, he was abruptly informed that his content violated Meta’s community guidelines regarding violence and incitement.

His business account boasted 5,700 followers, while his personal account had nearly 4,000 contacts. All were erased without alternative means of contact, leaving him without his entire social and professional network. Retrieving this data is not allowed. IP address His device is inaccessible due to restrictions New account.

In following his work, I’ve yet to see anything violent in his promotional videos, save for toy weapons. His life is being upended by what seems to be an unyielding algorithm.

RP, London

The pivotal role of social media in the lives of young people often confuses older generations who rely on websites and direct contacts.

When I spoke with RM, 21, he shared that the abrupt account closure by Meta, due to vaguely defined infractions, also affected fellow students, resulting in a loss for their burgeoning businesses.

“For my generation, my Instagram profile is not just my sole source of income; it’s part of my identity, making recovery challenging,” he explains. “I wasn’t notified about violating any guidelines. This decision has cost me thousands of pounds in lost sales, which is especially devastating for single parents in the city center.”

RM firmly denies posting any content that could be perceived as violent or inciting harm. His account has been deleted, leaving him unable to clarify.

Instead, I came across an interview with RM on a music website that offered insights into the cyberpunk rave scene he participates in. Some band and song titles might trigger the algorithms.

Terms like drug, sex, and kill are prevalent in various musical genres. It remains unclear which specific lines resulted in RM’s discharge, as Meta has provided no communication to RM or myself, citing “confidentiality.”

While they declined to comment further, a spokesperson indicated that they would not restore RM’s account or provide him with contact details due to a “violation” of the guidelines. There is no avenue for appeal.

Meta, as a commercial entity, has the right to decide its clientele and eliminate harmful content, yet its role as judge, jury, and executioner is concerning given the repercussions of such decisions.

RM can file a Subject Access Request to discover what information Meta holds about him. While this won’t restore his account, it might help him comprehend the basis of the actions taken against him. Should Meta refuse to comply, he can reach out to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

He has created a new account and purchased a laptop to begin the process of rebuilding. I advise him (and others) to regularly back up contacts and not solely rely on companies that offer opaque administrative practices.

Meta currently faces scrutiny for enforcing widespread bans on users via algorithms on Facebook and Instagram. A petition has garnered over 25,000 signatures, advocating for human intervention.

Locked out of Facebook

em West Sussex hit a digital dead end after being locked out of her Facebook account when hackers changed her password, email address, and phone number. She states that Facebook’s automated system provided a lengthy set of instructions when she sought guidance to regain access from the hackers. Subsequently, the hackers switched her account from private to public, exposing her sensitive personal information.

Upon seeking help from Facebook, her newly established account was permanently closed. “It’s impossible to find someone to communicate with via email, chat, or phone,” she laments. “On a positive note, I enjoy the absence of Facebook noise in my life, though it felt like having my arm amputated!”

Meta did not respond to requests for comment.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Earn Up to £800 Daily: How Fraudsters Use Phones and Texts to Deceive Victims

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oBlue UT You will receive a call or text offering you a job opportunity. It seems enticing – it’s remote work, and you can potentially earn £800 daily. If you’re interested, just reach out to the sender through the provided WhatsApp number.

The tasks are quite simple. Typically, you’re asked to engage with TikTok content through likes and shares.

“Once you start liking and sharing, you’ll get a small payout. However, this is fraudulent funding tied to individuals involved in scams,” remarks Annya Burskys, head of fraud prevention at the National Building Association. “Then, you might be told that you need to pay a total to unlock greater profits, which could be framed as a training fee.

“Part of that money is used to compensate other victims, leading some into organized crime syndicates.”

Burskys highlights that this initial outreach is particularly enticing for many, especially students.

“We’re noticing an uptick in incidents, particularly within the 16-25 age group,” she says. “Previously, we didn’t receive such reports daily, but now we hear from individuals who have sent money or from banks alerting us about funds transferred to these accounts.”

In some instances, the victim might inadvertently become a “money mule.”

Beyond sharing funds or account details, victims may later discover that their bank and identity information have been exploited for additional fraud.

Typically, victims incur losses amounting to hundreds or thousands of pounds. “It’s far from a good deal. The concern lies in the volume,” she explains. “Events unfold swiftly. From initiation to the realization that you’ve been scammed, an investment fraud can occur over mere months or even years.”

