Latest news with #NetVoucherCodes
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Four items you should NEVER buy on Facebook Marketplace and the surprising one that could save you money
FROM second-hand clothing to antique furniture and even cars, you can find almost anything nowadays on Facebook Marketplace. Millions of people in the UK use the platform to snap up some great bargains or sell their unwanted goods, but it's important to stay savvy when buying or selling to avoid fraudsters. 1 A shopping expert has revealed the things you should never buy from Facebook Marketplace, as well as the top items that could end up saving you cash. Consumer expert at Rebecca Bebbington says: ' Buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace is a great way to shift some unwanted items, make a quick buck or uncover a gem you've been looking for, but there's still some things people should be aware of. 'When you buy on Facebook Marketplace there's no buyer protection. "Unlike platforms like eBay or Depop, Facebook doesn't offer buyer protection for Marketplace transactions, so purchases are entirely at your own risk." Rebecca has shared her tips for the best things to buy on Facebook Marketplace, and the four you should stay away from to make sure you always get the best bargains. Top Facebook Marketplace buys Pet supplies Pet accessories are one of the best things you can buy on Facebook Marketplace, according to Rebecca, and you could save loads of cash compared to buying them new. "Dog crates, cat towers, pet carriers, and even unopened food or litter often come up when people no longer need them," she says. "These essentials can be surprisingly pricey new, so it's worth checking Marketplace before heading to a pet store." Home gym equipment Fitness gear like dumbbells, kettlebells, rowing machines, and even Pelotons pop up regularly on Facebook Marketplace. "Many sellers list them after losing motivation," Rebecca says, "which means you can grab barely-used kit for a steep discount." Spot a Rare £1 Coin Worth Up to £500: The Key Details Every Collector Should Know If you want to workout at home, you can save hundreds on home gym equipment buying from Marketplace instead of high street stores. "Just be quick, as these are in demand," she adds. Garden furniture and tools Now is a good time to snap up things like deck chairs, lawnmowers, planters, and patio sets, as many will be getting rid of them after their spring or summer clear-outs. " Buying second-hand can save you hundreds compared to new garden centre prices," Rebecca says. "Just make sure that any electronic or gas-powered tools that you buy are in full working condition before handing over any money." Kitchen gadgets Facebook Marketplace can be a brilliant way to update your kitchen on the cheap. " Air fryers, mixers, slow cookers and even fridges often appear in listings when people are upgrading or moving." However, if you are buying anything electric, be sure to test it out before you buy it. You'll be able to do this if you meet the seller in person to buy the item - something a lot of Facebook Marketplace users do. Other top buys Rebecca suggests are items like dining tables, dressers, and bookshelves, as these "are often high-quality, pre-loved pieces that would cost a fortune new". "People clearing out quickly or downsizing will sell them for far less than their true value, sometimes even for free if you can collect." Things you should never buy on Facebook Marketplace Makeup or skincare Makeup is "by far one of the worst things you can buy" on a platform like Facebook Marketplace, Rebecca warns. It poses serious safety and hygiene risks, as it's hard to know if they're genuine, expired, or have been previously used. She says that for the sake of a couple of quid, "you're best buying new from the store". Child car seats Child car seats can set you back hundreds of pounds nowadays, so it might be tempting to try and find one second-hand. "While it might seem like a good way to save a couple of pounds, you should never skip on safety," Rebecca adds. "With these items, you can't verify their safety history. If they've been in an accident, they may be compromised." Electronics with missing chargers or packaging Electronics are one of the most popular things to buy on Facebook Marketplace, but if they have missing chargers or packaging it might not be the best buy. "These could be stolen or faulty, and there's often no comeback if they stop working," Rebecca warns. Be sure to check with the seller that the equipment comes with chargers and original packaging before buying. Event tickets recent rise in ticket scams. "We've all learnt from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and now Oasis' ongoing tour. "Concert tickets, or any event ticket for that matter, are commonly faked or sold multiple times. "You're better off using official resale platforms," she says. What are my rights on Facebook Marketplace? WHILE it can be a great place to bag a bargain, buying on Facebook Marketplace does come with risks. According to Which?, if you buy from a private seller on Facebook marketplace, you have fewer consumer rights than if you were to buy from an online store. The principal of "buyer beware" applies, whereby the goods must be as described but the seller does not have to disclose any faults. But the seller would be in breach of contract if they didn't send you anything after taking your money, or if the goods were misrepresented. Unlike sites like eBay, Amazon or Depop, Facebook Marketplace doesn't offer extra buyer protection, so you're not guaranteed a refund for damaged or faulty items, or if the item doesn't turn up. .
