Commander Richard Smith, the national lead on robbery, dives into the alarming rise of mobile phone thefts and the innovative policing tactics being deployed to tackle mobile fraud. He discusses the intricate web of financial crimes targeting banking apps and shares insights on recent arrests. The conversation then shifts to the growing concern of savings tax, highlighting how many accounts now incur tax and providing clarity on how individuals can navigate these changes. Listeners also learn about the hurdles faced by those managing finances for disabled children and the value of children's pensions.
New police tactics to combat mobile phone fraud emphasize understanding offender patterns and improving public vigilance for security.
With over six million savings accounts now taxable, many individuals struggle with their tax obligations and reporting processes for interest income.
Deep dives
Rising Theft of Mobile Phones
There has been a significant increase in mobile phone thefts, particularly during nights out in urban areas, where thieves are targeting young adults. The Metropolitan Police are implementing new tactics to combat this crime, with an emphasis on understanding offenders' patterns and capturing their digital footprint. Victims, like one individual who lost £18,000 after his phone was stolen, are facing traumatic consequences not only from the theft but also from subsequent financial fraud using their banking apps. As crime rates continue to escalate, the police are focusing on prevention strategies while urging the public to remain vigilant and educated about their phone security.
Tax Implications of Savings Interest
With rising interest rates on savings accounts, many people are beginning to exceed their tax-free allowances, leading to increased taxation on savings interest. The personal savings allowance allows for up to £1,000 of tax-free interest for basic rate taxpayers, while others can benefit from a more substantial £5,000 limit based on their income. Over six million accounts are now projected to fall above the tax threshold, resulting in an extra £9 billion collected in taxes by HM Revenue and Customs. Clarity regarding tax obligations is essential, as individuals often struggle to understand their responsibilities and the process for reporting income tax from savings.
Challenges for Court-Appointed Deputies
Court-appointed deputies are facing serious obstacles when handling the financial affairs of individuals who cannot manage their own, particularly with banks imposing restrictive measures. Cases have emerged where deputies have had difficulties accessing funds, changing direct debits, and executing necessary transactions due to bureaucratic hurdles at banks. The impact of such barriers can severely affect the vulnerable clients they represent, causing distress and financial instability. Experts are calling for banks to enhance their training and processes, ensuring that deputies can efficiently execute their legal responsibilities without unnecessary complications.
New tactics to fight mobile phone fraud are being rolled out across England and Wales. It's when mobile phones are stolen not for the value of the physical handset but for criminals to access the banking and financial apps and steal money from victims. Paul Lewis speaks to the national lead on robbery, Commander Richard Smith, about how new intelligence and techniques to pursue suspects have led to arrests and prosecutions going to court.
More and more of us are paying tax on our savings. Recent figures suggest that in April over 6 million savings accounts were set to earn enough interest to have to pay tax. That is more than double the number of accounts the year before, according to analysis by the lender Shawbrook. In November, HMRC told us that for the majority of customers this tax on savings interest is automatically collected using their tax code, but many listeners get in touch concerned they will have to pay tax and wondering how to do it. What should they do?
Listeners and lawyers who are court appointed deputies say banks won't let them act properly for the person they protect. We’ll speak to the Association of Lifetime Lawyers about what they're seeing. UK Finance, which represents banks, says it knows there's more to be done and that it's working with members and government bodies to look at how greater consistency can be achieved across the industry.
And, what's a children’s pension and how do they work?
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Catherine Lund
Researcher: Jo Krasner
Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 20th July 2024)
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