As academic institutions close for the summer, students seeking employment should be cautious of potential scams.

What does fraud look like?




The £800 figure frequently appears in correspondence related to the scam. You will be prompted to contact via WhatsApp. Photo: Guardian

Messages often claim to originate from recruitment agencies, sometimes using legitimate company names or stating availability of work through TikTok. Some texts even reference your CV as if you’d submitted it. They promise earnings of hundreds of pounds daily (the £800 figure is a recurring theme).

Calls may bear similarities too. In a recent week, an automated voice falsely claimed to represent a recruitment agency, instructing recipients to contact via WhatsApp if interested in the job. The associated phone number typically appears as a regular UK mobile.




Some scams reference your CV as if you had submitted it. Photo: Guardian

What the message asks for

The initial message will prompt you to express interest in the position. The scammer will claim it involves work related to sharing content preferences (likely TikTok videos). When you register or when it’s time for payment, you may be asked for more personal information.

You might receive an initial “payment,” but then you will be requested to cover costs for training or to unlock access to higher earnings.

What to do

Be cautious of unsolicited messages that claim to offer job opportunities. This approach is not typical for genuine recruitment agencies. The agency asserts, “In fact, we don’t utilize our platform to directly contact job seekers for our employers to acquire new employees.”

Burskys recommends that if you receive messages from recruiters or companies offering jobs, investigate by “using the company’s home and researching on LinkedIn.” A company’s home page may provide insights into its operations, directors, and details regarding their legitimacy.

If you know the name of the employer, visit their site to see if the position is advertised.

In the UK, reports of fraudulent messages can be forwarded to 7726.

Numerous recruiters provide advice on safely conducting your job search, such as these tips.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Will You Face a Cyber Attack? 7 Essential Protection Tips | Consumer Concerns

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Keep an eye on your inbox

Cyberattack notifications flood our inboxes weekly, sparking concern over the personal data that may have been compromised.

Recently, Adidas disclosed that some personal information of customers was breached, including passwords and credit card details, although their payment data was secure.

Another incident involved unauthorized access to personal data of thousands of legal aid applicants from England and Wales, dating back to 2010, which followed significant disruptions caused by a cyberattack on Marks & Spencer.

If you see news about a cybersecurity incident affecting a company you’ve interacted with, stay vigilant regarding your email. Companies typically reach out to affected customers with details on what occurred and suggested actions.

Sometimes, only specific customer segments or users from particular regions may be impacted.

In Adidas’ case, it appears that those who contacted customer service recently are primarily affected, which may exclude many others. Occasionally, communication will confirm that you are unaffected.

If your information could be compromised, you’ll usually receive guidance on corrective measures or a link to a FAQs page. In some instances, firms may offer free access to support services from cybersecurity experts or credit monitoring.

In Adidas’ case, it seems to affect customers who contacted the service desk previously. Photo: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images

Change Your Password

If you’ve conducted transactions with an organization that faced a cyber incident, change your password for that account immediately.

Ensure your password is robust and not used across multiple accounts.

Experts recommend creating passwords that are at least 12 characters long, including a mix of numbers, capital and lowercase letters, and symbols. Avoid easily guessed information like pet names, birthdays, or favorite teams.

“A great strategy to enhance password security is to combine three random words into one.” says the National Cybersecurity Centre in the UK. For example, consider something like Hippo! PizzaRocket1.

“Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store unique, strong passwords,” advises online security firm Nordvpn.

Utilize Two-Step Authentication

Two-step verification adds an extra security layer to your email and other key online accounts.

This generally involves receiving a code via the Authenticator app or sent to your registered mobile number to grant access.

Enable two-step verification on all services that provide this feature.

The second factor may include codes sent via SMS. Photo: Prostock-Studio/Alamy

Beware of Unsolicited Emails

Phishing emails often cite recent cyber events to lure unsuspecting targets who may be customers of the affected company.

Scammers might leverage personal information they’ve acquired to appear credible.

Avoid clicking on any link or attachment in emails, text messages, or social media posts unless you’re entirely certain of their legitimacy. These links can lead to phishing sites or include malware designed to steal your identity.

