Finding the right used car can be a genuinely exciting prospect. However, the used car market is also a place where fraudsters thrive, using sophisticated tactics to part unsuspecting buyers from their hard-earned cash.
A dream deal can quickly turn into a nightmare, so knowing what to look for is your best defence against these scams.
This is a collaborative post.
Watch out for fake listings and dodgy online adverts
The first place you’ll likely encounter a scam is in the advert itself.
Criminals create fake or misleading listings to lure you in with an attractive price. They often use stock photos or images stolen from other genuine adverts, so the car you see may not be the one for sale, or it might not even exist.
Be very wary of sellers who refuse to speak on the phone and insist on communicating only by email or text message. They might also provide excuses for why you can’t view the car immediately. To protect yourself, use a reverse image search on the photos to see if they have been used elsewhere.
Verify vehicle history and legal status carefully
Before you part with any money, you must investigate the car’s past.
Ask to see the V5C registration document (the logbook) and check that the seller’s name and address match the details on the document.
A crucial step is to perform an MOT history check online using the car’s registration. This shows you all past MOT results, including any failures and advisories, which can highlight recurring mechanical issues and reveal the car’s mileage at each test.
For complete peace of mind, invest in a private MOT history check from a reputable provider, which will confirm if the car has outstanding finance, has been reported stolen, or has previously been written off by an insurer.
Beware of identity cloning, clocking and logbook fraud
Some scams are harder to spot than a poor-quality advert.
‘Cloning’ is when criminals steal the identity of a legitimate vehicle and apply it to a stolen one of the same make and model. They use a fake number plate and forged documents to make the stolen car appear genuine.
‘Clocking’, the illegal practice of winding back the mileage, makes a car seem less used and therefore more valuable.
Logbooks can also be forged. You should always ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stamped on the car (check the dashboard and inside the driver’s door) matches the VIN on the V5C logbook.
Be cautious of dubious dealers and too-good-to-be-true offers
The person selling the car can be the biggest red flag.
If you are buying from a private seller, be suspicious if they suggest meeting in a public car park or service station. A genuine seller will be happy for you to view the car at their home address, which should match the address on the V5C.
When dealing with a trader, check for online reviews and make sure they operate from an established business premises, not just a mobile phone.
Ultimately, you must trust your instincts if a price seems unbelievably low or the seller is pressuring you into a quick cash sale