Most used car sales are honest, but scams are common enough that every buyer should know the main ones. Almost all of them can be avoided with a few checks.
1. The car that doesn't exist
A very cheap car is advertised by a seller who is abroad, in the forces or “had to move quickly”. The car is said to be with a shipping or delivery company, and you're asked for a deposit or full payment to release it. There is no car. Avoid it: never pay for a car you haven't seen in person.
2. Fake escrow and payment services
The seller suggests a “secure payment” or escrow website that holds your money until delivery. The website is fake and the money is gone. Avoid it: don't use a payment service chosen by the seller. See how to pay safely.
3. Clocking
The mileage has been wound back to raise the price. Avoid it: check the recorded MOT mileage goes up every year, and look for wear that doesn't match. Read how to spot a clocked car.
4. Cloned cars
A stolen car wears the number plates, and sometimes the VIN plates, of a legitimate car of the same make and model. Avoid it: compare the VIN on the car with the V5C and the vehicle record, including the colour on record. Read how a VIN check protects you.
5. Hidden finance
The car still has finance on it, so the finance company may have a claim on it. Avoid it: run an outstanding finance check on the day you pay.
6. Undeclared write-offs and “cut and shuts”
A badly repaired write-off is sold as accident-free, or two damaged cars are welded together into one. Avoid it: check the write-off record, look for uneven panel gaps and mismatched paint, and have the car inspected.
7. Traders posing as private sellers
A trader advertises as a private seller to avoid giving you your consumer rights. Avoid it: make sure the seller's name is on the V5C and you view the car at the address shown. See your rights as a buyer.
8. Fake paperwork and old history checks
The seller shows a screenshot of a clean history check, a forged V5C or service stamps that were never earned. Avoid it: run your own check rather than relying on the seller's, and check the V5C watermark and serial number.
9. Stolen cars sold cheaply
Avoid it: a stolen car check shows police stolen markers from the Police National Computer. A car that's recorded as stolen can be taken back by the police, and you lose your money.
Key points
- If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
- See the car, check the VIN and V5C, and run a history check on the day you pay.
- Report fraud to Action Fraud, and suspected stolen cars to the police on 101.