Contactless on iPhone: the CMA moves to open the NFC chip to rivals
The CMA is consulting on a requirement for Apple to open its contactless chip to other businesses and to charge substantially less for access. The consultation closes on 17 November 2026.
The hotel never returned your deposit: where 'back in three days' is normal, where it is theft — and how to recover your £100-300
A classic story: on top of the room rate they take a deposit at check-in, promise at checkout that it will be 'back on your card in three days' — and the money never arrives. Sometimes it is an ordinary bank hold that never went anywhere. Sometimes it is your money being kept — and there are remedies: a written complaint, a chargeback within 120 days, Section 75 for credit cards, and the small claims court. Here is how to tell one from the other, step by step.
Two-thirds of UK fraud comes from abroad. How to get your money back from the bank: 5 business days and an £85,000 cap
On 24 September the Home Office announced an agreement with Cambodia against scam centres: more than two-thirds of the fraud affecting the UK originates overseas. ONS figures for the year to March 2026 show 3.8 million victims, up 10% on the year before. Here is where to report after 4 December 2025, and how mandatory bank reimbursement works: 13 months to claim, 5 business days to pay, an excess of up to £100 and an £85,000 cap.