Bank account closures

For some time the banks have been fighting back against customers who successfully reclaim charges by closing their accounts.

Now the Financial Ombudsman Service has decided in one case that this action was neither fair nor reasonable.

Bob Howard reported.

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Tax campaign

HM Revenue and Customs has issued a warning to people who sell goods online or rent out property to make sure they are paying the correct tax.

New guidance stipulates the circumstances in which people need to register as self-employed and the steps they need to take.

HMRC has said it will treat people who come forward voluntarily "more leniently" than those who it discovers are breaking the rules.

We discuss the new guidance with Clare Merrills from HMRC.

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Keeping your identity safe

Three years after appearing on Money Box, Jamie Jamieson has convinced credit reference agency Equifax to adopt his idea for safeguarding your identity.

Mr Jamieson believes the simple technique of adding your thumb print to any credit application will deter fraudsters from trying to take out a loan in your name.

Now Equifax has said anyone who wants to add a note to their credit report informing lenders that a thumb print must accompany any credit application can do so.

We heard from Mr Jamieson and spoke to Neil Munroe, external affairs director, Equifax.

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OTHER NEWS

BT customers who pay their bills by cash or cheque will be charged an extra £4.50 each quarter from May.

And Nationwide Building Society is to stop selling its own life insurance, investments and pensions - it will sell Legal and General policies instead.

Further information:

BBC Radio 4's Money Box was broadcast on Saturday, 10 February 2007 at 1204 GMT.

The programme was repeated on Sunday, 11 February at 2102 GMT.