South Wales Argus
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Cardiff among UK's most expensive spots for parking
Drivers in the Welsh capital have been warned to check local parking charges before setting off, or risk a nasty shock when they reach the ticket machine. This comes following a recent study by NetVoucherCodes that revealed the councils with the biggest increases in on-street parking prices from the past 12 months. Introducing the list, the experts said: "Motorists are facing eye-watering rises in on-street parking charges, with new figures revealing that some councils have doubled their rates in the past year. "The data experts at NetVoucherCodes wanted to see to what extent, and so analysed current on-street parking costs for the centre of each city and compared these with prices a year ago. "According to the data, some councils have doubled their on-street parking costs while others charge up to £9 for an hour of parking." Councils with the biggest increases in on-street parking prices The councils that have recorded the biggest increases in on-street parking prices over the past year, according to NetVoucherCodes, are: Milton Keynes (100%) Liverpool (67%) York (56%) Cardiff (35%) Manchester (33%) Leicester (25%) Oxford (15%) Birmingham (13%) Bristol (13%) Glasgow (13%) Cardiff among UK's most expensive spots for on-street parking In the past 12 months, on-street parking charges in Cardiff have increased by 90p, from £2.60 in 2024 to £3.50 in 2025. This is the fourth-highest increase out of anywhere in the UK, behind only Milton Keynes, Liverpool, and York. Cardiff now also ranks among the country's most expensive spots for on-street parking: Edinburgh (£9.00) Cambridge (£8.40) Oxford (£7.60) Glasgow (£7.20) London (£7.20) York (£4.85) Bristol (£4.50) Birmingham (£4.30) Liverpool (£4.00) Manchester (£4.00) Cardiff (£3.50) Leeds (£3.40) Sheffield (£3.25) Newcastle (£3.10) Nottingham (£3.00) RECOMMENDED READING: Consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes, Rebecca Bebbington, said: 'Steep rises risk pricing people out of city centres, harming local businesses as fewer visitors are willing to pay the sky-high charges. "With the cost of living already spiralling, these huge hikes are unfair on drivers who have little alternative but to use their cars. "Councils should be supporting the recovery of high streets, not punishing people for popping into town.' Cardiff Council has been contacted for comment.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle warned over 'nightmare' issue at $29m home
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex fled the UK in 2020 and have set up their dream life stateside in Montecito. They have a sprawling $29 million estate with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet and it looks picture perfect, but they are being warned that it could be in for "serious damage". Rebecca Bebbington, personal finance expert at NetVoucherCodes has revealed the top 10 summer nightmares that could cost homeowners thousands, and climbing ivy features on the list. Prince Harry and Meghan's mansion is covered in the stuff, which gives it a postcard-worthy façade, but could be doing hidden damage. You may also like Prince Harry and King Charles 'closer than ever' to reconciliation after 'secret' talks "Ivy might make your home look quaint and countryside-chic, but it's no friend to your property," warns Rebecca. She explains: "It clings to mortar, works its way under tiles, and traps moisture against the walls, which can cause serious damage over time." "Once it gets into roof voids or cavities, you could be looking at a bill of £2,000 to £8,000 for removal and repairs," she points out – and that's an estimation for a normal-sized property – not a mammoth mansion! How should homeowners tackle the spread? Rebecca says: "Keep ivy trimmed well below roof level and don't let it spread across multiple walls. If it's already made itself at home, get advice from a specialist on how to remove it safely without damaging your structure." The Sussexes' home is officially named the Chateau of Riven Rock and it is located in the popular enclave of Montecito. Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Aniston are among the A-listers who also live in the area. They instantly fell in love with the property and Meghan told The Cut: "We did everything we could to get this house. Because you walk in and go… Joy. And exhale. And calm. It's healing. You feel free." Amazing video footage of the property has been shared on YouTube by Luxury Homes, featuring sweeping drone footage of the house and its sprawling estate – including the unique Japanese tea room. The couple chose to let cameras into their home for their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan and since Meghan's launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, the family have shared more looks inside their grand home. The gorgeous grounds The garden is most definitely the crowning glory of the couple's home. The family's plot stretches for 7.38 acres and includes a playpark, outdoor swimming pool, kitchen garden and an abundance of fruit trees. The Sussexes love to spend lots of time outdoors and we've seen Archie and Lilibet helping in the garden, feeding the chickens and picking flowers.
