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‘News’ Category

When KwikChex started an investigation into how a new crypto business called Nova Wallet instantly jumped into the number 1 rated UK company in Trustpilot’s UK Banking and Money Services (“Best in Banking & Money”), we had no idea that it would lead to a trail of businesses ‘ultra-hyped’ by celebrity endorsements and purported success […]

KwikChex has just appeared on BBC TV again, having helped the Rip Off Britain team with investigations into Easy Consulting and the many brands they use. For years, Easy Consulting and the many different bargain holiday brands they use, which operate out of Alicante in Spain, have targeted UK consumers with cold-calls and online marketing. […]

A KwikChex investigation into online reviews website Trustpilot has shown that the platform is being used to promote a broad spectrum of illegal activity, from financial scams, through counterfeit documents to illegal drugs. Whilst the problem of fake reviews has been acknowledged for some years, and governments around the world are tightening laws to help […]

Recent days have seen increasing online and print coverage of KwikChex’s continuing work to increase Online Information Integrity (OII). Articles have already appeared in UK newspapers featuring KwikChex investigations into the way fraudsters use fake reviews as a part of their deceptions, including massively in currency trading (Forex and Cryptocurrency) scams – and now the […]

Multiple award-winning journalist Chris Haslam has published an article in the Times and Sunday Times, querying once again whether online travel reviews can be trusted? It coincides with TripAdvisor’s announcement that the site has just passed 1 billion reviews. Chris Emmins, CEO of KwikChex was interviewed for the article and pointed out that for all […]

29th November 2021

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Whilst working on a large safeguarding project to provide verified information on health supplements, KwikChex became aware of increasing numbers of reports on the role vitamin D appears to be playing in the severity of illness experienced by many. Reports are showing that a very substantial percentage of people hospitalised by Covid are vitamin D […]

The FCA has released a statement alerting pension holders to a rise in the number of online scammers targeting pension pots. “A total of £2,241,774 has been reportedly lost to pension scammers since the start of 2021 (January 2021-May 2021).  Some victims of pensions scams are reluctant to report that they have been scammed or […]

With a huge increase in scams during the pandemic crisis, and growing demand from consumers for free and practical assistance, KwikChex has entered into a partnership with Steve Reynolds Consultancy, to enhance our resources. Steve is a vastly experienced investigator, with over 40 years of law enforcement experience in Essex Police and the Independent Police […]

The Financial Conduct Authority has published the following article on their website. “The FCA has announced proposals to stop the practice of ‘claims management phoenixing’, by banning Claims Management Companies (CMCs) from managing Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) claims where they have a relevant connection to the claim. “Claims management phoenixing occurs when individuals from financial services firms go […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint against Paul Coleman. A complaint has been raised against website www.private-syndicate.co.uk, which encourages gambling as an alternative to employment. The complainant challenged the claims about the “100% Lifetime Money-Back Guarantee” of the VIP Inner Circle Service. After four months without making a profit, the complainant […]

KwikChex has helped launch brand new environmental site, Loving My Planet lovingmyplanet.com The site is the creation of KwikChex founder and director Chris Emmins and has the declared ambition of “ bringing unprecedented positivity to the way we think about our amazing planet.  We want to unite and connect the global community of earth-passionate people, […]

KwikChex has previously reported on the Advertising Standards Authority rulings in favour of the Money and Pensions Service, which had challenged the legitimacy of paid-for search advertisements promoting debt relief solutions. The ASA has now ruled against two further companies promoting debt relief advice via paid-for Facebooks ads. A number of concerns were raised regarding […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint against LC International Ltd t/a Ladbrokes. A complaint was raised regarding a video on demand (VOD) ad for a Ladbrokes mobile phone app, which was aired on All4 on 25 October 2020. “The complainant challenged whether the ad depicted gambling behaviour that was socially irresponsible.” […]

Credit: BBC News, 9/02/21  A man who left a negative review of a legal firm on the TrustPilot website has been ordered to pay £25,000 ($34,000) in libel damages. “Philip James Waymouth engaged London law firm Summerfield Browne online to provide advice but was unsatisfied with the service he received.”“He then left a review accusing […]

