Criminals are using ‘SMS blasters’ to send thousands of scam messages undetected — right from the boots of their cars.

A man has been jailed in the UK for using a high-tech SMS “blaster” device to send out scam messages to thousands of unsuspecting mobile phone users in London.

Amazon has agreed to implement stronger measures to combat fake reviews on its platform following an investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This commitment includes tougher sanctions for sellers and reviewers who attempt to manipulate product ratings, and marks a major step in protecting UK consumers under the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA).

Did you know that 4.5 million children in the UK are living in relative poverty after housing costs as of April 2024? That’s nearly one in three—approximately 31 % of all children—up by 100,000 from the previous year.

Looking after someone who’s disabled, unwell, or elderly brings immense responsibility—and responsibility shouldn’t mean facing it alone. Below, we break down the key help available for carers in England, so you can understand your rights, access vital support, and protect your wellbeing as you care for others.

Scammers are getting smarter — and one of their latest tricks involves sending fake text messages about unpaid parking fines. These scams often look official, sound urgent, and try to scare you into clicking a link or giving up personal details.

Here’s how to protect yourself and what to do if you receive one of these fake messages.

At Citizens Advice, we believe no one should have to face life's challenges alone. For over 85 years, we’ve been helping people navigate tough times and find a way forward. As a charity dedicated to serving everyone, no matter who they are or what they’re facing, we’re here for the whole of society.

Every year, millions turn to us for support—whether they’re dealing with financial pressures, housing issues, employment concerns, or something else entirely. But behind each practical issue, there’s often something deeper—like isolation, anxiety, or the feeling that there’s no one to turn to. Loneliness doesn’t always look the way people expect, and we know it can affect anyone.

From now until January 2027, all traditional landline phones in the UK will be moving from the old analogue system to a new digital network. While this change is part of an essential nationwide upgrade, it poses a serious risk to people who rely on telecare alarms connected to analogue phone lines.

In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, scams have taken a terrifyingly real turn. From deepfake videos of loved ones to cloned voices pleading for money, criminals are leveraging AI to exploit trust and emotion in ways never seen before. But knowledge is your best defence. This guide will show you how to spot the red flags, check suspicious media, and protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to AI-generated scams.

Music fans are warning others not to buy tickets for sold-out Bank Holiday events from social media resellers, after several people were scammed out of their money.

Debt can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Citizens Advice Lancashire West offers free, confidential, and impartial support to help you manage and overcome debt. Whether you're facing mounting bills, struggling with repayments, or unsure where to turn, we're here to guide you every step of the way.​

At Citizens Advice Lancashire West, volunteers are more than just helping hands—they are the driving force behind the vital support we provide to thousands of people across Chorley, South Ribble, Fleetwood and Skelmersdale every year. Without our dedicated team of volunteers, we simply couldn’t offer the breadth or depth of advice services our community relies on.

This advice applies to England.

If you’re sick during your holiday or fall ill before it starts, you can ask your employer to treat the time off as sick leave instead. That way, you can save your holiday for when you’re well enough to enjoy it.

The government has recently unveiled several proposals aimed at increasing employment among disabled people. Central to these efforts is the Keep Britain Working Review, which highlights the role employers can play. But these plans are riddled with contradictions — especially when viewed alongside the green paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working, which proposes sweeping cuts to disabled people’s benefits with little meaningful consultation.

Rebel Energy and So Energy named lowest performers, while Utility Warehouse leads the pack

Two challenger energy suppliers have been named as the most complained about in the industry for customer service, according to new figures from Citizens Advice.

The data, which looked at energy companies with more than 25,000 customers, factored in complaint volumes to Citizens Advice, Advice Direct Scotland, and the Energy Ombudsman, as well as call waiting times and customer commitment scores.

Clare Moriarty calls Labour’s plans a “quick fix” with long-lasting damage to health and livelihoods

Cutting benefits for disabled people will push more individuals and families into poverty and create further barriers to employment, warns Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice.

Understanding how much Universal Credit you’ll receive can be confusing, as various factors affect the final amount. However, you can get a general idea by following these five key steps.

Young renters are being urged to stay vigilant as new data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reveals that people aged 18 to 39 account for nearly three-quarters of rental fraud cases. With the rise of fraudulent rental listings and fake landlords, it’s more important than ever to think twice before handing over money for a property.

Energy network companies in Great Britain have gained nearly £4bn in "excess profits" over the past four years, according to a new Citizens Advice report. The report claims these companies have benefited from flawed regulations set by Ofgem, forcing consumers to overpay on household bills during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Criminals posing as bailiffs are using threats and fake court documents to pressure victims into paying thousands of pounds for debts that don’t exist. The scam plays on fear and urgency, making people believe they must pay immediately or risk losing their possessions.

From October, social landlords will be legally required to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould within a set timeframe, as well as address emergency hazards within 24 hours. This historic change, known as Awaab’s Law, is a major step in ensuring social housing meets safe and habitable standards.