Consumer Friend

BONUS - WATT COULD GO WRONG

Episode Title: Bonus Episode – The Hidden Dangers of E-Bike and E-Scooter  Release Date: 3 March 2025 Host(s): * Adam Carter * Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax) Guest(s): * Geraldine Cosh [https://gcosh.consulting/about] – Product Safety Expert Episode Summary: It’s the final episode of Season 4, and we’re wrapping up with a bonus episode that could literally save lives. In this special episode, Adam and LouBax introduce Consumer Friend’s latest campaign: Watt Could Go Wrong (yes, that’s WATT, as in electricity—shoutout to LouBax for the pun! 😉). This campaign raises awareness about the hidden dangers of e-bike and e-scooter battery fires and encourages everyone to Buy Safe, Charge Safe, Store Safe. To help us break it all down, we’re joined by Geraldine Cosh, a product safety expert with over 20 years of experience. Geraldine shares insider knowledge on why lithium-ion batteries are such a fire risk, how the laws around these products are struggling to keep up, and what businesses, landlords, and consumers need to do to stay safe. 🚲 E-bikes and e-scooters are great for the environment—but if their batteries overheat or fail, they can catch fire within seconds. The consequences can be devastating, especially for those living in flats or shared housing. 🔥 Did you know? * Fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries have tripled since 2020. * Many incidents happen at night while charging—often with counterfeit or damaged batteries. * Storage is just as important as charging—blocking a fire exit with an e-bike could be deadly. Whether you own an e-bike, e-scooter, or just charge electronics at home, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why e-bike and e-scooter battery fires are on the rise ✅ How to identify safe vs. unsafe batteries before you buy ✅ The real risks of modification kits and tampering ✅ Why buying from a reputable UK retailer matter ✅ Essential tips for safely charging and storing batteries ✅ What landlords and social housing providers can do to protect tenants Consumer Friend’s Call to Action: 🚨 Get Involved in the Watt Could Go Wrong Campaign! 🚨 All campaign materials, including posters, guides, and social media assets, are available now on our website. 📲 Download and share them today! → www.consumerfriend.org.uk/campaigns  [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk/campaign] 🙌 Whether you’re a social housing provider, local authority, or a concerned consumer, help us spread the message and keep communities safe. Resources & Links: * Watt Could Go Wrong Campaign Hub  [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk/campaign]→  * Electrical Safety First Guide on Lithium-Ion Batteries → [https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk] * https://gcosh.consulting/about Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2003119/open_sms] Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerFriendUK/] * Website: Consumer Friend [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk] * Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK [https://twitter.com/ConsumerFriendUK] * Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficial [https://www.instagram.com/ConsumerFriendOfficial] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@consumer_friend]

Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You - Becky Holmes

Episode Title: Exploring Romance Fraud with Becky Holmes Release Date: 24 Feb 25 Host(s): * Adam Carter * Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax) Guest: * Becky Holmes – Author of Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You THE LAST EPISODE OF SERIES 4!!!! -ALTHOUGH WE HAVE A BONUS POD OUT AT END OF FEB Episode Summary: What happens when online romance isn’t what it seems? In this episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam Carter and LouBax sit down with Becky Holmes, author of Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You, to explore the realities of online deception and romance fraud. Becky is known for her sharp wit and hilarious online interactions with fake profiles posing as celebrities, but behind the comedy is a serious message—romance fraud is on the rise, and victims are often blamed rather than supported. 🔥 What’s Inside This Episode? * How Becky started her scambaiting journey during lockdown. * The psychology behind romance fraud—why do people fall for it? * The danger of victim-blaming in fraud cases. * How criminals use fake celebrity profiles to manipulate victims. * The role of AI in modern fraud—is it making deception even easier? * Practical tips to help protect yourself or a loved one from online fraud. Key Takeaways: ✅ Romance fraud is a form of coercive control—it’s not just about money, but emotional manipulation. ✅ The media often blames victims, which discourages reporting and support. ✅ Fraudsters use psychological tactics to build trust and isolate victims. ✅ AI is changing the game, making fake profiles and deception more convincing than ever. ✅ Education and awareness are crucial to changing how society views fraud victims. Resources & Links: 📖 Get Becky Holmes' Book – Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You 👉 Amazon Link [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keanu-Reeves-Not-Love-You/dp/1789651638/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=1185275243033772&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WDtcgZxL6QSsWO2WoJ0-wZK42zevS3DYiyvh6YywmGuIOIM0Td-ydhXR4DxlwMCSiH1C-nSWTWe5TMQUx57Awg.421KSi2GstTctLnJEMTJrGidfFMvBxQOGY8GhVbi61k&dib_tag=se&hvadid=74079903874082&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=162589&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-74079952832419%3Aloc-188&hydadcr=24464_2219441&keywords=keanu+reeves+is+not+in+love+with+you&mcid=30d10ab11ce73ae8b6a731ab5a83e331&msclkid=8e49748cbc801bde12fb1337e55f272e&qid=1740331490&sr=8-1] 🚔 Report Fraud or Get Support 👉 Action Fraud UK [https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/] 🔍 Learn More About Consumer Rights & Fraud Prevention 👉 Consumer Friend Website [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk/]  #RomanceFraud #ConsumerFriendPodcast #OnlineSafety #Scambaiting #NoBlameNoShame Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2003119/open_sms] Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerFriendUK/] * Website: Consumer Friend [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk] * Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK [https://twitter.com/ConsumerFriendUK] * Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficial [https://www.instagram.com/ConsumerFriendOfficial] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@consumer_friend]