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
The 19 areas where car parking charges have skyrocketed by 100% revealed – is your location on the list?
MOTORISTS are being clobbered by skyrocketing on-street parking charges in cities across the country, The Sun can reveal. New data reveals that some councils have doubled their rates over the past year, forcing drivers to pay up to 100% more. 2 The research, carried out by NetVoucherCodes on behalf of The Sun, compared hourly parking costs in city centres from this year to last. Milton Keynes leads the pack with a jaw-dropping 100% rise. Drivers now pay £1 an hour in some locations - up from 50p last year. While still one of the cheapest places to park, the council says the increase is necessary to manage demand and fund local services. Liverpool isn't far behind, with a 67% surge in charges. Rates jumped from £2.40 to £4 an hour, sparking outrage from local businesses. Liverpool has seen a 67% jump, with prices rising from £2.40 to £4. York follows closely with a 56% hike, increasing from £3.10 to £4.85. In Cardiff, hourly parking charges have gone up by 35%, from £2.60 to £3.50. Manchester has also introduced a significant rise of 33%, taking its hourly charge from £3 to £4. Leicester saw a 25% increase, moving from £2 to £2.50. Major parking change for ALL drivers in England Oxford continues to be one of the most expensive cities, with a 15% rise pushing its rates from £6.60 to £7.60. Birmingham and Bristol both saw a 13% hike, with charges climbing from £3.80 to £4.30 and £4 to £4.50 respectively. Glasgow 's hourly rate went up by 13%, from £6.40 to £7.20. Plymouth experienced a smaller increase of 12%, with charges rising from £1.65 to £1.85. Doncaster followed with a 10% rise, moving from £2 to £2.20. Edinburgh, now the most expensive city for parking in the UK, raised its already high rates by 10%, from £8.20 to £9. Coventry saw a modest increase of 9%, with hourly fees going from £1.10 to £1.20. Nottingham and Newcastle both increased their charges by 7%, with Nottingham rising from £2.80 to £3 and Newcastle from £2.90 to £3.10. Brighton and Hove also saw a 7% rise, with fees going up from £1.50 to £1.60. 2 Peterborough and Luton introduced smaller increases of 4%, with Peterborough rising from £2.50 to £2.60 and Luton from £2.80 to £2.90. Leeds saw the smallest increase, with a 3% rise taking its hourly rate from £3.30 to £3.40. Consumer experts warn that these rising charges could harm city centres by driving people away from high streets and impacting local businesses. Rebecca Bebbington from NetVoucherCodes called the increases unfair, especially as the cost of living is already rising. Meanwhile, consumer rights expert Martyn James said: "Councils are clearly cash-strapped, but the massive price hikes and confusing signs are leaving drivers frustrated. "While parking fees are rising, there's evidence that they're not always applied fairly." Councils argue the increases are necessary to manage congestion, encourage greener travel, and support local economies. Private parking fines on the rise PRIVATE parking firms are on track to issue a record 14.5million fines in Britain this year, costing drivers up to £4.1million per day. The RAC found five companies, including ParkingEye and Euro Car Parks, are responsible for nearly half of all tickets. Between April and September, firms made 7.2million requests to the DVLA for driver details, a 12% increase from the previous year. Tickets, often issued for alleged parking breaches at shopping centres and service areas, can cost up to £100. Critics accuse companies of using confusing signs, faulty machines, and unfair fees to trap drivers. Although a government-backed code of practice was approved in 2019, it was withdrawn in 2022 after legal challenges. The RAC warns that without proper regulation, drivers are being treated unfairly. The DVLA charges parking firms £2.50 per record but claims it does not profit from the process. The British Parking Association argues only 0.3% of drivers in private car parks are fined, attributing the rise in tickets to more managed car parks. Newcastle City Council said their fees, ranging from 70p to £3.10 an hour, are reviewed annually to promote sustainable transport. Edinburgh Council defended its high charges, stating parking income is reinvested into roads and transport infrastructure. A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: "When setting parking