Latest news with #Censuswide


Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
Sextortion scam warning to students after rise in number of younger victims
Students are being warned of the dangers of falling prey to 'sextortion' scammers amid a rise in the number of young people being targeted on social media. One in six (17%) who took part in a survey for Nationwide Building Society said they have shared intimate images of themselves. Some 26% also said they have shared private information. Nationwide said that over the past year, its fraud team has seen a growing trend of blackmail scams, with criminals obtaining explicit images or private information and threatening to share it. Annya Burskys, head of fraud operations at Nationwide, said: 'Blackmail scams are often linked to romance scams and are particularly harrowing for victims. Sadly, we have seen a rise in this type of activity. 'Scammers specialise in developing relationships with their victims, often over time, making them feel comfortable and special. 'They often share explicit images or personal information first, so the victim feels comfortable or under pressure to reciprocate. 'Once they have the private images or information that's when they strike. 'They will suddenly switch, demand money and threaten to send the photos or information to friends, family and work colleagues. It's heartbreaking. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'It's vital you think carefully before you share anything private and report any form of blackmail or intimidation immediately to police, family, friends, or your bank or building society.' The survey also indicated that one in six students (17%) are exposed to suspect content such as scams at least once week, including fake goods being offered, fraudsters impersonating parents, money mule scams, investment scams, rogue traders and tenancy and rental deposit scams, as well as blackmail scams. Nationwide has a 'scamchecker' service encouraging people to contact it if they have doubts about a payment they are being asked to make. More Trending While students are aware of being targeted by scams, they are also concerned about their family and friends falling victim. Six in 10 (62%) worry about parents, grandparents and elderly relatives being scammed and three-quarters (75%) are concerned about vulnerable people. More than half of (52%) of students said they rely on parents and grandparents for advice on finance matters and 58% rely on university or college advice. View More » Nationwide commissioned Censuswide to survey 2,000 students across the UK in May for the research. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Woman, 69, stabbed to death with police hunting for attacker thought to have stolen Rolex MORE: Moment driver sent holidaymakers into air after smashing into them over Airbnb row MORE: Man who tortured woman 'made her phone mum to say goodbye' during 10-hour ordeal


Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Young homeowners ‘favour avocado bathrooms, relaxation zones and panelled walls'
Some 97% of 25 to 34-year-olds said they had followed at least one trend-led home upgrade in the previous 12 months, with some makeovers including DIY wall panelling or retro avocado bathroom suites, research for the Compare the Market home insurance team found. Other design trends proving particularly popular with younger homeowners include garden 'relaxation zones', using reclaimed materials, bold paint colours, maximalism, having a purpose-built hobby space and 'peel and stick' wallpaper. Younger homeowners are also spending more on design upgrades typically. The average 25 to 34-year-old spent £17,641 on trend-led upgrades in the past year – which was around two-thirds more than the average amount spent by homeowners in the over-35s age group, with a typical spend of £10,632. Social media is a significant driver for under-35s taking on a home improvement project, with Instagram (41%) and TikTok (36%) proving popular sources of inspiration, according to the research. But despite doing their research before they got started, fewer than one in 10 (8%) younger homeowners said they managed to stick to their budget. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they caused damage to their home during the work and a similar proportion (22%) ended up hiring a professional to fix their DIY blunders. Despite those extra costs, 84% of younger homeowners said their on-trend upgrade was worth it. The Compare the Market home insurance team urged homeowners to be aware of the potential risks when following trend-led upgrades. Not informing an insurance provider before a renovation could affect the validity of a policy. Some policyholders may also find that they are not covered for damage caused by DIY mishaps. Compare the Market said the research, carried out by Censuswide among 1,000 homeowners across the UK in March, highlights the importance of checking insurance policy small print. Anna McEntee, a home insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: 'Whether it's a viral wall panelling trend, a space for your side-hustle or even an avocado bathroom suite, home upgrades can add value – but they can also affect your home insurance if things go wrong. 'You don't have to tell your insurance provider if you're just painting a wall. But if your makeover is more than cosmetic, before you start renovating, it's important to speak to your insurance provider, check if you're covered to carry out your home improvements, and review your home insurance policy once your on-trend makeover is complete.' Here are the top five sources for home design inspiration among 25 to 34-year-olds, according to the research for Compare the Market: 1. Instagram (41%) 2. Interior design websites (39%) =3. TikTok (36%) =3. Social media design influencers (36%) 5. YouTube shows (35%) And here are the top five sources for home design inspiration among those aged 35-plus, according to Compare the Market: 1. DIY stores (34%) 2. Friends and family (32%) 3. Home renovation TV shows (29%) 4. Furniture retailers (23%) 5. Interior design websites (21%)

