Why banks refuse subscription trap refunds

Rogue subscription firms are profiting from misleading social media ads and charging for outrageously overpriced services. So, why are card providers blaming customers and denying refunds?

Which? members often ask us for help because they can’t get refunds for these unwanted subscriptions. We explain why getting your money back can be difficult and what to do if you've been caught out. 

Source: Which? (03 Sep 2026) 

Hidden trap on BBC website

Rogue advertisers can camouflage their ads on your favourite websites to trick you into adding your card details. You might see a prompt urging you to 'Verify and Continue' or 'Download' a file, but it's actually a disguised ad designed to blend in seamlessly with a website’s normal content.

We expose how a hidden banner left one BBC user trapped in a monthly subscription to an obscure 'tech education' e-book business, and to escape the payments they had to cancel their bank card.

Source: Which? (06 Aug 2026)

Update from Longlands safer neighbourhoods - MetEngage Longlands

Dear Resident,

 

We've been made aware recently there was a vulnerable resident on Longlands ward that has been scammed. two white males have approached the vulnerable resident at his home address and insisted that he needed work done on his roof. When the job was finished they asked for the agreed amount of money but has then taken the victim to a cash machine and asked for more than the agreed amount. 

 

Please see some advice below to help to prevent this happening to someone else. 

 

*Door to door scams involve criminals knocking on your door and unexpectedly offering products or services. Fraudsters convince you to pay for goods or work which is often overpriced, or of poor quality or is not even carried out. In many cases, this work isn't even necessary. They may use intimidation and pressure you to make quick decisions so that you agree to their demands. 

 

*Criminals may try to convince you that work is urgently required and the price they are charging is fair. They will put pressure on you to have the work done immediately and may ask for payment upfront. Often the work is not completed, or if it is, the work is to a poor standard. You may also be overcharged for any work done. 

 

They can use deception to convince you by:

 

*Claiming they were working on a neighbours' address and noticed you need work completing and they have left over materials.

 

*Inspecting areas you can't access, for example the loft or roof and show you photos or videos claiming they are evidence that you need the urgent repairs. Beware of these tactics as these images may not even be your property. 

 

*Throwing water down when you are not looking to indicate you have ‘damp’.

 

*They may be insistent you pay in cash immediately or put down a deposit, even offering to take you to the bank to get the money. if you do this, they may continue to find reasons for you to pay more money.

 

*Some callers will be legitimate. Gas, electricity and water companies may visit to read your meters. Charities may visit to read your meters. Charities may visit to ask for donations and council officials may contact you regarding  local issues. Always ask for identification and tell them to wait outside whilst you check this by calling the company or speaking to a relative or friend. If you are calling the company, don't use the phone number on the person's ID card.

 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

 

*Always check their identity. If you are not happy about a person's identity, do not let them into your house under any circumstances. 

 

*Never leave your front door open/ unlocked and unattended, so a second individual can't enter without your knowledge.

 

*Take time to consider your options and research costs from other providers. If in doubt contact your local trading standards. 

 

*If you feel pressured by any cold caller, have the confidence to be firm and say no. 

 

*Legitimate builders do not call door to door. 

 

*Call the citizens advice consumer helpline following a doorstop caller on T 03454 04 05 06 or call and report this on 101 or online on the met police website below;

Report a crime | Metropolitan Police

 

REMEMBER 

*Take time to consider your options.

 *Don't be pressured into making a quick decision.

 

CAUTION

*Never pay upfront for goods or services you have not received.

 

THINK

*Are they legitimate company? why haven't they given you a written quote?

 

Kind Regards

 

Longlands Policing Team

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/410497/Update-from-Longlands-safer-neighbourhoods

Nuisance callers flogging appliance warranties

Rogue firms continue to bombard the public with misleading calls about appliance and white goods repair cover. We spoke to Sam, from Yorkshire, who believes he was deliberately misled during a phone call from HomeShield, when he inadvertently shared his bank details.

Using a recording of the call, we've transcribed Sam's conversation with HomeShield, so you can understand what to watch out for.

Cold caller tactics revealed

Source: Which? (11 Nov 2024)

Scam Alert: Don't Fall for Fake Housing Repair Calls!

Here at SCAMARAMA, we've seen a surge in reports of phone scams targeting homeowners and tenants. These fraudsters claim to be from a "housing disrepair team" and offer bogus solutions to problems like damp or mould.

Don't be fooled! Here's how to protect yourself:

The Signs of a Scam:

• Unsolicited Calls: You receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to represent a housing disrepair team.
• Phoney Offers: They offer "free" inspections or financial assistance to fix problems you might not even have.
• Urgency Tactics: They pressure you to make a decision immediately, often using scare tactics.
• Fake Caller ID: The caller ID might show a seemingly legitimate number, like a local council office.

How to Fight Back:

• Just Say No: Don't give out personal information like your address or bank details.
• Hang Up: End the call immediately and don't engage with the scammer.
• Report the Call: Forward unwanted texts to 7726 (free) to help your mobile provider identify potential scams.
• Verify Directly: If you're concerned about repairs, contact your landlord or housing association directly using a known phone number or website.

