New York State

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

Love Island’s Tina fights back tears as she’s reunited with dog – as co-stars Kaz and Samie return from dramatic final

LOVE Island All Stars bombshell Tina Stinnes broke down in tears as she returned to the UK to reunite with her dog.

The Made In Chelsea alum, who was unlucky in love in the ITV2 spin off, looked elated as her adorable pet leaped into her arms at Heathrow Airport.

Love Island stars reuniting with a dog at an airport.
Click News and Media
Love Island Al Stars contestant Tina Stinnes was close to tears as she reunited with her dog at London Heathrow[/caption]
Love Island stars Tina Stinnes and Samie Elishi at Heathrow Airport with a dog.
Click News and Media
The reality TV beauty went make-up free as she cuddled her pooch[/caption]
Tina Stinnes, Love Island contestant, at Heathrow Airport.
Click News and Media
Kaz Crossley was also seen touching down from the same flight[/caption]

Tina, 29, who was make-up free and swept her blonde hair back in a headband, was visibly emotional as the pooch scooted towards her with its tongue out ready to give her an affectionate lick.

She touched down at the London transport hub after the long-haul flight from Cape Town following the dramatic Love Island All Stars final which saw Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman crowned surprise winners.

Tina – who had a rocky time in the villa after finding a spark with Scott Thomas only for him to quit the show – was surrounded by her loved ones on her arrival.

She was on board the aircraft with fellow bombshell Samie Elishi and All Stars OG Kaz Crossley.

Samie oozed a sunkissed glow courtesy of her time in the stunning South Africa compound.

She stayed cosy for her flight in a matching monochrome co-ord tracksuit, with a brown bobble wrapped around her wrist.

Londoner Samie wheeled a suitcase around the Arrivals lounge with a smile on her face.

She was at the heart of scandal during her short stint on the show, making a dramatic entrance which saw her kiss Luca Bish.

Samie then revealed the pair’s secret DMs sent before the show, leaving Luca’s partner Grace Jackson stunned.

Yet after the former fish seller decided to stay with Grace, her time on the series came to an end.

Also a passenger on the plane was Kaz Crossley – who was an OG in the 2025 All Stars line-up.

She pulled on a baby pink White Fox hoodie paired with black leggings and trainers and a designer bag.

She left her hood up to cover her platinum blonde hair and tucked a bottle of water under her arm.

Love Island All Stars 2025 official line-up

Love Island All Stars is back on TV for season 2.

Here we take you through the line-up of all the Islanders who are in the villa so far.

Bombshells

Each series brings with it a string of hot single bombshells making their epic entrance into the villa.

Here’s who has joined the villa so far:

Kaz’s mobile was firmly in her hand – perhaps to take calls flooding in following her second time in the matchmaking series.

Her appearance came after she waded in to the scandal surrounding Liv Hawkins’ claim Grace Jackson allegedly sent messages stating she would “do anything” to win the show.

The bad blood was first sparked on Sunday’s episode when Liv returned briefly with a major revelation about the Manchester lass during the dumping ceremony.

She claimed she’d seen text messages from Grace to someone where she’d declared she would “do anything to win the show this time”.

It came as bombshell Grace made it to the Love Island final alongside Luca Bish – and Liv reinforced her stance when grilled by Maya about the receipts.

During Sunday’s show Liv was backed by Samie Elishi who agreed “the “everyone” from Love Island All Stars had seen the screenshots.

The camera also zoomed in on Kaz who was laughing and hiding her face – leading fans to think she’d also witnessed the texts.

But now Kaz has taken to her TikTok to insist that she hasn’t actually viewed the screenshots.

In a six-minute video she told fans: “I just want to say I haven’t seen these messages, and I had no involvement in this situation.”

Tina Stinnes arriving at Heathrow Airport.
Click News and Media
All Stars bombshell Samie Elishi glowed after her time spent in the South Africa sunshine[/caption]
Love Island stars arriving at an airport with a dog.
Click News and Media
The trio arrived off the same long-haul flight[/caption]
Couple on Love Island stage.
Rex
It came after Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman won the 2025 final on Monday[/caption]

Read More »

‘He’s really lost his head’ – Atalanta captain sent off for moment of madness after ’embarrassing’ blunder

ATALANTA captain Rafael Toloi saw red as the Serie A side crashed out of the Champions League.

