According to reports, it's not just buyers that need to be careful, used vehicle sellers also need to keep their wits about them.
Used vehicle scams
Normally a fake or fraudulent PayPal account is 'the convincer' that lures the seller into believing it's a genuine transaction.
Telltale signs that conmen might be involved include:
- Vehicles advertised for considerably less than they are worth
- Mention of the vehicle being shipped to or from another country
- All communication conducted via email, often in broken English
Justin Powell, manager of My Car Check, said: "We are constantly hearing about scams in the used vehicle market, but the frequency of these calls has increased markedly in recent weeks.
"They are nearly always private sales (not vehicles offered by dealers) because the crooks prey on peoples' unfamiliarity with the process.
"We urge both buyers and sellers to be extra vigilant. The volume and complexity of these scams suggests the involvement of organised criminal gangs."
To help UK consumers make the right choice, My Car Check can confirm in seconds whether your potential pride and joy has ever been scrapped, stolen or written-off, has any money owing on it, has had a plate or colour change and much more.