Stay Safe & Informed:

• Register with TPS: Join the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce unwanted sales calls (https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/).
• Beware of Fake Links: Don't click on any links sent by text message.
• Use Call Blocking: Consider using a call blocking service to stop unwanted calls.

What to Do If Scammed:

• Report It: If you've been scammed, report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) or your bank (use the number on your card).

Remember: Legitimate companies won't pressure you for personal information over the phone. Be cautious, stay informed, and don't let scammers take advantage of you!

Doorstep crime

Rogue traders are active across London – if you are not sure don’t open the door

You can help protect yourself with some common simple precautions;

• Use a door chain so you can check who’s calling
• Don’t trade on the door step
• Ask a trusted friend or family member for advice on reputable traders
• Display a sticker visible to callers saying “No cold calling”
• Report suspicious activity to Police or Citizens Advice

For more information and Source: https://www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/projects/doorstep-crime/

Signs to look out for to avoid being scammed by doorstep scammers

https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/signs-to-look-out-for-to-avoid-being-scammed-by-doorstep-scammers (2 May 2024)

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Trading Standards launch Don’t Deal At The Door Campaign booklet

 

Trading Standards If in doubt, keep them out!

Trading Standards If in doubt, keep them out! booklet (pdf), is packed filled with information and advice on doorstep crime and how to spot and avoid rogue traders at your front door and online.

Here's also the link to download the LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet (pdf).

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Warning about cold calling 'companies' offering to clean drive ways and roofs

Bexley Neighbourhood Watch have been contacted by two residents who would like to warn everyone about cold calling 'companies' offering to clean drive ways and roofs.  

On Monday 23^rd May a young man with an Irish accent was knocking on doors in Fairlawn Avenue, Bexleyheath.  There were two vans, one silver and one a turquoise, both had Irish number plates and displaying the name Bestway Steam Cleaning & Home Improvement.  Registration numbers 02-D-56921 and 09-MN 631.

Another outfit (Pro Star) was seen operating in Heversham Road, Bexleyheath.  Initially, they offered to clean a roof for £500, then the price jumped to £2,200.  When confronted about the price the workman became very aggressive.  The van was small, possibly a VW Caddy, registration number HJ58 XTF.

Residents are warned to be careful when dealing with seasonal door step traders.

Trading Standards’ advice is to ignore doorstep cold callers and instead check first with your insurance company whether you are covered for the cost of the works you need.

For those who are not covered by insurance, Bexley’s What Tradesman? scheme can help you find a reputable trader.

To report a rogue trader operating in the area, or if you need advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Bexley's Beware of ROGUE TRADERS-gif

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Bexley’s What Tradesman Scheme are vetted by Trading Standards

Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme - click image to view enlarged

Residents are reminded of Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme https://whattradesman.org.uk/ where, all the traders are local and have been vetted by Trading Standards.

FIND A TRADER AND RATE THEIR SERVICES

Need a reliable trader? The Bexley The London Borough of Bexley “What Tradesman Scheme” will help take the headache out of finding someone by using the Trader Register to find a local trader, leave and see feedback.

JOIN THE TRADER REGISTER SCHEME

Traders registering with the scheme demonstrate their commitment to fair and honest trading practices and agree to work with Trading Standards to resolve problems if they should occur.

Beware Doorstep Crime

• Doorstep Crime
• LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet

Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme-gif

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Trading Standards launch Don’t Deal At The Door Campaign booklet

click image to view enlarged

Here's the link to download the LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet (pdf) OR open the booklet to view in new window.

It's filled with information and advice on how to spot and avoid rogue traders at your front door and online.

Source: London Trading Standards (18-05-2022)

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Faith Watch and Neighbourhood Watch

It has been recently reported that thieves have target churches and Storm Eunice aftermath could give an opportunity for the crime including scams as warned by Bexley Trading Standards.

https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/02/be-wary-of-rogue-traders.html

Neighbouhood Watch is helping to keep you area safe, is your road represented yet? If not why not join us now for FREE.

If you wish to become involved please download and complete a BBNWA Application Form and post or email it to us at the address shown.

• Vandalism, anti-social behaviour and hate crime - all issues that can affect religious communities.

Calling all Faith Watch members please keep us informed of any criminal issues around your places of worship.

Be wary of rogue traders

Bexley Trading Standards are warning residents that rogue traders could use the aftermath of Storm Eunice as an opportunity to defraud consumers.

Trading Standards advise residents to be wary of rogue traders offering to carry out property repairs, such as damaged roofing, fencing and the removal of fallen trees.

Scammers often claim unnecessary repairs need to be carried out or charge exorbitant prices for poor-quality work. Some rogue traders will take money for materials and then disappear without doing any work at all. Others may quote low prices but demand more money later.

Trading Standards’ advice is to ignore doorstep cold callers and instead check first with your insurance company whether you are covered for the cost of the works you need.

For those who are not covered by insurance, Bexley’s What Tradesman? scheme can help you find a reputable trader.

To report a rogue trader operating in the area, or if you need advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Source: https://www.bexley.gov.uk/news/be-wary-rogue-traders