Dangers in Internet car sales & purchases
Media from various parts of the UK are reporting increasing numbers of people falling victim to criminals using scams involving online car deals. 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. Some supposed buyers even offer more money than the seller is asking, providing that they forward some of the proceeds to a third-party.
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. On arrival at the pre-agreed destination naive peple have had all their money taken from them.
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?
- Does this business have bona-fide premises?
- What telephone number can they supply for the business, other than a mobile?
- Details of buyers bank account made available to you?
- If paying with a bankers draft, will they meet you at your bank where you have it checked?
- Payments in cash should only be in pounds sterling to avoid forgeries that you may not spot.
- 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.
- Deals that sound unbelievably good, almost certainly are just that – unbelievable!
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. If you are unable to discover their basic information easily then you would do well to avoid doing business with them.
Tags: buyer, car, cars, cash, online, quickly, sell, selling, used