charges, councils will take local circumstances into account including the impact on business, residents, visitors, other road users and modes of travel as well as rising costs of providing parking services. "Income raised through on-street parking charges and fines is first spent on running parking services, with any surplus spent on essential transport improvements, including fixing local roads, reducing congestion, tackling poor air quality and supporting local bus services." How do you appeal a parking ticket? IF you receive a parking ticket, whether from a private company, the council, or the police, it's worth appealing. Data shows two in five tickets are cancelled after an appeal. Here's what you need to know... The first step is to identify the type of parking ticket you have received: Parking Charge Notices are issued by private parking companies like National Car Parks or Parkingeye Penalty Charge Notices or Excess Charge Notices come from the council Fixed Penalty Notices are issued by the police Private parking fines Check if the company is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA) or International Parking Community (IPC). If they aren't, Citizens Advice suggest waiting for them to contact you, as non-members often cannot access DVLA records. If they do contact you, respond quickly. Companies must send notices within 14 days of the parking incident if no ticket was left on your car. Start by complaining directly to the company using their formal process. Find BPA member details at and IPC member details at Gather evidence, like photos of unclear signs or proof of payment, to strengthen your case. If your complaint is rejected, you can appeal. BPA members use Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA), and you have 28 days to appeal. IPC members use the Independent Appeals Service, with a 21-day deadline. If your first appeal is rejected, consider appealing again—Popla overturns two in five tickets at the second stage. Council-issued tickets Submit evidence through the council's complaints process. If rejected, you can challenge the decision at a free independent tribunal via (or for London). Police-issued tickets Send your objection to the nearest Central Ticket Office where the charge was issued. Always gather as much evidence as possible to support your appeal, such as photos, receipts, or witness statements.
Glasgow Times
07-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
HMRC scam warning on the tricks might catch you out
Ultimately, HMRC will never ask you for personal or financial info out of the blue. They don't contact people via WhatsApp, and they won't threaten you with arrest. If you receive anything suspicious, forward the message to phishing@ or text 60599 for scam texts. For full peace of mind, always log in directly to your tax account rather than trusting messages or emails. As always, the advice stands that if something looks too good to be true, it usually is, but Rebecca Bebbington, personal finance expert at NetVoucherCodes says there are detailed scams hitting inboxes and phones this summer and, looks at how taxpayers can protect themselves without losing a penny. 1. 'You're Due a Tax Rebate' Text or Email This one's an old favourite because it works unless you're wise to it. You get a message claiming you're owed a tax refund and need to click a link to claim it. That link usually takes you to a fake HMRC website that looks convincing enough to fool most people. From there, you'll be asked for personal info such as bank details, date of birth, and even your NI number, all under the guise of processing your refund. (Image: NetVoucherCodes) If you do get an email about a tax rebate from HMRC, make sure the address ends in If you get one of these, forward it to phishing@ so the authorities can track the scammers. To check if you're owed a refund, log into your personal tax account directly via – never through a link in a message. 2. Robocall Saying 'HMRC Is Filing a Lawsuit Against You' This is one of the nastier ones. You get a robotic call telling you HMRC is taking legal action or that a warrant is out for your arrest unless you press a number and speak to someone. It's designed to frighten you into paying a fake 'fine' or handing over sensitive details. HMRC does not call people this way. They don't send the police round if you miss a letter. If you get one of these calls, hang up immediately. Don't engage, don't press anything, and don't give them the satisfaction of a reply. If you're unsure, call HMRC yourself on 0300 200 3300. 