Rhyl Journal
4 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Young homeowners ‘favour avocado bathrooms, relaxation zones and panelled walls'
Some 97% of 25 to 34-year-olds said they had followed at least one trend-led home upgrade in the previous 12 months, with some makeovers including DIY wall panelling or retro avocado bathroom suites, research for the Compare the Market home insurance team found. Other design trends proving particularly popular with younger homeowners include garden 'relaxation zones', using reclaimed materials, bold paint colours, maximalism, having a purpose-built hobby space and 'peel and stick' wallpaper. Younger homeowners are also spending more on design upgrades typically. The average 25 to 34-year-old spent £17,641 on trend-led upgrades in the past year – which was around two-thirds more than the average amount spent by homeowners in the over-35s age group, with a typical spend of £10,632. Social media is a significant driver for under-35s taking on a home improvement project, with Instagram (41%) and TikTok (36%) proving popular sources of inspiration, according to the research. But despite doing their research before they got started, fewer than one in 10 (8%) younger homeowners said they managed to stick to their budget. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they caused damage to their home during the work and a similar proportion (22%) ended up hiring a professional to fix their DIY blunders. Despite those extra costs, 84% of younger homeowners said their on-trend upgrade was worth it. The Compare the Market home insurance team urged homeowners to be aware of the potential risks when following trend-led upgrades. Not informing an insurance provider before a renovation could affect the validity of a policy. Some policyholders may also find that they are not covered for damage caused by DIY mishaps. Compare the Market said the research, carried out by Censuswide among 1,000 homeowners across the UK in March, highlights the importance of checking insurance policy small print. Anna McEntee, a home insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: 'Whether it's a viral wall panelling trend, a space for your side-hustle or even an avocado bathroom suite, home upgrades can add value – but they can also affect your home insurance if things go wrong. 'You don't have to tell your insurance provider if you're just painting a wall. But if your makeover is more than cosmetic, before you start renovating, it's important to speak to your insurance provider, check if you're covered to carry out your home improvements, and review your home insurance policy once your on-trend makeover is complete.' Here are the top five sources for home design inspiration among 25 to 34-year-olds, according to the research for Compare the Market: 1. Instagram (41%) 2. Interior design websites (39%) =3. TikTok (36%) =3. Social media design influencers (36%) 5. YouTube shows (35%) And here are the top five sources for home design inspiration among those aged 35-plus, according to Compare the Market: 1. DIY stores (34%) 2. Friends and family (32%) 3. Home renovation TV shows (29%) 4. Furniture retailers (23%) 5. Interior design websites (21%)


