Urgent Warning To Everyone Who Uses Cash Machines In The UK

Victims report that their cards have been retained by ATMs before a message appears on the screen saying the service is ‘unavailable’

 

An urgent warning has been issued over cash machine scam that can drain your account in minutes.

The thefts are achieved by a discreet device being placed over the card slot of the machine and experts have shared how the public can protect themselves. It comes as figures from the National Fraud Hunter Prevention Service show fraud rates for cards in the UK rose by 42 per cent in the final quarter of 2021, the highest rate seen since 2017.

Despite more people using contactless to pay for payments, sometimes you need to have money in your wallets and therefore use a cash machine. In recent weeks there have been numerous reports of cards being retained by ATMs and that machines have been swallowing their payment devices before a message appears on the screen saying the service is ‘unavailable’.

Brean Horne, personal finance expert at comparison site, NerdWallet, is warning current account users to be extra vigilant when withdrawing money at an ATM machine, reports WalesOnline. He said: “These thefts are being achieved by a discreet device being placed over the card slot of the machine, which scans the card details, transmits the data to the criminal, and then blocks the card from being returned.

“Fraudsters have several ways of cleverly accessing your current account and spending your money within minutes. So it’s vital to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to safeguard yourself while using an ATM.”

Brean goes on to highlight what you should do if you are a victim of current account fraud, along with five precautions to take going forward when withdrawing money.

  • If you suspect suspicious fraudulent activity after your card is swallowed, the first thing you should do is cancel or suspend your bank card from further use.
  • If you have a banking app on your phone, you can freeze your card temporarily until you can find out exactly what has happened.
  • Contact your bank and let them know what has happened. Also, do not leave the ATM while you are dealing with the situation, as the terminal might eject your card without any warning.

Brean’s 5 precautions you should take when withdrawing money from an ATM

1) Choose the right location

Using a secure ATM is essential for not only the safety of your money, but also your personal security.

Ideally, you should always use an ATM that is in a well-lit area with CCTV surveillance, such as, busy high street or in a secure building. If possible, avoid using an ATM after midnight, or one that’s located in an abandoned area. If you are in an unfamiliar place and feel unsafe or unsure about making an ATM withdrawal, don’t take the risk. Instead, try to find a safer alternative to make a payment.

2) Stay alert

It is vital to stay alert at all times when using an ATM. Before use, take a moment to check for any suspicious activity around the ATM. It’s also worth checking if you have been followed or if anyone may be spying on you before using a machine.

Ideally you should use an ATM with visible CCTV cameras around the machine or, if you’re in a building, a security guard close by to enhance your security. When taking your money from the machine, count it away from the ATM or only when you reach a safe place, as it is not advisable to handle cash in an open public area.

3) Safeguard your PIN when entering

Your PIN is the most valuable security measure when accessing your account through an ATM, so it is extremely important you keep it a secret. Always block the view of the ATM keypad with your hand while entering your PIN. Also, never disclose your PIN to anyone, unless it is a friend or family member you trust and they urgently need access to it.

If contacted via phone call or email, remember that banks will never ask for your PIN. Therefore, never be persuaded by anyone who asks for it. Having the same pin or password for more than one card can also put your security at risk. Try to have different pin numbers for each card and make sure they aren’t easy to guess, for example using a date of birth.

Also, avoid writing pins down in your phone or notebook in case they are lost or stolen.

4) Check over the ATM carefully

Fraudsters can rig inconspicuous electronic devices called ‘skimmers’ that can record anything you input. Therefore, it is important to inspect the machine carefully, especially the card and keypad slot before entering your PIN.

Sometimes these dodgy devices can even withhold your cash. If this does happen, visit your bank branch or call the toll-free number for assistance. For extra precaution, do not throw away ATM receipts carelessly, as the information in them could be used against you.

5) Don’t ask strangers for help

If you are struggling with using the machine, you may want to seek help from someone passing by. Whilst this may be okay in an emergency, never reveal your PIN or get them to complete a transaction on your behalf. Also never count cash in front of strangers.