The Italians went into last night’s second leg trailing Belgians Club Brugge 2-1 from the first match.

Soccer players on a field.
TNT SPORTS
Rafael Toloi attempted to throw the ball at an opponent[/caption]
Soccer players contesting the ball.
TNT SPORTS
He then bundled over the Club Brugge ace[/caption]

Things swiftly went from bad to worse for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, as a disastrous first half saw them fall 3-0 down on the night.

Ademola Lookman pulled one back for the Serie A side moments into the second half.

But after the former Everton and Fulham man missed a penalty on the hour mark, Atalanta’s hope began to ebb away.

In the 86th minute, Toloi’s frustration boiled over.

As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.

The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.

It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.

Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

The referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.

He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.

After the game, veteran boss Gasperini was disappointed at his skipper.

He said: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.

“Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”

On the winger’s botched penalty, the 67-year-old added: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.

“He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.

“Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”

Ademola Lookman, Atalanta's #11, reacting after a soccer match.
AFP
Ademola Lookman botched his second half penalty[/caption]

Read More »

Cops launch urgent appeal for Brit journalist Charlotte Alice Peet, 32, missing for 10 days in Brazil after texting pal

POLICE in Brazil are searching for a missing British journalist last seen nearly two weeks ago in São Paulo.

Charlotte Peet, 32, was reported missing on February 8 after she messaged a friend in Rio de Janeiro saying she was in São Paulo and planning to head to Rio but needed a place to stay.

Portrait of Charlotte Peet.
Facebook
Brit journalist Charlotte Peet has gone missing in Brazil[/caption]
Photo of Charlotte Alice Peet.
Instagram
Cops have launched a manhunt after the 32-year-old was reported missing on February 8[/caption]

The British Embassy in Brazil stated that it is supporting Charlotte’s family and working with local authorities.

Her friend, an American woman who met Charlotte two years ago, told police she was unable to help because her house was full, reports local outlet Folha de São Paulo.

Days later, Charlotte’s family reached out to the same friend, saying they had lost contact with her.

Concerned relatives provided police with details of her flight to Brazil and a photo of her passport to assist in the search, according Folha de São Paulo.

Although the missing persons report was initially lodged in Rio, it has since been transferred to São Paulo, where local officers are leading the investigation.

Regional officials confirmed: “The case is being investigated by the 5th Missing Persons Division of the State Department of Homicides And Personal Protection (DHPP).”

The British Embassy in Brazil said it was assisting Charlotte’s family and coordinating with local authorities.

“We are assisting the family of the British citizen and in contact with local authorities,” the embassy said in a statement.

Freelance reporter Charlotte, who describes herself online as “fluent in Portuguese,” has nine years of journalism experience, reports Brazilian outlet G1.

She has worked for major outlets such as Al Jazeera, The Times, and The Evening Standard.

The Brit has also appeared on the BBC World Service and contributed to Lonely Planet.

She previously spent time living in Brazil before returning briefly to London.

She moved back to the country in November 2024 and was last known to be in São Paulo before going silent.

Authorities have not revealed where Charlotte was staying before she disappeared.

Police say investigations are ongoing as they work to track her movements and determine what happened.

Late yesterday, the Brazilian Foreign Press Association (ACIE) urged authorities to step up their search efforts, admitting it was “worried” about Charlotte’s disappearance.

ACIE president Edmar Figueiredo, an experienced Brazilian TV journalist, said: “The Brazilian Foreign Press Association would like to publicly express its concern about the disappearance of 32-year-old British journalist Charlotte Alice Peet and show solidarity with her family and friends.

“The ACIE and its leadership call on the relevant authorities to intensify their work to try to find the missing British journalist as soon as possible.”

“As a freelance journalist, Charlotte knew some of the foreign correspondents who are members of the Brazilian Foreign Press Association,” he added.

“She reported from Brazil for foreign media, including Al Jazeera and British and even Portuguese media outlets.”

Charlotte studied philosophy at the University of Bristol before doing a masters degree in international journalism at City St George’s, University of London.

Her LinkedIn page says she worked as a reporter for the Rio Times for seven months in 2020 before becoming a foreign desk intern at The Times.

She went to work as a freelance journalist for more than five years in Brazil and London before starting to work in March last year as an editorial team lead for data generation platform Mindrift.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

Read More »

Four cheap and easy ways to get rid of condensation and mould in your home including 65p Asda buy

KEEPING condensation and mould at bay during winter in your home is a full on job. 