LoveSaid: Understanding Romance Fraud

Release Date: 10 Feb 25 Host(s): * Adam Carter * Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax) Guest(s): * Anna Rowe – Founder of LoveSaid and Catch the Catfish, romance fraud awareness campaigner Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and LouBax sit down with Anna Rowe, a leading voice in raising awareness about romance fraud. After experiencing it firsthand, Anna turned her trauma into action, creating Catch the Catfish and LoveSaid, two platforms dedicated to educating and supporting victims of online deception. Anna shares her story, shedding light on the manipulative tactics used in romance fraud, from emotional grooming to financial exploitation. The conversation highlights the psychological impact on victims, the growing role of AI in online deception, and why blaming victims needs to stop. Key Takeaways 1. The Scale of Romance Fraud  * In 2023, over 7,660 cases of romance fraud were reported in England and Wales. Victims lost an average of £6,937, with the highest losses affecting those aged 65–74, averaging £13,123 per case.  2. Anna’s Journey  * Anna shares her experience of being deceived by someone who created a completely fake identity. * She explains how emotional grooming, love bombing, and coercion made her—and many others—become a victim. 3. Understanding Romance Fraud * Romance fraud isn't just about financial loss—it’s a triple trauma:  1. The loss of an intense, manipulated relationship. 2. The realisation that the person never actually existed.  3. The financial or emotional toll of the deception. 4. Manipulation Tactics Used * Love bombing: Overwhelming attention and affection to create emotional dependency.  * Isolation: Cutting victims off from support networks. * Guilt & control: Using fake crises (illness, financial trouble) to elicit sympathy and money. 5. The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Fraud * AI is making deception more sophisticated, from deepfake video calls to voice cloning. * Criminals now use AI tools to personalise their messages and create more convincing fake identities. 6. Why Victim Blaming Must Stop * Victims often struggle with shame and self-doubt after being deceived. * Instead of asking, “Why did they fall for it?”, we should ask, “How did someone manipulate them so effectively?” Resources & Links: * LoveSaid – Support for Romance Fraud Victims [https://www.lovesaid.org] * Catch the Catfish – Awareness & Education [https://www.catchthecatfish.com] * Consumer Friend Website [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk] – Learn more about fraud awareness and consumer protection. Let’s break the stigma and start the conversation! 🎙️ Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2003119/open_sms] Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerFriendUK/] * Website: Consumer Friend [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk] * Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK [https://twitter.com/ConsumerFriendUK] * Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficial [https://www.instagram.com/ConsumerFriendOfficial] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@consumer_friend]

