Fraud when buying a car: The scammers’ tricks

In a private car sale you should take care not to hurriedly remove your license plate and give your car insurance data to a third party. You must also be careful when you have made an appointment for a test drive with the potential seller. But there are even more facts to be aware of so that you can detect scams in a car sale and protect yourself. In our advice section, you will receive an overview of the most common fraud possibilities on the part of the buyer and you will learn how to recognize these. We will give also give you suitable solutions so you are not the loser when buying a car.

Avoid car fraud when buying

The fraud methods by a car sale are far less numerous than when buying a car. Nevertheless, they can have a devastating effect and require an in-depth knowledge that you do not become a victim. It may happen that you have made an appointment for an inspection and a test drive with a potential buyer and at the meeting an unpleasant discussion starts.

Auto fraud from private prospective buyer

Even though you have correctly described the car in the advertisement with all the vehicle specification and also its defects, the prospective buyer points out that there is even more damage that you did not mention. If this is not true then it is a scam from the swindler. He then demands compensation because of his travel or the time spent. You can protect yourself with the use of a car appraiser.

Fraud methods “compensation”: Unjustified claim for damages at the vehicle inspection.

Solution: Secure yourself with the use of a professional car appraiser before the inspection appointment.

Another fraudulent incident takes place when you sell your car online and the license plate is visible. The scammer will contact you and attempt to get as much personal information from you as possible. This includes your complete name, the address as well as information about your car insurance. He would contact your insurance and using your name say he is the owner and inform them for example that the windshield is damaged. He would then use his own address as that of a glass repair company. The insurance, based on this, would transfer the money for the repair to the scammer and the plan was successful. The windshield is often used since you as the car owner in a comprehensive insurance is not graded and therefore you are not contacted. Be careful as to which data you give out to third parties.

Fraud methods “insurance rip-off”: A third party pretends that they would like to purchase your car and collect your personal data so that they can use it to register a fictitious damage on the windshield and illegally get money from your car insurance.

Solution: Ensure that your car’s license plate is not visible in photos and do not give your personal information as well as your car insurance to third parties.

Car fraud: How business card car dealers cash in

Every driver has certainly found a business card under his windshield wiper that promises to buy his car at the best price. A mobile phone is provided with a note that they are available 24 hours. If you call, you would be immediately asked about your car. You have to give the brand and the model, the manufacture year, the number of doors, engine and your own price expectation. The dealer would come as soon as possible to you in order to see the vehicle. Usually with this selling method you can expect a lower amount than with a private sale. Additionally, defects are created that are not even there.

Some condensation water that the dealer states is a deficiency can be the cause of many things in the car. It can be fog for example that gets into the vehicle through a small opening. Another possible explanation can be a wet and dirty filter. It is however normal that during the colder seasons condense water can form in the car so that a defect is not always the reason. A pile of newspapers, a bag of rice or some desiccants should be placed often in the vehicle and the situation is remedied.

Fraud method “business card dealer”: Business card dealers attract you with the promise of an immediate purchase of all cars and reduce the price below its actual value with fictional damages.

Solution: Get a professional valuation of your second-hand car and secure yourself with respect to the price.