But there are some easy and cheap ways to stay on top of it during the cold winter months. 

Black mold growing on walls and baseboards.
Alamy
Keeping on top of mould can feel like a full-time job but our tips can help[/caption]
Portrait of a woman with long dark hair.
Aneesa Khan from VonHaus shares her tips to banish damp and mould

Aneesa Khan from VonHaus told The Sun: “We’ve all been there – waking up on a cold morning, pulling back the curtains and being greeted by water on your windows. This is one of those small annoyances of daily life.”

While you might be tempted to ignore this, you need to take action.

Aneesa said: “If left unchecked, condensation could lead to bigger problems, such as damaged paintwork – or the growth of mould.”

Not only is that black fuzz unsightly and difficult to shift without careful treatment, it can also cause health issues such as skin rashes and respiratory conditions. 

What’s more, as mould thrives in damp conditions, problems can get exacerbated during the winter. This can mean that toxic fuzz is a real scourge right now.

So what can you do to keep condensation at bay?

Bowl of rock salt

This old-school hack involves placing a bowl of salt on the windowsill to absorb moisture from the air.

Aneesa said: “Salt is ‘hygroscopic’, meaning it attracts water molecules.”

While you can use ordinary table salt – which you can buy at Asda for 65p – you may find that more ‘industrial’ rock salt works better.

This isn’t intended for consumption and is typically used as a de-icer. You can buy a 15kg bag for £8 on Amazon

Aneesa added: “Just bear in mind its effectiveness is limited by the amount of moisture it can absorb before becoming saturated.”

Cat litter in a sock

This pet product might seem an unconventional way of tackling a condensation problem, but can be surprisingly effective, according to Aneesa. 

She said: “Silica gel-based cat litter is particularly good because it’s designed to absorb liquids, making it capable of pulling moisture from the air.”

At Wilko, you can pick up a 3.8 litre bag for £3.49.

What is mould and how to get rid of it?

Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.

Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.

“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.

“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.

“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.

“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.

“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.

“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.

“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.

“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.

“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.

“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.

“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.

“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!

“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”

Aneesa said: “Simply put some into a container, such as an old sock or breathable bag, and place it in problem areas such as windowsills.

“While it’s not a permanent fix, it’s a clever and cost-effective way to reduce moisture build-up in the short term.”

Chalk and clove oil

Another technique you can try involves using an item you might already have at home in a kid’s arts-and-crafts box.

Aneesa said: “Chalk is another simple yet effective trick. Try placing it on windowsills or in other damp-prone areas to help soak up excess moisture in the air.”

If you need to buy some, you can purchase an eight-pack of giant chalk at B&M for £3.99.

Indoors living aficionado, Aneesa, added: “You can also pair this with clove oil to tackle any mould.”

This clever product has antifungal properties which can kill spores.

Aneesa said: “Not only does clove oil clean the affected area, but it is also considered a deterrent to prevent mould from coming back.”

At Boots, you can buy a 10ml bottle of the oil for £2.99. 

Shaving foam

One further hack to tackle condensation involves you rubbing a thin layer of this bathroom staple onto your window glass – and then buffing it off until clear.

The foam will create a protective film.

Aneesa said: “Shaving foam contains ‘surfactants’ which prevent water from clinging to surfaces, leaving your windows fog-free.”

For the best results, re-apply every few weeks. 

If you don’t have shaving foam to hand, then washing up liquid can be used in a similar way. 

Will they solve your mould and condensation issues?

While all of these hacks will work to some extent, you need to be aware that for homes with persistent condensation or mould problems, they are unlikely to offer a long-lasting fix. 

Aneesa said: “These low-cost tricks are worth a try, but if you want to address the root cause of the problem it’s worth thinking about investing in a more reliable solution.”

That’s where a dehumidifier might come into play.

Aneesa added: “These appliances are designed to suck moisture from your home and help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels of around 30-50%.”

While there is an upfront cost to consider, decent compact models – as we reported previously – can come in at under £35. 

Also bear in mind that if you end up needing to call in the professionals to deal with a mould problem, you might have to fork out around £300 per room, according to Checkatrade.

Find yourself with a particularly bad case and you could face a bill of around £1,200 to remove mould from your whole property.

When you factor this in, a dehumidifier feels like a sound investment.