Understanding Ombudsman Services with The Ombudsman Association

Episode Title: The Role of Ombudsman Services with Donal Galligan Release Date: 27 Jan 25 Host(s): * Adam Carter * Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax) Guest(s): * Donal Galligan – Chief Executive of the Ombudsman Association [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/] Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and Louise are joined by Donal Galligan, Chief Executive of the Ombudsman Association [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/], to discuss the essential role of ombudsman services in providing fair redress for consumers. Donal dives into the complexities of the consumer redress landscape, highlighting how ombudsman schemes work to resolve disputes, identify systemic issues, and improve service delivery across sectors. He also discusses the Guide to Ombudsman Offices in the UK [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/news/guide-ombudsman-offices-uk], an essential resource designed to help consumers navigate the often-confusing world of redress and find the right service for their needs. Whether you’ve encountered a tricky complaint, want to better understand ombudsman services, or are curious about the broader consumer landscape, this episode is packed with practical insights and advice. Key Takeaways: 1. What Is an Ombudsman? Ombudsman services are independent organisations that investigate and resolve complaints between consumers and businesses. They offer a free, fair, and impartial alternative to court proceedings, focusing on what is reasonable and just. 2. The Role of the Ombudsman Association [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/] The Ombudsman Association [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/] sets the standards for ombudsman schemes in the UK and Ireland. It ensures members adhere to criteria like independence, fairness, and accountability, helping to maintain trust in the system. 3. Guide to Ombudsman Offices in the UK [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/news/guide-ombudsman-offices-uk] A valuable resource developed by the Ombudsman Association [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/] to help consumers and advisers find the right ombudsman service for their complaint. This guide is available online and simplifies access to contact details and key information. 4. The Importance of Consumer Awareness Raising awareness about ombudsman services is crucial. Many consumers don’t know these services exist or how to use them. The podcast explores ways to bridge this gap and empower consumers to seek redress confidently. Resources & Links: * Ombudsman Association Website [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/] * Find an Ombudsman [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/find-ombudsman] * Guide to Ombudsman Offices in the UK [https://www.ombudsmanassociation.org/news/guide-ombudsman-offices-uk] * Consumer Friend Website [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk] – Practical resources and tips for consumers Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2003119/open_sms] Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerFriendUK/] * Website: Consumer Friend [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk] * Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK [https://twitter.com/ConsumerFriendUK] * Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficial [https://www.instagram.com/ConsumerFriendOfficial] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@consumer_friend]

Understanding Behaviour wiith Vic O’Farrell

Release Date: 13 Jan 2025 Host(s): * Adam Carter * Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax) Guest(s): * Vic O’Farrell [https://queenofbehaviours.com/] – Behavioural and Personality Expert, Founder of Queen of Behaviours [https://queenofbehaviours.com/] Episode Summary: In this episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and Louise are joined by Vic O’Farrell [https://queenofbehaviours.com/], also known as the Queen of Behaviours [https://queenofbehaviours.com/], to delve into the transformative power of DISC profiling. This personality and behavioural assessment tool can unlock insights into how we communicate, work, and build relationships. Vic [https://queenofbehaviours.com/] explains the four core DISC traits—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance—and how they impact our daily interactions. Whether you’re trying to improve workplace dynamics, enhance customer relationships, or better understand yourself, DISC profiling offers practical, actionable benefits. Listeners will learn how understanding behavioural styles can lead to stronger teams, more empathetic communication, and personal growth. Vic also shares how businesses can use DISC to improve team performance and create more meaningful customer interactions. Key Takeaways: What Is DISC Profiling? DISC is a behavioural profiling tool that identifies four key traits: * D (Dominance): Results-driven and action-focused  * I (Influence): Energetic and people-oriented * S (Steadiness): Supportive and stability-focused * C (Compliance): Detail-oriented and analytical. Vic [https://queenofbehaviours.com/]  provides a deep dive into how these traits manifest and how they shape our behaviours. 1. Why DISC Matters By understanding DISC traits, individuals and organisations can improve communication, foster collaboration, and resolve conflicts more effectively. 2. DISC in the Workplace Vic [https://queenofbehaviours.com/] highlights how DISC profiling can help leaders and teams adapt their styles to create more cohesive, productive work environments. 3. Self-Awareness and Personal Growth DISC isn’t just for organisations—it’s also a tool for self-discovery. By recognising your own strengths and challenges, you can better understand how to interact with others and thrive in your personal and professional life. 4. Get Your Profile Done with Vic Interested in exploring DISC for yourself? Visit Queen of Behaviours [https://queenofbehaviours.com/]to book a personalised session with Vic. [https://queenofbehaviours.com/] Resources & Links: * Queen of Behaviours [https://queenofbehaviours.com/] – DISC Profiling with Vic O’Farrell * Consumer Friend Website [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk] – For more consumer tips and resources. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2003119/open_sms] Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials: * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerFriendUK/] * Website: Consumer Friend [https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk] * Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK [https://twitter.com/ConsumerFriendUK] * Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficial [https://www.instagram.com/ConsumerFriendOfficial] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@consumer_friend]