M&S advises potentially impacted customers that they “may receive emails, calls, or texts that appear to be from us.” “We will never reach out for your personal account details, such as your username or password.”

If an email claims to be from a business you interact with and you’re uncertain of its authenticity, ignore it or verify it through official contact channels.

Be cautious about links or attachments in emails unless you are completely sure they are legitimate. Photo: Tero Vesalainen/Alamy

Monitor Your Credit Record

If your personal data has been compromised, keep an eye on your credit report, which details your financial history and is used by lenders to judge your creditworthiness, in case someone attempts to open accounts in your name.

For instance, if a financial entity endures a cyber breach, the accessed data could include sensitive information such as your name, address, national insurance number, date of birth, bank account details, salary, and potentially your passport.

This information can be misused for identity fraud.

In the UK, the main credit reference agencies are Equifax, Experian, and Transunion, all providing various options to check your credit report for free or via subscription.

Credit Karma and Clear Score offer free lifetime access to your credit reports.

Experian provides an ID monitoring service, which checks your personal, financial, and credit information for suspicious activity. It’s a paid service, but if your data becomes compromised, they may cover the costs.

Be cautious if you suddenly find your applications for credit cards or loans being denied, or if you cease receiving bank statements for no clear reason despite a healthy credit score, as it may indicate identity theft.

More significantly, you may start receiving letters regarding debts that are not yours, or seeing transactions on your bank statements for items you didn’t purchase.

Many instances of financial fraud begin on social media and tech platforms, so remain vigilant, as scammers may possess details about you that can lend credibility to their deception.


The so-called “High Mama” scams have risen in recent years, where scammers impersonate relatives on platforms like WhatsApp, often pleading for urgent money transfers upon claiming to be locked out of their online banking.

Even with a sense of urgency, take the necessary time to verify the identity of anyone requesting funds.

Opt Out of Registration

When shopping online, retailers frequently prompt you to save payment card details for quicker checkout, but this may store your information with third-party services rather than just the retailer.

If you can avoid storing payment details across multiple sites, you reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your card information.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Consumers steer clear of company with Trump as boss after losing trust: Consumer concerns

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In In late January, Lauren Bedson did something that many people thought could not think. She has cancelled her Amazon Prime membership. The catalyst was Donald Trump's inauguration. More Americans are planning to make similar decisions this Friday.


Bedson moved her after seeing pictures of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sitting with other tech moguls and billionaires.

Bedson of Camas, Washington, told the Guardian. “I've lived in Seattle for over 10 years. I've been an Amazon fan for a long time and I think they have good products. But I'm so tired of it. I don’t want to give these billionaire oligarchs my money anymore.”

Emotions have been felt by many Americans since Trump entered the White House. Business and business leaders who were once passive or vocally critical of Trump are trying to protect what they feel comfortable with, questioning the value of brands that consumers trusted. A recent Harris poll found that a quarter of American consumers have changed in their political stance and are no longer shopping at their favorite stores.

Many are inspired by the calls to boycotts coming from social media. One boycott It has become a virus over the past few weeks. “Power blackouts” for businesses that have reduced some of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, including Target, Amazon, and Walmart, are scheduled for February 28th, with protesters planning to halt all spending on these companies.




Lauren Bedson has cancelled his Amazon Prime membership. Photo: Lauren Bedson

But people are also deciding to boycott within their communities at kitchen tables, trying to find a way to resist Trump, and perhaps corporate capitalism.

The Guardian asked readers how their shopping habits have changed over the past few months as the political situation began to change after Trump's victory. Hundreds of people from across the country say they no longer shop at stores like Walmart and have targeted targets who publicly announced the end of their DEI goals. Dozens, like Bedson, had cancelled their long-held Prime accounts. Others shut down their Facebook and Instagram accounts in protest of the meta.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Consumer Affairs: Airbnb host raises prices by 39% following reservation

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My daughter used my credit card to book a 5-month stay using Airbnb after taking an internship in Toronto. After the host accepted the booking, she received an email saying the entire stay had increased by £4,000 for her (plus 39% for her).

In a panic, she canceled because she couldn’t afford to pay the extra fee. Airbnb took it. There is a £1,962 handling fee plus £682 cleaning fee and tax. Her daughter canceled immediately, so it is unlikely that your reservation will be lost.