In addition, there’s the health benefits, too, of reducing indoor humidity, particularly for those with asthma or allergies.

Other ways you can make use of your dehumidifier 

While you might assume a dehumidifier will end up sitting in a corner gathering dust when you’re not using it to deal with a damp problem, this need not be the case.

Aneesa said: “You can use your appliance to help laundry dry faster. Just set up a clothes rack, place the unit nearby, and close the door.

“The moisture gets whisked away, and your clothes dry faster without turning stiff as a board.”

Another clever use for one of these appliances is speeding up paint drying time.

The property pro said: “A dehumidifier can make the process quicker and easier. Pulling moisture from and helping the paint cure more evenly.”

You can even use your unit to help protect items in storage.

Aneesa said: “Excess moisture in storage spaces often leads to mould, mildew, and that dreaded musty smell. Run your dehumidifier in storage areas to keep the air dry and your belongings fresh.”

She added: “With a range of additional uses, this appliance can quietly earn its keep in your home.”

Read More »

‘Omg run,’ cry shoppers as they race to Tesco to nab incredibly cheap £245 Baccarat Rouge dupe

WE all love a dupe, especially when it lets you smell expensive on a budget.

From mimicking the scent to its lasting power, a perfume that rivals a designer one at half the price is definitely worth the investment.

Tesco store sign.
Alamy
Shoppers are racing to Tesco to get their hands on a smelly new range[/caption]

And shoppers are raving about Tesco’s new beauty range, which has just launched and is said to be well worth checking out.

In fact, customers are flocking to their local stores to snap up the new perfume collection, which many claim smells just like far more expensive brands.

One beauty enthusiast, who goes by the name ‘newdupes’ on TikTok, revealed that Tesco’s Skin Saints range is a must-try.

They shared a video with the caption: “Omg, run to Tesco. Look at these perfumes.”

The TikTok user first showcased the Skin Saints Eau De Parfum Rouge (100ml), currently available for £8 – or £7 with a Tesco Clubcard.

The perfume is a “unique, luxurious fragrance featuring warm saffron and rich amber wood notes.”

They claim it smells just like Baccarat Rouge, a perfume that retails for £245.

And this TikTok account isn’t the only one to think so.

Heading to Tesco’s website to comment on the perfume, one shopper wrote: “I have tried this scent now, and it lasts a good few hours. 

“Reminds me of Baccarat Rouge / inspired by that fragrance. 

“You get a good spray when you use it and it’s a large amount of fragrance.

“I think that it’s defo worth the £8…saving you so much money from the original. 

“Ideal to wear as an intense scent. Perfect for date nights or if you like a warm scent with a hint of amber and floral. 

“More of a luxurious fragrance. The quality of the bottle lid is slightly harder to open so that’s why I have given it 4/5 stars. Overall pleased with the product.”

The Newdupes TikTok account also shared other scents that smell like designer ones, including Dior Savage. 

The video shared on TikTok gained over 17.6k likes, with 220 people rushing to the comments section. 

Tesco perfume dupe compared to £245 Baccarat Rouge 540.
tiktok/@newdupes
Tesco perfume dupe compared to £245 Baccarat Rouge[/caption]
Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum bottle.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum bottle[/caption]
Skin Saints Passion Jasmine & Tonka perfume next to Carolina Herrera Good Girl perfume.
tiktok/@newdupes
Skin Saints Passion Jasmine & Tonka perfume next to Carolina Herrera Good Girl perfume[/caption]

One wrote: “Wow, I’ve gotta try these.”

Whilst a second added: “Tesco’s trip after payday then.” 

And perfume isn’t the only beauty item that shoppers are racing for. 

If you’re a fan of the iconic Sol de Janeiro sprays but can’t quite justify spending £24 on a bottle of the viral favourite, don’t worry – you’re in the right place.  

Bargain hunters will be thrilled to hear that shoppers can now get their hands on brand-new Sol de Janeiro dupes – and they’re priced at just £4.75 each.  

Not only do they smell lovely, but at £19.25 less than the original, it’s no wonder these dupes have caused a stir online in recent years.  

The popular brand Sol de Janeiro has seen remarkable growth over the past couple of years, becoming a firm favourite among Gen Z.  

Inspired by Brazilian beach culture, the beauty brand is known for its sweet and floral scents that transport you straight to the sun-soaked summers of Brazil.  

