What Scammers Do and How to Avoid It?

According to statistics used car buyers have a one in three chance of buying a vehicle that’s subject to car dealer fraud. But with some care you can avoid them and find the car of your dreams.

What Scammers Do?

* Selling a car that’s been repaired after an accident. The frame might be bent then re-straightened, or any number of faults could be covered. Obviously, they are not going to tell you that – they simply want to sell the car. Buy it and you could be riding a death trap.

* Selling stolen vehicles. Only two-thirds of cars stolen each year are recovered. Many stolen cars are re-sold. If you’ve bought a car and the police find it, they’ll take it. In theory you can pursue the seller for your money – but what are the odds of finding him?

* Selling a car that’s not paid for yet. If you knew about the debt, the finance company can take the car from you. You can keep it if you didn’t know – but how do you prove it?

How to Avoid the Scam?

* Make sure the seller may produce all the proper documentation, and that the car has a VIN number.

* Remember that a car more than three years old must have MOT certificates. Check it to avoid odometer fraud.

* Always ask to see a seller’s proof of identity. If it’s a private sale, look at their insurance policy.

* Find out about the vehicle’s history before you buy. The AA or the HPI can tell you.

* Have the vehicle checked. You can bring in your own mechanic or trust a motoring organization.

* Never buy from anyone who’s selling a car in a motorway service area – that’s asking for trouble. If possible, go to the seller’s house.

* Watch out for ads where car dealers pretend to be private sellers. In this case they dodge some legal obligations and are probably trying to sell a car they can’t sell otherwise.