The Financial Conduct Authority is calling on consumers to remain vigilant for fraudsters offering instant cash loans. After previously warning of an increase in unscrupulous scammers preying on unsuspecting victims during the pandemic, they are reporting that Monva Ltd is the latest firm to be targeted by such clone firm fraudsters. What is a clone […]

The latest Advertising Standards Authority investigations have ruled in favour of the Money and Pensions Service, which challenged the legitimacy of paid-for search advertisements promoting debt relief solutions. A number of concerns were raised regarding the companies Fidelitas Group Ltd and National Direct Service including – Misleading ads suggesting associations with the Government and charities […]

The Financial Conduct Authority has issued a warning to consumers to be alert for investment scams involving clone firms. “Clone firms are fake firms set up by scammers using the name, address and ‘Firm Reference Number’ (FRN) of real companies authorised by the FCA. Once set up, these fraudsters will then send sales materials linking […]

Online Defamation News  Online defamation, particularly on reviews websites continues to be an issue for many businesses.  This latest case comes soon after KwikChex took successful action over severe attacks made on a business in Essex, UK, using Google Reviews – see KwikChex News  Disgruntled client ordered to pay £25,000 damages for libellous review  Credits: The Law Society Gazette, by […]

KwikChex celebrates 10 years of safeguarding with another appearance on BBC News and the removal of fake and malicious reviews from our client’s online profile. KwikChex CEO and co-founder Chris Emmins has once again featured on the BBC, tackling fake online reviews – 10 years after our very first appearance. In 2010, in our first […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint against Profit Accumulator Ltd. Concerns were raised regarding both “A paid-for Facebook post and a website for casino bonus hunting service Bonus Accumulator” which were seen in June 2020. “The complainant challenged whether the claims: 1. ‘This is my 45th day of isolation … this […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about Bigstonemax, which has been providing financial services or products in the UK without authorisation. “This firm is not authorised by us and is targeting people in the UK. Based upon information we hold, we believe it is carrying on regulated activities which require authorisation.” Company […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about a fraudulent firm, Fast Loan UK / Fast Finance UK Ltd, masquerading as FCA authorised UK Leadtech Ltd / JDB Enterprise Group Ltd. “This is what we call a ‘clone firm’; and fraudsters usually use this tactic when contacting people out of the blue, so […]

A letter sent to chief executives concentrates on multiple failings by claims management companies and comes with the warning that action must be taken to address their concerns; that often CMCs are willing to hand over poorly investigated cases with negligible chances of success. The Law Society Gazette has summarised the situation as presented by […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about a fraudulent firm, Liverpool Victoria Financial Services, masquerading as FCA authorised Liverpool Victoria Financial Services Limited. “This is what we call a ‘clone firm’; and fraudsters usually use this tactic when contacting people out of the blue, so you should be especially wary if you […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about a fraudulent firm, Scottish Widows, masquerading as FCA authorised Scottish Widows Limited. “This is what we call a ‘clone firm’; and fraudsters usually use this tactic when contacting people out of the blue, so you should be especially wary if you have been cold called. […]

We published an article in July highlighting the UK Advertising Standards Authority’s steps to remove online ads promoting untested cures and treatments for Coronavirus. This came after complaints had been raised against companies using their websites and social media accounts to advertise unlicensed IV booster drip treatments for Coronavirus. Click here to read the previous […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint against ElectraWorks Ltd t/a Foxy Games. A complaint was raised against a “paid-for Google search ad for Foxy Games, seen on 11 July 2020, which was displayed when the search term ‘make money online’ was used, stated ‘Earn Money Online – Foxy Games – Play […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about Renewable Energy Investor, which has been providing financial services or products in the UK without authorisation. “This firm is not authorised by us and is targeting people in the UK. Based upon information we hold, we believe it is carrying on regulated activities which require […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about online trading firm, TradingTeck, which has been providing financial services or products in the UK without authorisation. TradingTeck is a trading style of SecVision Limited. “This firm is not authorised by us and is targeting people in the UK. Based upon information we hold, we […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about online trading firm, ApcoFX which has been providing financial services or products in the UK without authorisation. “This firm is not authorised by us and is targeting people in the UK. Based upon information we hold, we believe it is carrying on regulated activities which […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about Forex online trading firm, 4EX7, which has been providing financial services or products in the UK without authorisation. “This firm is not authorised by us and is targeting people in the UK. Based upon information we hold, we believe it is carrying on regulated activities […]