Why you should always buy a dupe over designer...

Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says it’s time fashion snobs stopped looking down their noses at affordable versions of designer buys.

Bargain US supermarket Walmart became a social media sensation when its £60 dupe of Hermès’ Birkin bag, dubbed the Wirkin, went viral.

Influencer @styledbykristi gushed: “Eighty dollars (£60), you can pretend that you got a Birkin. I mean, everyone will probably know it’s not, because who the hell has the money to spend on the real Birkin? Not me.”

Me neither. And why bother? I would never spend that on a designer bag (although if someone wants to buy one for me, that’s a different story).

Plus, if I splashed that much, I’d feel I was being ripped off…

We’ve all been told how the leading brands use the finest leather, thread, dyes and craftsmanship in the world.

But all that is inflated by fashion houses to create the desired illusion of exclusivity.

Just last year, Dior came under investigation for paying £44 to assemble a bag that sells for £2,000.

So while you might think you are paying for top-level craftsmanship carried out by a true artisan, chances are the poorly paid workers are not seeing any of your hard-earned cash.

Dupes — not to be mistaken for knock-offs that copy everything from the logo to the inside label — are a more practical and all-round sensible way to go.

I bought my first when I was 18. It lasted me four years and only broke after I wore it in the shower.

And these days, British high streets have plenty of dupes. In the past three years, Marks & SpencerH&M and Mango have all seen huge spikes in sales thanks to their canny copies. They use the same viral, must-have marketing tactics that pricey brands have.

Fashion folk will tell you that you are making an investment and buying a “heritage piece” and will turn their noses up at a high street equivalent. But we’ve been wearing looks inspired by catwalk designers for decades.

If we can buy a bag that’s the spitting image of the pricier version, but doesn’t mean you have to remortgage, why not?

Read More »

Have you ever had an overdraft? How YOU could be due back £1,000s in fees

YOU could be one of the millions unknowingly paying hefty overdraft fees.

One in five current account customers go overdrawn by an average of £697 each day, according to research by TotallyMoney.

Bank statement detail showing overdraft charges and interest.
Alamy
Thousands of people can claim back “unaffordable” charges from their bank[/caption]

An overdraft allows you to spend money or withdraw cash even when your account balance drops below £0.

However, this convenience often comes at a cost, as banks typically charge interest on the overdrawn amount.

The interest rate applied varies depending on your account type and an “affordability check,” which assesses your credit history.

Rates can range from 14.99% to a steep 49.9%, with the most favourable terms reserved for those with excellent credit scores.

As a result, millions of account holders find themselves owing thousands of pounds and stuck in persistent debt, as there is currently no cap on the amount banks can charge.

If you’ve been in the red for a long time, or can’t afford the overdraft, you may be able to claim a refund of charges.

Sara Williams, founder of advice website Debt Camel, says: “Anyone who is in their overdraft for most or all days of the month may be able to win an overdraft affordability complaint against their bank if this has been going on for more than a year.

“If you win the complaint you could get a refund of the interest and charges you have paid.”

You may also have grounds to claim if you informed your bank that you were struggling with repayments and they failed to offer support, or if they increased your overdraft to an unaffordable level.

Unfortunately, some customers spiral into deeper debt when banks fail to identify warning signs of financial difficulty.

For instance, lenders may overlook red flags such as falling income, rising expenses, rejected direct debits, or high credit card payments.

The financial regulator requires banks to assist customers struggling with debt.

With the wealth of financial data banks hold on their customers, they should be proactive in offering support to those in need.

So, if you believe you’ve been unfairly overcharged, you may be able to claim back the money.

The Debt Camel website has a whole page dedicated to explaining how to reclaim these unfair charges and we’ve summarised the key points below.

How do I know if I’ve been unfairly charged?

There are three different reasons that overdraft fees could be deemed “unfair”. These are:

1. The bank charges have caused you financial hardship

Lenders have a responsibility to treat you fairly if you’re struggling financially to stop you from being pushed further into debt.

So if you’re in financial hardship, it should be doing all it can to help you get back on your feet rather than making the situation worse.

Sara said that an example of financial hardship includes those that are in their overdraft for all or most of the month for a prolonged period.

The Lending Code defines hardcore borrowing as “the position where a customer’s current account overdraft remains persistently overdrawn for more than a month without returning to credit during that period.”

