Recently there have been several reported cases of car deals done over Internet resulting in robbery, or even violence. Used car sellers have advertised to sell their cars online and then been paid with forged cash or bankers drafts, which they have discovered only after parting with the vehicle. Another popular scam is to offer more than the seller has advertised as the price, providing that a large percentage of any extra is forwarded to another person.
Would-be used car buyers, of apparently real bargain cars, have been asked to meet in quiet places and told that the seller will only take cash. At the agreed meeting a couple of criminals have relieved them of their cash but not left the car that was for sale.
Online used car buyers and sellers need to take great care to safeguard themselves and their money from this new breed of Internet fraudster and crook.
A good basic trustworthiness checklist would start with:
- Will they give a full name in advance and carry photo ID when you meet?
- Is the address given a registered business address on Google?
- What number, other than their mobile, do they have?
- Ask if they will give you details of their bankers?
- Meet at your bank if you accept a banker draft and pay it to have it checked?
- Notes in pounds should be the only ones you accept, to avoid forged currencies.
- Finally, if meeting the buyer or seller half-way, make sure they agree to meet in a safe well lit place where plenty of people are about and take someone with you.
- Scams often seem just too good to be believable!
There are plenty of reputable online car firms who will sell you a car or buy one from you without risk but you do need to do your homework and check them out first. When contacted by the buyer they should be willing to give you basic information about their business to allow you to establish that they are who they say they are.
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