Essentially, asking for help from someone you do not know should be a last resort. Try to seek assistance from someone who works for a bank nearby.

eBay Acquires NFT Marketplace KnownOrigin for Undisclosed Amount

Leading global e-commerce giant eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) has acquired non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace KnownOrigin for an undisclosed amount. KnownOrigin was founded in 2018 and facilitated $7.8 million in volume since its launch.

According to a press release, the deal is an “important step in eBay’s tech-led reimagination, ushering in a new era of digital collecting to the world’s top destination for collectibles.” The NFT marketplace, as the release notes, allows artists and collectors to create, buy, and resell NFTs via blockchain-based transactions.

Jamie Iannone, eBay’s CEO, was quoted saying:

eBay is the first stop for people across the globe who are searching for that perfect, hard-to-find, or unique addition to their collection and, with this acquisition, we will remain a leading site as our community is increasingly adding digital collectibles.

Iannone added that KnownOrign has “built up an impressive, passionate and loyal group of artists and collectors making them a perfect addition to our community of sellers and buyers.” eBay notably started letting users buy and sell NFTs on its platform back in May 2021.

The e-commerce giant released its debut collection of NFTs in partnership with Tezos- and Polygon-based NFT platform OneOf last month, while last year its CEO said that the American multinational company was considering accepting cryptocurrency payments on its platform.

The deal comes amid a cryptocurrency bear market that has seen leading cryptocurrencies lose well over half of their value. The market has now seen its total capitalization drop below the $1 trillion mark for the first time since early 2021.

As reported, the world’s largest bitcoin ($BTC) spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) saw outflows of over $500 million late last week, which could have triggered the flagship cryptocurrency’s crash to a low under the $18,000 mark.

List of Best Credit Card for International Students in the UK

The student credit card though has fewer requirements compared to other credit cards, it has low credit limits as well as low-interest rates. There are lots of student credit cards for individuals who meet the requirements, but it is very difficult to select the best one, especially for international students.

Going by the aforementioned, we are going to explore the concept of student credit cards in the UK as well as the list of best credit cards for international students in the UK all through this article.

List of Best Credit Card

In the UK, both domestic and international students find it difficult to obtain credit cards as they typically have little or no credit history and source of income which serve as proof to pay off credit spent. However, there is a specific credit card – Student Credit Card specially designed for students to help sort out their financial issues and build up their credit score for future purposes.

What are Student Credit Cards

Student cards are issued to college and university students to help provide for their financial needs and build their credit scores. It works like other credit cards but the difference is that you must be enrolled in college or university either on part-time or full-time study.

Student credit cards generally come with low credit limits and low-interest rates. It allows you to spend easily, earn rewards, build credit, protect against fraud, and enjoy several other perks.

Requirements for Securing Student Credit Cards in the UK

The student credit cards though have fewer requirements compared to other standard credit cards, some of these requirements that qualify you to apply for the student credit card in the UK are

  1. Active Studentship: The student credit card will be issued to you if you are pursuing a course at a UK university or college (usually one that lasts two years or more).
  2. Age: Aside from being a part-time or full-time student in the UK, you must be at least 18 years old, if you will have the chance to obtain a student credit card
  3. Living in the UK: Being in the UK or residing in the UK is another that qualifies you to apply for student credit cards. This means if you are studying in the UK through distance learning, you are not eligible to obtain a credit card.
  4. Have a UK Bank Account: For you to be eligible to obtain a student credit card, you must have a UK bank account. Usually, it is the bank you are using that issues the student credit cards.

Ways to Choose the Best Credit Card for International Students in the UK

When you already have a reason to use a student credit card, but you are stuck on the credit card to use. There are many students with credit cards and they vary depending on the specific features of individual cards. Here are the main features to consider in selecting the best student credit cards for international students in the UK.

1. Annual Fees: This is the fee charged for using the credit card per annum. Most of the card issuers charge little or no annual fee. So, you need to look out for this feature in selecting the right student credit cards.

