Consumer advice

If someone uses your credit, debit card etc. fraudulently for distance purchase, you can cancel the payment and the card issuer must refund you.

Unsolicited goods

Unsolicited goods are those that have been sent to you which you have not requested or ordered. The regulations make it a criminal offence to demand payment for goods sent in these situation.

If your complaint involves a business within the European Union you can get advice from the UK European Consumer Centre (01268 886 690) or visit www.ukecc.net

Cancellation of contract made in a consumer’s home or place of work

You are entitled to a seven day cooling-off period in writing when you purchase goods or services over £35 when you receive a visit from a business. It does not matter whether you have invited them or they turn up unsolicited. There are exceptions to the regulations. Further details can be obtained from GOV.UK

Your guide to beating the scammers

A scam is a scheme designed to con you out of your cash.

There's a scam out there for everyone. If you let down your guard and think that you won't be fooled, then you too could become a victim.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and aim to con us all. Deceptive premium rate competition scams, charity collection/clothing and lotteries, get-rich quick schemes, Cashback money transfer and fake credit providers are some of the favoured means of separating the unwary from their money. And the number of scams just keeps on growing.

Scams include telephone calls, letters, emails and text messages. The golden rule is that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

For more details on scams and how to beat them, see:

• How to report a scam
• Consumer Rights
• Crimestoppers