3. 'Confirm Your Self-Assessment Details' Phishing Emails After the end of the self-assessment tax deadline, fraudsters switch tactics. Now it's all about convincing you there's an issue with your tax return and asking you to 'verify' your information to avoid penalties or delays. These emails often look legitimate, they might have the HMRC logo, some official-sounding language, and a link to a login page. But the page is fake, designed purely to capture your login and security answers. Once scammers have that, they can access your real tax account and commit fraud in your name. So don't click. If you're ever unsure whether something is real, go straight to the source: open a new browser tab and go directly to Never trust the links in emails unless you're absolutely certain where they came from. 4. Fake Tax Refund Services on Social Media There's a newer breed of scam doing the rounds and it's targeting people on TikTok, Instagram and even WhatsApp. So-called 'tax experts' or 'refund agents' claim they can unlock hidden rebates from HMRC, promising quick cash in exchange for a fee or a cut of your refund. But they're often unregulated, unqualified, and in some cases, outright fraudsters. Some will ask for your HMRC login details (a huge red flag), while others will file dodgy claims on your behalf, leaving you liable when HMRC comes knocking. Rule of thumb: if someone slides into your DMs offering a miracle refund, it's almost certainly a scam. Stick to registered tax agents listed on the website and never share your login credentials with anyone. 5. Fake Court Summons or Arrest Threats via Email or WhatsApp In this scam, you might get a WhatsApp message or email warning you that legal action has already been taken against you. It often says you've ignored previous notices and now face court, fines or even jail. Some include PDF 'summons' or 'final warnings' with fake HMRC branding to ramp up the pressure. It's pure intimidation. HMRC doesn't threaten legal action via WhatsApp or email, and they certainly don't send out arrest notices. If you're ever worried a message might be genuine, contact HMRC directly using their verified numbers, but don't click on or respond to these messages. Delete and report them. Get your tax return done early and find out sooner if you're owed money. ⏲️ We'll let you know if you've overpaid tax after you file your Self-Assessment tax return and refund you. 💷 File today. 👇 — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) June 3, 2025 6. Fake National Insurance 'Compromise' Calls Here's a nasty one that's been doing the rounds for a while and has seen a resurgence recently. You get a call, sometimes automated, sometimes a real person, claiming your National Insurance number has been compromised and is being used for fraudulent activity. They say unless you act quickly, your assets will be frozen or the police will get involved. What follows is a request for you to 'verify your identity' by giving personal information – NI number, date of birth, full name, even bank details. In some cases, they'll ask you to transfer money to a 'safe account' while they 'investigate.' Don't fall for it. Your NI number can't be 'suspended' or frozen. HMRC doesn't call people to talk about identity fraud like this, and they certainly won't ask you to move money. If you get a call like this, hang up immediately. If you're worried, contact HMRC or the National Insurance helpline directly using numbers from the site. Recommended reading: 7. Bogus 'Tax Overpayment' Letters Through the Post While we usually focus on digital scams, old-school postal scams haven't gone away – and they're starting to look more professional. Some people have reported receiving letters claiming they've overpaid tax and are due a refund. These letters sometimes come with fake HMRC letterheads and a reply form asking for your bank account info or even copies of ID to 'confirm your claim.' Because they arrive in the post and look official, people often trust them more than they should. But HMRC doesn't ask for this level of personal detail through the post, especially not copies of ID or full card details. If you receive something like this, compare it against real correspondence from HMRC. Still unsure? Ring HMRC directly to confirm whether the letter is genuine. And never, ever send bank or ID details to an address you can't verify.