Airbnb endlessly cites its terms of service. I asked the host to give me the money back, but he said he wouldn’t give it back. Feels as if it helped this guy perpetuate something. Seems like a scam.

JS,

on mail

I’m surprised Airbnb didn’t resolve this issue in your favor before I got involved. You were asked to pay an additional 39% after booking – seriously? Fortunately, the company has now refunded you the full amount.

I was told that I should have declined the host’s request for additional fees. In that case, it was up to the host to decide whether to proceed at the original rate or cancel.

You wonder who at the company came up with the terms and conditions that allow for such a request, but all’s well that ends well. I hope your daughter enjoys Toronto.

We welcome letters, but cannot respond individually. Email us at Consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please enter a phone number where you can be reached during the day. Submission and publication of all letters is subject to our Terms of Use.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Beware: A single click can result in overwhelming spam bombardment | Consumer Affairs

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D

o Do brochures from companies you've never heard of regularly land on your doormat with a thud? These junk mail deliveries can reveal how the sender got your name and address, and who you are. You may wonder if your personal information is being shared without your permission.

One Guardian Money reader got in touch with fashion retailer Boden after she was bombarded with unsolicited posts when she placed her first order. Within weeks, she was sent catalogs from more than a dozen luxury brands selling clothing, food, and furniture, from Me+Em to The Fold to Biscuiters to Daylesford Organic to Loaf.

“There could be people who knew my address and sent me endless catalogs of bulky, environmentally unfriendly clothing that I would never buy,” she says. “I felt like someone was very careless with my privacy.”

“legitimate interest”

If you're seeing a growing pile of catalogs, the retailer you used may have passed your address to a data broker.

This legal trading of personal information is big business, involving companies ranging from huge multinationals to small British companies. Some perform simple activities such as collating and selling lists of names and contacts. Some combine multiple data sources to create rich profiles of individuals that may be considered intrusive.

The way businesses capture and use personal data (information such as name, email address, address and telephone number) is governed by UK data protection as set out in the General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Managed.





Have you ever wondered how the sender of your catalog got your name and address?
 Photo: Alicia Kanter/The Guardian

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) says that to comply, organizations need to be upfront and tell people what they want to do with their data. This includes whether you plan to use a data broker service to obtain additional information or perform profiling. You also need to notify people if you plan to share their data with data brokers. “Organizations must clarify the purpose of processing and identify the data. legal basis for processing,” the ICO said.

“In the context of data brokerage, the commonly referred legal bases are consent and legitimate interests.”

This is why the words “legitimate interest” and “consent” often feature prominently in company website privacy notices.

Andrew Northage, a partner at law firm Walker Morris, said the first clause typically covers marketing, saying: “It is reasonable for retailers to promote their products and services; “This is to avoid having a strong negative impact on customers.”

Where direct marketing is carried out electronically (including by telephone, email and messaging) rather than by post, the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 also apply, Northage said. Here, the only legal basis for data sharing is consent.

“Customers should read the retailer's privacy notice to see if it offers to share data with third parties for marketing purposes,” he advises.

They should “only consent to this sharing if they are clear about what they are consenting to.”

prospect pool

among them
Privacy notice Borden said it collects personal information “just like when you shop online.” “So we can send you a tailored offer for something you actually want, like that spotted raincoat.”

The company also said it may share users' names, addresses and “order details” with data brokers Epsilon and Experian, which “manage lead pools on behalf of UK retailers.” There is.

Managed by Epsilon (part of French advertising group Publicis).
Abacus Alliance. This is a large database where over 250 participating catalog retailers and multichannel retailers share the names and addresses of their shopping customers, so other members can target them with mailshots. I can.

A “lead pool” is, as the name suggests, a collection of potential customers. Analysts, or more recently, artificial intelligence software, comb through this data to identify purchasing patterns. As a result, your name may be given to a company that appears to be selling what you want to buy.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Borden or Epsilon.





Have you ever wondered what personal information is collected when you shop online?
 Photo: Yui Mok/PA

Borden says
“We strictly comply with data protection regulations. ”Additionally, “Customers can opt out of marketing at the time of purchase, through the marketing settings in their account, or through our customer service team. .”

