Don’t Get Caught Out: Common Used Car Scams

The used car market, especially on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and other online classifieds, has become a hotspot for scammers, and with fewer safeguards and regulations for private sales, fraudsters can easily take advantage of unsuspecting, eager buyers. With our deep dive into car scams, Motorscan is here to help you steer clear of the most common ones to watch for, providing tips to verify a vehicle’s legitimacy and what steps to take if you suspect a scam. With the right knowledge, you can protect yourself from costly mistakes, buy with confidence, and bag your dream car without any drama.

What are the Top Used Car Scams to Watch out for?

When looking around for your next used car, it’s crucial to watch out for common scams that can leave you out of pocket. Just being aware of these scams can help protect you from becoming a target. Here are the top used car scams to watch out for:

• Mileage Tampering (Clocking): Some sellers alter the car’s odometer (mileage reading) to display lower mileage, making it seem like the vehicle has had less use than it actually has. This underhanded practice doesn’t just give false legitimacy to a higher price tag; it can hide wear and tear, leaving buyers unaware of potential maintenance issues as well. Carrying out a simple car history check gives you access to mileage and MOT records, making it easy to uncover potential discrepancies.
• Cloning (Fake Number Plates): Scammers sometimes use cloned plates from a legitimate car to disguise a stolen vehicle, selling it under a false identity. Unsuspecting buyers can end up with a stolen car, risking legal trouble and losing their investment when the deception is uncovered. Checking that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches its registration plate can avoid these types of scams. Ordinarily, you should be able to see the VIN on the car’s dashboard, near the windscreen, usually on the driver’s side. It can also be found in other places, such as the driver’s side doorjamb and engine block.
• Deposit Scams/Fake Cars for Sale: In this particular scam, sellers ask for a deposit to hold a car they claim is in high demand. After collecting the deposit, they disappear without delivering the vehicle, leaving buyers out of pocket and with no recourse. Always view the car in person before paying any deposit, and ensure the address you view it at matches the address on the V5 logbook.

What are the Warning Signs of a Scam when Communicating with the Seller?

Once you begin communicating with a seller, certain red flags can signal a potential scam, so staying alert to these warning signs can help ensure a safer, more secure transaction. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

• Reluctance to Meet in Person: Sellers who avoid in-person meetings and push for online-only interactions could be hiding critical details about the car’s condition or ownership. Legitimate sellers are typically open to meeting, especially for something as significant as a car sale.
• Unusual Payment Requests: Avoid sellers who request payment through wire transfers, third-party services, or other non-traditional methods. These forms of payment are more challenging to trace and recover, often indicating a scam.
• Pressure Tactics: Scammers frequently create a sense of urgency, claiming ‘multiple buyers are interested’ to press for a quick sale. This tactic pushes buyers into rushed decisions, potentially overlooking red flags in the process.

How to Verify a Car’s Legitimacy

Ensuring the car you’re about to purchase is legitimate is a crucial step in the used car buying process. Buyers should take several important steps to verify a car’s legitimacy before committing and handing over payment. By following these steps, buyers can significantly reduce the risk of encountering a fraudulent sale and ensure they’re making a sound investment:

• Run a Vehicle History Check: Utilise the services of a trusted UK car-checking service like Motorscan to obtain a comprehensive history of the vehicle. This check should include crucial information about outstanding finance, previous theft records, prior accidents and mileage records.
• Examine Paperwork Closely: Carefully verify the V5C registration document to ensure it matches the car’s VIN and registration details. Additionally, confirm that the MOT records align with the car’s recent history and the seller’s information. A Motorscan free vehicle history check provides MOT records and recorded mileage so you can quickly discover anomalies.
• Arrange an Independent Inspection: If you can, hire a professional mechanic to thoroughly evaluate the car’s condition, especially if you are purchasing from a private seller who cannot provide a verified service history. Investing in an independent inspection can potentially uncover hidden issues most of us wouldn’t see, which could affect the vehicle’s performance and value.

How to Avoid Facebook Marketplace and Online Classified Scams

Buyers should be proactive to avoid scammers on online classifieds such as Facebook Marketplace. This starts by examining the seller’s profile history, reading any available reviews, and assessing their prior activity on the platform. This simple step can help gauge their credibility and reliability.

Next, look for red flags on the listing, such as overly generic descriptions, unrealistic prices, or stock images that appear staged. Genuine sellers typically offer detailed photos and thorough descriptions, giving potential buyers a clear understanding of what they’re purchasing. Additionally, it’s essential to research the car’s value using a reliable valuation tool such as Parkers or Autotrader to determine the fair market price. This simple check will help identify listings that seem too good to be true, protect you from potential pitfalls, and at the same time help you determine the true value of a legitimate car you might be interested in.

What do you do if you suspect a car Scam?

If you suspect a scam taking immediate action to protect yourself is essential. Begin by reporting suspicious activity to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, which helps track and combat all types of fraud. Additionally, alert other potential buyers by flagging the seller on the platform where the listing is posted, as it contributes to an overall safer marketplace for everyone. And most importantly, cease communication with the suspicious seller and avoid any further engagement, especially if you feel manipulated or pressured.

Ultimately, always trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s better to walk away and protect yourself from potential financial loss.