In response to requests from timeshare owners that have fallen victim to timeshare exit and claims scams. KwikChex has produced a new online resource –  Timeshare Exit Concerns timeshareexitconcerns.co.uk The new website is entirely consumer-focused and timeshare owners are actively participating and contributing to it. Content includes: A key facts section, which details how to spot […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about a fraudulent firm, Claims Advice Bureau, masquerading as FCA authorised Claims Advice Bureau (UK) Limited. “This is what we call a ‘clone firm’; and fraudsters usually use this tactic when contacting people out of the blue, so you should be especially wary if you have […]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about a fraudulent firm, ForexGrowths, masquerading as FCA authorised Tradeslide Trading Tech LTD. “This is what we call a ‘clone firm’; and fraudsters usually use this tactic when contacting people out of the blue, so you should be especially wary if you have been cold called. […]

News from the Federal Trade Commission in the US Please note we feel warnings such as this are relevant everywhere as similar scams are likely to be Worldwide. ———— Warnings have been issued to more than 160 individuals and companies making unsubstantiated claims that their products and treatments help prevent or cure Coronavirus. Consumers should […]

News from the Federal Trade Commission in the US Please note we feel warnings such as this are relevant everywhere as similar scams are likely to be Worldwide. ———— Another warning has been issued to alert people about work-at-home business opportunities that sound too good to be true. Scammers are looking to prey on the […]

News from the Federal Trade Commission in the US Please note we feel warnings such as this are relevant everywhere as similar scams are likely to be Worldwide. ———— People are being asked to remain alert to the latest phishing scam targeting your bank account details and personal information. Scammers pretending to be government officials […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has taken steps to remove online ads promoting untested cures and treatments for Coronavirus. A number of complaints have been raised against companies using their websites and social media accounts to advertise unlicensed IV booster drip treatments for Coronavirus. Click here to view complaint against Cosmetic Medical Advice UK […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint against Paul Coleman. A complaint has been raised against website www.makelifeincome.com, which encourages gambling as an alternative to employment. The complainant challenged the claims about the success rate and uniqueness of the system that had been developed by the advertiser. The ASA also challenged whether […]

KwikChex has received reports of a new cold-caller phoning from UK number 01792825993 and calling itself the ‘Consumer Council’. This is the latest version of fake consumer organisation cold calls. In addition to obvious data breaches, they are also giving false information to consumers. KwikChex is currently operating an initiative via the Timeshare Task Force, an […]

Further to recent general warnings and advice from KwikChex about increased activities by scammers, we are now receiving specific reports of attempts at defrauding timeshare owners. The latest attempts at scamming timeshare owners involve phone callers falsely telling Hilton Grand Vacations owners in the UK that the business is going into liquidation and offering services […]

KwikChex seeing rapidly increasing online threats to consumers and businesses connected to coronavirus Fraudsters delight in exploiting ‘fear factors’ and the coronavirus crisis is demonstrating how they are using it in attempts to scam consumers. This situation particularly suits scammers as so many people are staying at home and using the internet far more for […]

Regulators and consumer organisations have already exposed significant problems with Online Travel Agents (OTAs) – and one small business has already successfully claimed compensation for losses caused by  Booking.com Online Travel Agents or OTAs as they are often better known dominate accommodation booking. Hotels and other accommodation providers cannot compete with their massive online presence […]

KwikChex sees an increase in reports from consumers concerned about being caught out by cold-calling rogues offering to get their monies back after losing monies in initial scams.   An increasing number of consumers are approaching KwikChex with stories of being contacted by people saying they can get monies back for them that were lost […]

