Tech precautions

Selling old gadgets can be a handy way to make some money, but don't let your personal information fall into someone else's hands, warns VICKY SHAW

- VICKY SHAW

IF you're rummaging around your home to find old tech to sell during the cost-of-living squeeze, you'll want to make sure it doesn't leave you being preyed on by fraudsters.

According to the Recycle Your Electricals campaign, there could be as many as 31 unused working electrical items per household currently gathering dust in the UK.

Research from Gumtree also indicates that replies on the website for tech such as mobiles and tablets have been 60 listings a exceeding indicating strong market for pre-loved gadgets. And selling unwanted tech isn't only good for the bank balance, it can be positive for the planet too.

Tony Sales, an exfraudster who now uses his knowledge to help prevent financial crime, says many people may not realise just how many gadgets, or "hidden treasures" they have lying around their home, which could generate some cash. But, while there are many positives to re-selling tech, it could be easy to forget just how much of our personal information is sitting on these devices.