2. APR: This is the interest rate for credit cards. It is the additional cost charged on the total purchase made per annum. The student credit card APR in the UK is around 22%, so you should consider this rate alongside your budget in determining the credit card to use.

3. Intro Rate: Some credit cards charge no interest rate for a particular period. Put this feature among your checklist for the best student credit card in the UK.

4. Cash-back: In every made for a particular good or time or at a particular shop, you will receive some rewards. This is one of the benefits of student credit cards, so one can decide to select the right student credit card based on that.

5. Foreign Transaction Fees: Some of the issuers in the UK charge a fee when you use their cards to make purchases overseas or with an international retailer online. This fee is usually between 2% and 3.5% of the total transaction. Be on the lookout for the cards without a foreign transaction fee to select the right student credit card.

List of Best Credit Card for International Students in the UK

When you have already know the requirements that qualify you to apply for the student credit card and how to choose the best one that suits your demand, knowing how to apply shouldn’t come with stress. This is a list of the best credit cards for international students in the UK.

1. Barclaycard Forward Credit Card

Annual Fee: £0

APR:  33.9% per annum (Variables)

Intro Rate: 0% for the first 56 days.

Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.99%

The Barclaycard Forward Credit Card is among the list of best credit cards for international students in the UK. You are eligible to apply for this card if you are at least 18 years, have a UK permanent address and source of income. The credit limit is between £50 – £1200 which comes with a relatively high purchasing interest of 33.9%. However, it has %0 intro rate for 56 days, and also, you will receive interest rate reductions of 3% in the first year and then 2% in the second year if you meet the terms and conditions.

This card gets you up to five months of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade. Also, you can earn up to 15% cashback when you spend at a range of participating retailers.

2. Tesco Bank Foundation Credit Card

Annual Fee: £0

APR:  27.5% per annum (Variables)

Intro Rate: 0% for the first 56 days.

Foreign Transaction Fee: Not Available

This student credit card is suitable for those who want to build their credit score with low credit limits and low monthly repayments. It has a Representative APR of 27.5% with a purchase rate of 27.5% (variable) based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200. There is also a £0 intro rate for the first 56 days of using this card.

For using Tesco Bank Foundation Credit Card, you will earn 1 Clubcard point for every £4 spent in Tesco and 1 Clubcard point for every £8 spent (£8 minimum) everywhere else. There’s no annual fee for using this student credit card as well.

3. TSB Student Credit Card

Annual Fee: £0

APR:  21.9% per annum (Variables)

Intro Rate: 0% for the first 56 days.

Foreign Transaction Fee: £0

Like other student credit cards, TSB Student Credit Card provides an alternative for students’ financial issues and allow them to build a credit score for future purpose. Its representative and purchasing rate which is 21.95 is relatively low compared to others. It also charges no annual fee, foreign fee and there is a 0% intro rate for the first 56 days of using this card.

This card also comes with rewards and perks, but it can only be revealed when you apply to use the card. You must have a student account to be able to apply for this credit card.

4.  AIB Student Credit Card

Annual Fee: £0

APR: 18.25% – 20.25% per annum (Variables)

Intro Rate: 0% for the first 56 days.

Foreign Transaction Fee: Not Available

If you are at least 18 years schooling in any of the colleges or universities in the UK that needs financial freedom and seeking a way to build a credit score, you should look out for AIB Student Credit Card. It has a credit limit that allows you to pay your balance in full and on time each month, you won’t incur any interest on purchases or cash advances.

Its interest rate is between 8.25% – 20.25% per annum but comes with 56 days of 0% interest on each. There are rewards and other perks for using this credit card. It is also mandatory that you have an existing AIB account to get this card.

5. HSBC Student Credit Card

Annual Fee: £0

APR: 18.9% per annum (Variables)

Intro Rate: 0% for the first 56 days.

