Software update leaves Samsung TVs unusable, plus identity theft soars

There were a record 89,000 cases of identity theft in the first half of 2017, according to fraud prevention service Cifas. Photograph: Tek Image/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF

Hello and welcome to this week’s Money Talks – a roundup of the week’s biggest stories and some things you may have missed.

Money news

Lloyds and Halifax customers face up to 52% APR overdraft fee

Identity fraud reaching epidemic levels, new figures show

UK rail fare rise ‘will force key workers to quit city jobs’

Second-home ownership up 30% since 2000, research finds

Samsung TV buyers furious after software update leaves sets unusable

Feature

Getting to grips with a £32,220 student debt – and how you can lighten the load

Vic Frogett is earning £17,000 a year, but always hanging over her is the £40,000 she owes to the Student Loans Company. Photograph: Antonio Olmos for the Observer

In pictures

Properties near airports

This thatched property on the market for £370,000 is in Quendon, Essex, just nine miles from Stansted airport. Photograph: Cheffins

In the spotlight

Going underground: the number of Britons digging basements has soared. Halifax says loft conversions are also booming as homeowners seek to extend properties rather than move. Rupert Jones reports

A machine removing soil from a basement. Photograph: Alamy

Consumer champions

I lost £1,165 to eBay fraudster when selling my electric guitar

EasyJet left us stranded in Nice with two diabetic children

Our holiday was derailed after InterRail tickets were a no-show

I have evidence of fraud but Santander won’t act

Beware Admiral’s policy when it comes to speed awareness courses

Money deals

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