And according to the FCA, you’re also considered to be in financial hardship if:

  • You’re failing to pay the minimum repayments on borrowed cash
  • You have damaging marks on your credit file.
  • Most of your income is going towards paying off the debt and you may have had to take out a loan to help pay for them.
  • You’ve taken out a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or other debt solution.
  • You’ve been talking to a firm, such as a charity, about taking out a debt management plan or how to get help.

You’ll also need to be able to back up each point with proof, such as letters and copies of your credit history or file.

2. You asked for help from your bank but they didn’t offer you anything

If you were struggling to keep up with repayments and asked your bank for help and it didn’t offer you anything, then any subsequent charges may be unfair.

Reasons for not keeping up with the repayments include mental health problems, losing your job or taking maternity leave.

The bank should have realised that you’re in a vulnerable position and offered help.

You will need to provide proof that you spoke to your bank, what you told them and that they didn’t help you.

3. Your bank increased your limit to an unaffordable level

You may also be able to argue that you were unfairly lent to if your bank upped your overdraft without you asking and you ended up with charges that you can’t keep up with.

It doesn’t matter if you asked for your limit to be increased or if the bank just offered you an increase.

In either case, the bank should have reviewed your situation before increasing the limit, according to Sara Williams.

How much can I claim back?

THERE is no set limit for the unfair overdraft fees you can claim back.

As long as you prove that you were in financial hardship when you were charged them you’ll get some money back.

Sara Williams said: “The main compensation you get is a refund of the interest and charges you paid during the period the bank should have realised the overdraft was unaffordable.

“So you still repay what you borrowed, but without any interest.”

But as there’s no set limit for what you can claim, these fees can easily add up to hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

For instance, Sara Williams mentioned that one customer who used her template letter received an £8,000 “goodwill” payment from Barclays, even though the bank denied any wrongdoing.

Figures from the FCA suggest that only 1.5% of customers are hit with these charges, but the majority end up forking out about £450 a year on them.

How do I reclaim the charges?

First, complain to your bank and say you were in financial hardship.

You do not need to know the exact dates that your limit was increased before complaining.

Banks will normally only look at complaints going back six years.

Gather proof of your situation, such as a copy of your credit file — it may show red flags proving you were in difficulty — missing payments — or that your overdraft was not affordable.

You can find a template letter, and a full guide for making a claim, at debcamel.co.uk/get-refund-overdraft.

Your lender has eight weeks to respond.

They may offer you a refund you are very happy to accept, or only refund the last year, even though your overdraft has caused you a lot of problems for a long while.

If your lender rejects your complaint or you’re not happy with what it offers, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free, within six months of getting the letter from your bank.

Sara Williams said “This is easy – the Ombudsman has a simple online form you can use.

“But you must do this within six months of getting the decision from the bank, so don’t delay.”

How to get free debt help

There are several groups which can help you with your problem debts for free.

  • Citizens Advice – 0800 144 8848 (England) / 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
  • StepChange – 0800138 1111
  • National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
  • Debt Advice Foundation – 0800 043 4050

You can also find information about Debt Management Plans (DMP) and Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA) by visiting MoneyHelper.org.uk or Gov.UK.

Speak to one of these organisations – don’t be tempted to use a claims management firm.

They say they can write off lots of your debt in return for a large upfront fee.

But there are other options where you don’t need to pay.

How can I borrow money cheaply?

Depending on individual circumstances, some borrowers may find it more cost-effective to use alternatives to an overdraft, such as a credit card with a 0% interest period.

These credit cards allow you to move more expensive debts you already owe on to a new card, and you won’t pay interest on this amount for a set period.

For example, Barclaycard is currently offering no interest for up to 32 months on its balance transfer cards.

Some people may also have savings they could turn to, rather than to help clear their debt.

Ideally, you will have built up an emergency fund which you can dip into — but sometimes that just isn’t possible.

Before you borrow cash, do your research and find out the cheapest option for you.

And remember to speak to your bank as lenders must help if you’re in financial difficulty.

If you are looking for a cheaper way to borrow, it’s also worth considering a loan from a credit union.

They are a much cheaper alternative to payday loans, and some can even get cash to you on the same day.

The interest rate offered on these loans is substantially lower than that offered on a credit card or overdraft.

Interest ranges from 12.7% APR (1% a month) to a maximum capped rate of 42.6% APR (3.5% a month).

Read More »