Foreign Transaction Fee: Not Available

HSBC is one of the largest banks in the UK. It offers student credit cards for those seeking to build their credit score. Its interest is pegged at 18.9% for £500 assumed credit limit. It is also a no-annual-fee card and comes with sumptuous cash-backs. To be eligible, you must have an HSBC student bank account and be enrolled as a student in the UK.

Conclusion

Student credit cards can give you financial freedom and help you build a credit score that can be used to qualify for a loan and another mortgage after graduation. Getting the card isn’t difficult provided that you choose the right one. Above is the list of the best credit cards for international students in the UK. It should help you make the right choice. If there’s any inquiry regarding this article, we will gladly respond, just drop it in the comment box below.

Social Media Page Management

As a brand/business owner, in order to retain your present audience or attract new ones, you must pay attention to your ‘look’ on social media, because this greatly determines whether they’ll stay or not.

All the list features are what is required to do this. We understand that achieving this could be very tasking,

And that is why we want to take the stress off you

Reach out to us today, let’s help you give your social media page a professional touch of class and excellence

You don’t have to struggle, do you?

 

Valuable Certifications You Need To Have

Some skills are getting outdated and modernized. This is why many people are getting laid off from where they’ve worked for years. It’s sad but if you don’t have the required skill to perform some tasks you won’t be employed in this day and age

To avoid this, it is time to get reskilled and ready for your next opportunity.

Here are a few of the best IT certifications courses that can help you to jump ahead in those fields:

Data Science
Project Management
Digital Marketing
Software Development
Dev Ops
Cyber Security
Cloud Computing

It matters less which direction you choose as long as you choose a direction that helps you stay relevant.

What certifications do you currently own or preparing to take?

 

How To Overcome The Fear Of Being Seen And Show Up Confidently As A Solopreneur

If you are a brand or business owner, you’ll agree that it is more profitable to be visible.

However, you can be one of the many who battle with the fear of showing up or being visible.

You feel self-conscious, question what to say, and as a result of this stress and anxiety around showing up, you experience burnout.

This fear hinders your ability to show up, put yourself out there, share your work, and make an impact.

If this sounds like you, we are sure these few tips will help you to see how you can manage this fear and start showing up with courage and confidence.

Practice self-affirmation.

Take one step at a time.

Remind yourself that you are in control of what you share.

Learn how to walk with fear(but kept at the back seat).

Believe in your vision more than your fear.

Don’t be too self-conscious.

Seek help;(courses, accountability groups, coaching programs/consultation, etc).

In conclusion, think of what you stand to gain/lose by not showing up and letting the fear push you to success, instead of running back into your shell. Remind yourself that putting yourself out there is a relatively small risk (as opposed to not fulfilling your purpose, being broke, and being miserable).

Remember, it is more profitable to be visible.

Need help getting started in any way?
Reach out to us at Jetheights!

Feel free to reach out to us for consultation and inquiries.

Send a DM or call us on
+2349062470398
Check us out: www.jetheights.com
Send us a mail at Hello@jetheights.com

For more business growth tips, follow us on our Social Media Platforms
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Join our online growing community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Africanify

You Can’t Be Average And Be Excellent

If excellent results are part of your goals this year, then you must do what others won’t do.

You must be ready not to do what an average person does, and be willing to do what they won’t do

Yeah, an average person wakes up when they feel like doing what they feel like doing.

An average person doesn’t go the extra mile. They do not do the extraordinary.

To achieve excellence this year, you must strive to do what others do not do.

So, check what you are doing, is that not what an average person does?
Remember, you can’t be average and achieve excellent results.

At Jetheights, we are always interested in your success, and we are here to help you grow.

Feel free to reach out to us, and follow @ayoalexalao for more.
Our lines are available for consultation and inquiries, send us a Dm or call us on:
+2349062470398

Or send us an E-mail
Hello@jetheights.com
www.jetheights.com

For more business growth tips, follow us on our Social Media Platforms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jetheights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetheights/
Join our online growing community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Africanify

 

UK entices care workers from Africa with £20,480 salary

Because of the growing effect of Covid-19 and workers shortage, the United Kingdom government is desperately searching from anywhere in the world ‘care assistants and nursing home staff’ with little or no professional training, to come in for a minimum £20,480 salary per year.