Readers traced the source of the junk mail to the Abacus Alliance. “I called and was told it would be six months before deliveries would stop,” she said.

If you are in a similar situation and would like your personal data removed from our database, you can:
fill out the form Please contact us via our website by calling 020 89438049 or nomail@epsilon.com.

The ICO says it has received a small number of complaints regarding Epsilon and Abacus Alliance in recent years, but has “determined that there is no further action to take in response to these complaints and is now closing the process.” he added.

Please refrain from spam mail

If you are unhappy with the amount of junk mail you receive, there are several things you can do to remove your name from the broker's database.

free
Mail priority service (MPS) allows you to opt out of unsolicited personal email.

Russell Roach, head of preference services at the Data Marketing Association (DMA), which runs MPS, suggests that if you receive an unwanted catalog, you should first contact the company directly. “Send a letter or email to the company and ask them to remove your personal data from their records and affiliates,” he says. “Tell me how you feel about receiving all this junk mail.

“Register with MPS and we will do it for you. Our website says:
Complaints section Here, we ask you to scan or send the email you receive. My team will then contact the organization and give you 14 days to respond.

“When we talk to this organization, we argue that emailing only those who want to receive information saves time and money and reduces waste.”





There are several ways to prevent receiving unsolicited email.
 Photo: Martin Argules/The Guardian

If you want to take it a step further, you can contact the Information Commissioner's Office, which has its own complaints process.

When signing up for a new product or service, the important things to look for are the boxes that are pre-checked. “You can check the box to say, 'I understand the terms and conditions,' but there's also a checkbox that says, 'Are you sure you want to transfer your data to some of our affiliates that offer similar services?' Sometimes it’s pre-checked,” says Roach. Uncheck this box to avoid unnecessary contact.

A growing number of companies, like DeleteMe, delete personal information sold online in exchange for a subscription fee (in this case £115 a year).

“DeleteMe exists to save people the time and headache of figuring out how to opt out of all these marketing schemes and data broker databases,” said Rob Shavel, CEO of the company. Masu.

“Hopefully, the result will be less direct mail, less spam, less robocalls, less phone calls, and less marketing that is unpleasant to you and offers little benefit to you personally.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Consumer Reports Finds Tesla’s Autopilot Recall Fix to be ‘Inadequate’

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Tesla’s fix for Autopilot recall of more than 2 million vehicles criticized as ‘insufficient’ consumer reportfollowing a preliminary test.

Kelly Fankhauser, associate director of vehicle technology at the nonprofit organization, told TechCrunch that they’ve discovered it’s possible to cover the interior camera while using Autopilot. That means it could disable one of the two main ways cars monitor whether you’re paying attention to the road.

Additionally, Funkhouser said that when activating or using Autosteer, Autopilot’s flagship feature, outside of access-controlled highways, where Tesla claims the software is designed to said that they did not notice any difference.

The test was not comprehensive, but it showed that questions remain about Tesla’s approach to driver monitoring, the technology at the heart of the recall.

The group has a long history of critically evaluating both Tesla technology and vehicles, and plans to conduct more extensive testing in the coming weeks. Fankhauser said Consumer Reports has only received over-the-air software updates for the Model S sedan, so it has not yet evaluated other changes, such as more prominent visual warnings in the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV. .

Tesla has also added a suspension policy that disables Autopilot for a week if “inappropriate use” is detected, but Funkhouser said such a suspension policy did not occur for two drives lasting 15 to 20 miles each. He said he had not encountered any such situation.

The recall, announced last week, affects more than 2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada and comes amid a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This product focuses on an autosteer feature designed to keep your car centered in its lane on access-controlled highways, even around curves.

Tesla tells drivers to keep their eyes on the road and keep their hands on the wheel while using Autosteer, and it monitors this through a combination of a torque sensor on the steering wheel and, in newer cars, an interior camera. But NHTSA said in a document released last week that it considers these checks “insufficient to prevent abuse.”

However, Tesla does not limit the use of Autosteer to access-controlled highways. Instead, drivers can activate Autosteer on other roads as long as certain basic conditions are met (such as visible lane markers). NHTSA said that as part of the recall, Tesla will add “additional checks when Autosteer is activated, when using the feature outside of controlled access highways, and when approaching traffic stops.” Ta.

