UK Financial Safety: Immigrant Tips to Avoid Debt, Boost Wellbeing & Guard Against Scams

Grow Your Money

In this fireside chat, Tynah Matembe will explore the financial challenges often faced by immigrants and offer practical advice on how to avoid financial pitfalls and harm. She is joined by Giles Mason, Director of Campaigns at UK Finance, and Muna Yassin, CEO of Rooted Finance (RF), a London-based debt advice charity with over 20 years of experience in financial inclusion services.  Together, they discuss the complexities of navigating debt in a new country, especially for individuals from cash-based societies where credit and debt may be unfamiliar. They also examine common scams that target immigrant communities, such as fraudulent immigration services and fake job offers, and provide guidance on how to spot and avoid these traps. The conversation further addresses online fraud, including phishing, identity theft, and online shopping scams, emphasising the particular risks immigrants face in the digital world and offering practical tips to safeguard personal information online. They also highlight immigrants' legal rights and protections against financial fraud, the importance of financial education programs, and the resources available to support them. Finally, they discuss how to seek help if you've been a victim of financial fraud and the crucial role community organisations play in supporting immigrants in these situations.