The UK Department of Health and Social Care announced in a statement plans to expand the Health and Care visa scheme to recruit care workers.

The Health and Care Worker visa was unveiled in August 2020 and it permits medical professionals “to come to UK and work with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care,” part of the statement said.

The Visa offers 50 per cent visa fee reduction, an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge and a speedier decision following application.

The offer is open to “care assistant, care worker, carer, home care assistant, home carer and support worker (nursing home).”

The decision was taken as part of efforts to tackle the pandemic challenges.

“Thousands of additional care workers could be recruited to boost the adult social care workforce following temporary changes to the health and care visa to make social care workers, care assistants and home care workers eligible for a 12-month period.

“This will make it quicker, cheaper and easier for social care employers to recruit eligible workers to fill vital gaps.

“The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted a range of staff shortages within the social care sector, placing pressures on the existing workforce, despite the incredible and tireless efforts of social care staff.

“This boost follows the recommendation from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to make care workers and home carers eligible for the Health and Care visa and add the occupation to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).

 

“Inclusion on the Shortage Occupation List will stipulate an annual salary minimum of £20,480 for carers to qualify for the Health and Care visa.

“The UK is committed to becoming a high-skilled, high-wage economy and minimum salaries must reflect the professional skills that are required to provide quality care.

“The Health and Care visa will allow applicants and their dependents to benefit from fast-track processing, dedicated resources in processing applications and reduced visa fees.

“The temporary measures are expected to come into effect early next year and will be in place for a minimum of 12 months, providing a much-needed staffing boost while the sector deals with the additional pressures of the pandemic, at which point they will be reviewed.”

On Visa sponsorship, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said, “It is vital we continue to do all we can to protect the social care sector during the pandemic and beyond.

“These measures, together with the series of support packages announced since September, will help us ensure short term sustainability and success for our long-term vision to build social care back better.

“I also urge all care staff yet to do so to come forward to Get Boosted Now to protect themselves and those they care for.

are providers who do not already hold a sponsor licence in the Skilled Worker route can prepare to take advantage of the offer by registering for a sponsorship licence ahead of implementation.

“Providers who are new to visa sponsorship will be supported through the process through a series of engagement activities in January and February, to introduce them to the system and find out how to act as a visa sponsor.

“Care workers and carers recruited to the UK will be able to bring their dependents, including partner and children, with the Health and Care visa offering a pathway to settlement should they remain employed and wish to remain in the UK.

On Immigration new plan, Home Secretary Priti Patel MP said, “The care sector is experiencing unprecedented challenges prompted by the pandemic and the changes we’ve made to the health and care visa will bolster the workforce and helping alleviate some of the pressures currently being experienced.

“This is our New Plan for Immigration in action, delivering our commitment to support the NHS and the wider health and care sector by making it easier for health professionals to live and work in the UK.

“The move follows an investment of £465.2 million in supporting recruitment and retention of social care staff through the challenging winter period.

“This is on top of the £500 million for workforce training, qualifications and wellbeing announced as part of the Health and Social Care Levy.

“This funding is in addition to £6 billion committed to councils through un-ringfenced grants to tackle the impact of COVID-19 on their services, including adult social care, with total funding for adult social care over the pandemic coming to over £2.5 billion.

“This follows wider plans to improve social care and fulfil the ten-year vision set out in the adult social care reform white paper – ‘People at the Heart of Care’, which provided details on how over £1 billion for system reform will be spent over the next three years to improve the lives of those who receive care – as well as their families and carers.

“Further details on integration will follow early next year.”

To apply click here.

For Health and Care visa: guidance for applicants, click here.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-health-and-care-visa-to-ensure-uk-health-and-care-services-have-access-to-the-best-global-talent