Some owners feared this would mean Tesla would limit autosteer and limit it to controlled-access highways. Just like Ford and General Motors do with their Blue Cruise and Super Cruise systems. As the update began rolling out over the weekend, several opinions were shared in online forums. how to avoid it By disconnecting your Tesla’s cell phone or Wi-Fi radio.

But Funkhouser’s tests show that such drastic measures are clearly not necessary. In the release notes for the latest software update, Tesla says the camera “can determine driver inattention and issue an audio warning to remind you to keep your eyes on the road when Autopilot is engaged. “Now we can do that,” the company says, but the wording is the same as the company’s.Used to enable driver monitoring with interior cameras for the first time in 2021she points out. And dDespite what Tesla says, Release notes it is”[i]”Driver attentiveness requirements have been increased when using Autosteer and when approaching traffic lights and stop signs off-highway,” Funkhouser said, adding that these changes were not noticeable in preliminary testing. Ta. Part of the reason is that it’s hard to know exactly what Tesla means in the first place.

All of this makes it unclear whether or to what extent Tesla has changed the functionality of the driver’s attentiveness camera in the update. (NHTSA declined to comment, instead directing questions to Tesla, which disbanded its media department several years ago.)

“None of this is very prescriptive or explicit in terms of what they’re trying to do.” [change]”Funkhouser says.

Source: techcrunch.com

TikTok Achieves Landmark $10 Billion in Consumer Spending, Surpassing Gaming Apps

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TikTok’s short-form video app is reaching a new milestone. The app is the first non-gaming mobile app to reach 1 billion monthly active users in 2021 and generate $10 billion in consumer spending across the Apple App Store and Google Play combined, according to new analysis by the app intelligence provider. It is said that it became. data.ai. The only other apps to achieve this include all games including King/Activision Blizzard’s Candy Crush Saga, which is the top earner at over $12 billion, Tencent’s Honor of Kings, XFLAG/Mixi’s Monster Strike, Including Supercell’s Clash of Clans.

Image credits: data.ai

The report notes that TikTok already entered 2023 with more than $6.2 billion in consumer spending and has since added another $3.8 billion over the course of the year, representing 61% year-to-date growth. This figure is 15% higher than the total of $3.3 billion in 2022, according to data.ai. For reference, that report only includes consumer spending on TikTok across iOS and Google Play, and does not include third-party Android app stores in China. In other words, TikTok’s total consumer spending could increase further.

This spending comes from TikTok’s in-app purchases of “coins,” a virtual currency that users can spend on gifts to creators on the platform. These gifts reward creators for their content and can be cashed out as fiat currency, with TikTok keeping his 50% of the payments. The app’s most popular in-app purchase is a bundle of 1,321 coins for $19.99, which accounts for a quarter of its revenue. TikTok also generates revenue from other sources besides in-app purchases, such as advertising and e-commerce through the TikTok Shop, but these are not counted in data.ai’s analysis.

Image credits: data.ai

According to Data.ai, US consumers and Chinese iOS users accounted for the majority of the in-app spending that pushed TikTok to the $10 billion milestone, with both markets accounting for around 30% of each revenue and In other words, it drives 60% of the total. Total when combined. This was followed by other markets such as Saudi Arabia, Germany, the UK, and Japan, which together accounted for 13% of his in-app purchase revenue.

TikTok is the only non-gaming app to reach $10 billion, but other non-gaming apps have also made billions of dollars, but far behind TikTok. The next closest competitors are Tinder and YouTube, both of which have a $2 billion to $3 billion lead over TikTok, the report said.

Image credits: data.ai

“TikTok is poised to become the most profitable mobile app in history, approaching the $15 billion milestone in 2024. Consumers are tipping their favorite content creators with more than $11 million per day. , which makes TikTok the world’s most lucrative mobile game ever, surpassing the beloved Candy Crush Saga,” said Lexi Sydow, Head of Insights at data.ai. At the announcement About new milestones. “TikTokers will spend 40 hours of work time each month within the app by the end of 2024, a 22% increase from 2023,” she added.

office Predict TikTok’s revenue will rise again in 2024, with consumer spending reaching $15 billion.

Source: techcrunch.com