The law is catching up with those involved in ‘Leisure Credits’ and Bogus Holiday Club scams, with arrests, prison sentences and heavy financial penalties taking place. Way back in 2013, the UK European Consumer Centre warned of a new holiday product that was set up to intentionally avoid the legislation that protects consumers in the […]

Yahoo Finance, 21st August 2019 The recent presentation of a ‘Hero Award’ by the Chartered Institute of Trading Standards (CTSI) to online investigations and verification business KwikChex highlighted the value of the private sector in fighting what has been an inexorable rise in fraud Since 2010, KwikChex has been fighting battles to help prevent harm […]

16/07/19 After a KwikChex-initiated BBC exposure of serious food hygiene issues, Just Eat will publish the food hygiene rating of every restaurant listed on its UK delivery platform from today. However there are still improvements that can be made. In the UK, whilst consumers will be able to see the official food hygiene rating for […]

Further actions have taken place in a criminal case that KwikChex supported with evidence gained from investigations and consumer reports. Frank Madden was previously sentenced to 40 months imprisonment for operating a bogus holiday discount club scam and has now been ordered to pay back £20,000 and had further banning orders imposed. Read the article […]

Chris Emmins, Co-founder of KwikChex, appears on Channel 5’s ‘When teens kill’ programme to advise on the potential dangers of online classified ads. It follows a previous KwikChex investigation into the risks of using Gumtree, which include fraud, theft and – as the programme shows, even the possibilty of serious assault / loss of life. […]

Bloomberg have published an article after KwikChex Investigations showed that take away delivery giants are delivering food to consumers from businesses with poor food hygiene ratings. This is part of a more substantial investigation by KwikChex , with further details to be made public soon. ‘Deliveroo and Uber Eats List Restaurants With Low Health Scores’ […]

Since the launch  of the new Timeshare Helpline, in July 2017 the Timeshare Task Force operated by KwikChex, has received and responded to over 1000 requests for assistance and successfully resolved half of these, with the remainder receiving ongoing support. As a provider of evidence and witness statements the TTF has helped secure: •       The […]

KwikChex has once again assisted BBC investigative journalists, providing information on problems with online reviews websites.   Director and Co-Founder of KwikChex, Chris Emmins was also interviewed on Adrian Goldberg’s programme. – discussing how TripAdvisor prioritise Online Travel Agents (OTAs) that pay TripAdvisor in their search results. TripAdvisor now prefers consumers to see ‘deals’ from their OTA […]

Francis (Frank) Madden was yesterday (Tuesday 01 May) sentenced to 40 months imprisonment for scamming consumers in a supposed holiday discount scheme. The sentence was handed down after he changed his plea to guilty on reduced charges. Madden was previously convicted on two occasions and was actually under a suspended sentence when KwikChex detected him […]

Another consumer supported by the free services of the Timeshare Task Force has been awarded a full refund, plus costs and interests totalling nearly £10,000 On 27th March at Workington County Court, ITRA were ordered to pay a consumer a total of £9765.90. This included a full refund of £7640.00, plus costs and interest. The […]

Consumer awarded over £4800 as judge declares that breaches of contract by International Refund Action Ltd. (ITRA) were “completely unacceptable” KwikChex can report that on Friday 19 January 2018,  at Weston-Super-Mare County Court, another consumer it has supported has won a judgement against International Timeshare Refund Action – ITRA. The judge ordered ITRA to repay […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Timeshare Relief UK. A complaint was filed with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in October 2015. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force www.timesharetaskforce.org which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged whether the […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Easy Consulting SL t/a www.directresortsinternational.co.uk. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force www.timesharetaskforce.org which KwikChex manages. The investigation by KwikChex challenged that the ad (“All our luxury resorts are from £99 per […]