North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Young homeowners ‘favour avocado bathrooms, relaxation zones and panelled walls'
Some 97% of 25 to 34-year-olds said they had followed at least one trend-led home upgrade in the previous 12 months, with some makeovers including DIY wall panelling or retro avocado bathroom suites, research for the Compare the Market home insurance team found. Other design trends proving particularly popular with younger homeowners include garden 'relaxation zones', using reclaimed materials, bold paint colours, maximalism, having a purpose-built hobby space and 'peel and stick' wallpaper. Younger homeowners are also spending more on design upgrades typically. The average 25 to 34-year-old spent £17,641 on trend-led upgrades in the past year – which was around two-thirds more than the average amount spent by homeowners in the over-35s age group, with a typical spend of £10,632. Social media is a significant driver for under-35s taking on a home improvement project, with Instagram (41%) and TikTok (36%) proving popular sources of inspiration, according to the research. But despite doing their research before they got started, fewer than one in 10 (8%) younger homeowners said they managed to stick to their budget. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they caused damage to their home during the work and a similar proportion (22%) ended up hiring a professional to fix their DIY blunders. Despite those extra costs, 84% of younger homeowners said their on-trend upgrade was worth it. The Compare the Market home insurance team urged homeowners to be aware of the potential risks when following trend-led upgrades. Not informing an insurance provider before a renovation could affect the validity of a policy. Some policyholders may also find that they are not covered for damage caused by DIY mishaps. Compare the Market said the research, carried out by Censuswide among 1,000 homeowners across the UK in March, highlights the importance of checking insurance policy small print. Anna McEntee, a home insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: 'Whether it's a viral wall panelling trend, a space for your side-hustle or even an avocado bathroom suite, home upgrades can add value – but they can also affect your home insurance if things go wrong. 'You don't have to tell your insurance provider if you're just painting a wall. But if your makeover is more than cosmetic, before you start renovating, it's important to speak to your insurance provider, check if you're covered to carry out your home improvements, and review your home insurance policy once your on-trend makeover is complete.' Here are the top five sources for home design inspiration among 25 to 34-year-olds, according to the research for Compare the Market: 1. Instagram (41%) 2. Interior design websites (39%) =3. TikTok (36%) =3. Social media design influencers (36%) 5. YouTube shows (35%) And here are the top five sources for home design inspiration among those aged 35-plus, according to Compare the Market: 1. DIY stores (34%) 2. Friends and family (32%) 3. Home renovation TV shows (29%) 4. Furniture retailers (23%) 5. Interior design websites (21%)

Leader Live
4 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Young homeowners ‘favour avocado bathrooms, relaxation zones and panelled walls'
Some 97% of 25 to 34-year-olds said they had followed at least one trend-led home upgrade in the previous 12 months, with some makeovers including DIY wall panelling or retro avocado bathroom suites, research for the Compare the Market home insurance team found. Other design trends proving particularly popular with younger homeowners include garden 'relaxation zones', using reclaimed materials, bold paint colours, maximalism, having a purpose-built hobby space and 'peel and stick' wallpaper. Younger homeowners are also spending more on design upgrades typically. The average 25 to 34-year-old spent £17,641 on trend-led upgrades in the past year – which was around two-thirds more than the average amount spent by homeowners in the over-35s age group, with a typical spend of £10,632. Social media is a significant driver for under-35s taking on a home improvement project, with Instagram (41%) and TikTok (36%) proving popular sources of inspiration, according to the research. But despite doing their research before they got started, fewer than one in 10 (8%) younger homeowners said they managed to stick to their budget. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they caused damage to their home during the work and a similar proportion (22%) ended up hiring a professional to fix their DIY blunders. Despite those extra costs, 84% of younger homeowners said their on-trend upgrade was worth it. The Compare the Market home insurance team urged homeowners to be aware of the potential risks when following trend-led upgrades. Not informing an insurance provider before a renovation could affect the validity of a policy. Some policyholders may also find that they are not covered for damage caused by DIY mishaps. Compare the Market said the research, carried out by Censuswide among 1,000 homeowners across the UK in March, highlights the importance of checking insurance policy small print. Anna McEntee, a home insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: 'Whether it's a viral wall panelling trend, a space for your side-hustle or even an avocado bathroom suite, home upgrades can add value – but they can also affect your home insurance if things go wrong. 'You don't have to tell your insurance provider if you're just painting a wall. But if your makeover is more than cosmetic, before you start renovating, it's important to speak to your insurance provider, check if you're covered to carry out your home improvements, and review your home insurance policy once your on-trend makeover is complete.' Here are the top five sources for home design inspiration among 25 to 34-year-olds, according to the research for Compare the Market: 1. Instagram (41%) 2. Interior design websites (39%) =3. TikTok (36%) =3. Social media design influencers (36%) 5. YouTube shows (35%) And here are the top five sources for home design inspiration among those aged 35-plus, according to Compare the Market: 1. DIY stores (34%) 2. Friends and family (32%) 3. Home renovation TV shows (29%) 4. Furniture retailers (23%) 5. Interior design websites (21%)