How to spot used car scams
Most private car sales go smoothly, but scammers target both sides of them. The good news is that a few simple habits defeat most of the tricks.
If you're buying
The price is too good to be true
A car priced far below similar ones is bait. The story usually explains why: the seller is abroad, in the forces, going through a divorce, or needs a quick sale. The fix: compare with similar cars and treat a large gap as a warning.
Pay a deposit to "reserve" it
The scammer asks for money before you've seen the car, or wants you to pay a "shipping" or "escrow" company. The fix: never pay before you've seen the car in person, and be very wary of any "protection" service the seller suggests.
The car isn't theirs to sell
A trader posing as a private seller (sometimes called curbstoning), a car with outstanding finance, or a stolen or cloned one. The fix: the V5C must be in the seller's name and address, the VIN and registration must match the car, and a paid history check shows finance and stolen flags. Be wary if they don't have the V5C or the address doesn't match.
A wound-back mileometer
The fix: compare the mileage against the MOT history on GOV.UK and against the wear on the pedals, seat and steering wheel.
If you're selling
Fake payment confirmations
The buyer shows you a screenshot or an email saying they've paid, and wants the car now. The fix: look at your own banking app. Only money you can see in your account counts, and don't hand over the car until it has cleared.
Overpayment and refund
"I've accidentally sent too much. Can you send the difference back?" The original payment later bounces or is reversed. The fix: never refund anything, and treat it as a scam.
Cheques, bankers' drafts and unusual payment apps
The fix: stick to a bank transfer you can see has arrived, or cash exchanged at a bank.
Test-drive theft
Someone takes the car for a test drive and doesn't come back. The fix: check the driver's licence and insurance, go with them, and keep the V5C safe. Never let someone drive off alone.
Pressure to move away from the site
Requests to continue on WhatsApp, or to click a link to "verify" your listing or "receive" payment, are usually phishing. The fix: keep to the conversation on the platform where you listed, and never enter card or banking details on a link someone sends you.
Habits that protect you
- Meet in a safe, public place and in daylight if you can, and tell someone where you're going.
- Take your time. Urgency is the scammer's friend.
- Get a signed receipt with both people's names and addresses.
- If something doesn't feel right, walk away.
If it happens to you
Contact your bank straight away, as they may be able to stop or recall a payment, and report the fraud to Action Fraud. If it happened through a listing on Browse Cars, use the report links on the listing or profile so we can review the account — we can remove listings and suspend accounts that break the rules, but we cannot recover money or investigate on your behalf; your bank and Action Fraud are the right places for that.