KwikChex in the capacity of its role leading the Timeshare Task Force, recently received a request for assistance from the Third Age Trust, a registered charity with over 360,000 members dedicated to promoting and assisting education for those no longer in full time employment through the U3A Movement. One of their members had responded to […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Senegal Investment www.senegal-investment.co.uk (website down). The investigation by KwikChex challenged whether the claim “239% RETURN ON INVESTMENT OVER 5 YEARS” was misleading and could be substantiated. Since the website is no longer live and the claim can no longer be […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Timeshare Solutions Ltd. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The investigation by KwikChex challenged whether the testimonials by “Steve”, Mrs P Swift, Vicky Tomgue and Mrs Wilson […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Rapid Sale www.rapid-sale.co.uk. The investigation by KwikChex challenged whether the claim “Stop Repossession/Eviction – Cash in Bank in 7 Days ‘Guaranteed” was misleading and could be substantiated. Rapid Sale provided a statement from their solicitor confirming that, subject to obtaining redemption […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Exclusive Weeks https://exclusiveweeks.co.uk/. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged the display of a countdown clock promotion which renewed and did not expire on […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Direct Resorts International https://directresortsinternational.co.uk/. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged whether testimonials on the www.directresortsinternational.co.uk website were genuine because the same testimonials were […]

KwikChex has once again been working with the BBC to highlight dangers to consumers. As part of the Timeshare Task Force initiative, KwikChex contacted the BBC 4 Radio You & Yours programme about a product known as Realistix Solutions. This is a product which is the subject of many consumer complaints. Consumers are approached with [...]

A business claiming to help prevent unsolicited calls has been fined £50,000 after the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) found it was making hundreds of such calls itself. Point One Marketing Ltd, trading as ‘Stop the Calls’ a Bournemouth based company offered a service to consumers to stop cold calling – but was found to be […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Sell Business Fast https://sellbusinessfast.co.uk (website now down). The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged a statement on the Sell Business Fast website “We Buy Any […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Sold Faster https://www.soldfaster.co.uk (website now down). The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged a statement on the Sold Faster website “Get a guaranteed CASH offer […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Timeshare Refund UK www.selltimesharetoday.co.uk. The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged that references made on the www.selltimesharetoday.co.uk website stating "Timeshare Refund UK is a 100% [...]
Resort Management Direct had been cold calling RDO members saying they were entitled to a free holiday. An admin fee of approximately £200 would apply. However consumers found the holidays near impossible to book and some were later advised that they needed to attend a presentation whilst on holiday. Refunds were never given. Blaine Connell, [...]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Solution For Timeshare https://www.loveallinclusive.com The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged that references made on the Love All Inclusive website regarding affiliations and memberships with […]

KwikChex were featured on the 6 O’Clock BBC News after our investigations team worked with BBC reporters to uncover review fraud involving a Payday Loan company that had fake reviews posted on Trustpilot. The reviews used stolen identities – including one of a deceased young mother. KwikChex is now in the process of launching a […]

A study by KwikChex has shown that loss of reputation caused by association with gastro-intestinal illness comes at a huge price – whether the accusations are true or false. The worst hit you can take as a hospitality business owner is when there is news and online content that says you have made your customers […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding CRP Properties https://www.crpproperties.co.uk/ (Website down) The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged a client testimonial on the CRP Properties website by connected company CP Berry […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has informally resolved a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Pennington McClane https://www.penningtonmcclaneassociates.co.uk/ (Website down). The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. This challenged the following statements on the Pennington McClane website: “We are an experienced, internationally […]

KwikChex receives and acts upon many reports, concerns and complaints from people from all over the world. In many cases, our investigations reveal criminal behaviour and severe threats to consumers. We gather evidence on these and ensure that they are reported to the correct authorities and whenever necessary we provide further support for prosecutions. But […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint submitted by KwikChex regarding Solution For Timeshare/. The complaint includes the Swedish version of the site Slapp Din Timeshare The investigation by KwikChex was carried out as part of activities by the Timeshare Task Force https://www.timesharetaskforce.org/ which KwikChex manages. The complaint challenged whether reviews on […]

Credits: BBC News A British labour activist, Andy Hall has been charged with criminal defamation in Thailand. The use of criminal laws to attempt to silence and punish those involved in publishing matters of public interest is open to extreme abuse. KwikChex calls on the Thai authorities to at least suspend the case – and […]

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