Selling Expert Reveals Red Flags to Look Out For when Buying 2nd Hand

WE all love a good bargain, and often these can be found through 2nd hand items and purchased both online and in person. While these items are often fine, some may face problems when buying them, particularly if they are purchased online. Selling experts from 2nd hand retailer For-Sale.Co.UK have revealed six red flags you should look out for when buying used items to avoid disappointment, or worse fraud.

The seller asks for payment outside of the app or website:- Many resale sites and apps have security measures for making payments such as the option of a refund if an item doesn't arrive, however these usually only work through the site itself. If a seller is pressuring you to make the payment outside of the app, there is a chance that the person is scamming you, and you should avoid them.

The seller is selling a lot at once:- If there's an item you're interested in and the seller is also selling a lot of other items at the same time, this may be a red flag. You should especially watch out for this if all the items they are selling are high value; few people are selling a laptop, a games console, a designer bag, and a phone all at the same time. If an account on a selling site seems suspicious, avoid it.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is:- If the item you are interested in is in high demand, consistently sold-out on online retailers, or is priced far below the market price, it is likely a scam. Follow your gut: if something about the purchase doesn't feel right, don't go through with it.
 
The listing isn't on a trusted website:- Many reputable selling sites will have in place measures to help protect buyers against scams. Sites such as Depop and Poshmark authenticate designer items to avoid scams, and some encourage in person sales to prevent people from selling items which don't exist. If you find an item for sale on a site that you don't recognise or that doesn't have a lot of positive reviews, it may be best avoiding it.
 
The seller is asking for money before giving you the item:- Although unavoidable in some cases, such as purchases made over Depop and eBay, if you are purchasing an item from a local seller, you shouldn't pay until the item is yours. If you're collecting an item you've purchased online, don't pay the seller until the item is in your hands and you can be sure it's not a scam. Selling items which don't exist online is a common way for scammers to take your money, and there often isn't a way of confirming the seller's identity, meaning that you likely won't get the money back. To avoid this, pay the seller after you receive the item, wherever this may be possible.
 
When buying electronic devices, ensure they work:- If an item you're buying needs to be plugged in, don't buy it until you've tried it. Again, this may be difficult in situations where the item is being sold online, but if the purchase is being made face to face, check that it works before buying. If you don't, you risk being stuck with a broken item that the seller likely won't accept a refund on.n.

Formby Royal British Legion's Annual Awards Night

THIS year, the Formby Royal British Legion Branch is celebrating it's 100th Anniversary and are currently getting ready to celebrate this fantastic achievement, but on 24 April 2022 they took time out from their preparations to hold their Annual Branch Awards. This event was held at the Formby Guild Hall and saw a range of awards, from long service medals and certificates being given out, though to other awards, marking its members achievements. This was also the 1st time since start of the Pandemic that they have been able to hold this event. Over the 100 years, the Branch has seen many changes, but this event reminded all those who attended, that its members dedication to helping and supporting all those who have served and their families, has never diminished. But the group are desperately interested to find new members, who are willing to help them and even sponsor events. If you can help or are interested in joining the Royal British Legion, please visit:- BritishLegion.Org.UK for more information.

2.1 million annual Tax Credits packs to be issued

ABOUT 2.1 million Tax Credits customers will begin to receive their annual renewal packs this week from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The packs will be sent between 25 April and 27 May 2022, and customers have until 31 July to check their details are correct and update HMRC if there has been a change in their circumstances. Tax Credits help working families with targeted financial support, so it is important that people do not miss out on money they are entitled to.

There are two types of renewal packs:-

►   If it has a red line across the 1st page and says:- 'reply now,' customers will need to confirm their circumstances to renew their Tax Credits.

►   If it has a black line across the 1st page and says:- 'check now,' customers will need to check their details are correct. If correct, customers do not need to do anything and their Tax Credits will be automatically renewed.

About 630,000 customers will need to confirm their circumstances to renew their Tax Credits for the 2022 to 2023 tax year. Customers can renew their Tax Credits for free via:- GOV.UK or the HMRC app.

Renewing online is quick and easy. Customers can log into GOV.UK to check the progress of their renewal, be reassured it is being processed and know when they will hear back from HMRC. Customers choosing to use the HMRC app on their smartphone can:-

►   Renew their Tax Credits.

►  Update changes to their claim.

►  Check their Tax Credits payments schedule.

►   Find out how much they have earned for the year.

HMRC has released a video to explain how Tax Credits customers can use the HMRC app to view, manage and update their details.

If there is a change in a customer's circumstances that could affect their Tax Credits claims, they must report the changes to HMRC. Circumstances that could affect Tax Credits payments include changes to:-

►   Living arrangements.

►   Childcare.

►  Working hours.

►  Income (increase or decrease)

Tax Credits are ending and will be replaced by Universal Credit by the end of 2024. Many customers who move from Tax Credits to Universal Credit could be financially better off and can use an independent benefits calculator to check. If customers choose to apply sooner, it is important to get independent advice beforehand as they will not be able to go back to Tax Credits or any other benefits that Universal Credit replaces.