Car fraudAvoid becoming a car fraud victim

Avoid becoming a victim of car fraud whether you're buying or selling a car

Be careful of car fraud when you're buying a car

President of the AA, Edmund King, told us: ‘Consumers need to be aware of the car crime fraud that is out there. 

'The superhighway is as dangerous as the real highway for car crime. Beware of online car deals that seem too good to be true, because they probably are, and you may end up buying a "ghost" car which doesn’t exist. 

'If you were buying a house you would use solicitors, do searches, have a survey, make several visits and do your research. However, car buyers often get carried away by emotion and don’t do the checks, so get caught out.’

Be aware of the car fraud warning signs

'Many of the things which make avoiding buying a dodgy car easier already exist and work, if the buyer is being objective. Be aware of the pitfalls and take the necessary steps to avoid being a victim.' King says.

'Buyers need to be sensible about car purchases – insist on seeing the documentation, speak to the previous owner, get the car inspected, get it HPI checked, and only leave a deposit subject to a satisfactory inspection.'

Is there anything suspicious about the car?

Essex Trading Standards officer Peter Stratton also has strong views about abuses of the system.

'For the consumer it’s less about feeling like they have to be ‘a mechanic’ when they consider buying a car, than carrying out simple checks – of the V5C, the MoT history and the service records. 

'Ask yourself if there is anything suspicious, such as "do the MoT mileages match the service record mileages and dates?". If you are suspicious, could you make a couple of quick calls to the dealer(s) who the record shows to have serviced the car and get confirmation? Simple checks upfront can help avoid grief later on.'

Expert tips for avoiding car fraud when buying or selling

Looking for a car

• Know the car’s market value 'If you are paying less than 70% of the market price for a vehicle, it is probably a clone. There is rarely such a thing as a bargain' – Alan Bishop, industry relations director of HPI.
• Private or trader 'Decide whether you want to buy privately or through a legitimate business' – Essex Trading Standards officer Peter Stratton.
• Buying from a trader If you decide to buy a car from a trader you have more protection, in that you know the business address and can easily trace it, should you have need to complain – say to trading standards – but expect to pay higher prices for cars bought this way.
• Really a private seller? 'If you are buying privately, make sure they are a private seller and not a business pretending to be a private seller' – Essex Trading Standards officer Peter Stratton.
• Enquire about 'the car' When you phone, say you are enquiring about ‘the car’. If they then say ‘which one’ it almost certainly indicates they are a trader and not a private seller. The fact they are trying to get you there under false pretences is enough to say steer clear.

Viewing the car

The RAC can help you check the car you wish to buy

• Where to view the car Don’t be tempted to meet the seller on neutral ground (eg in a car park somewhere – if they suggest this it probably means they have something to hide). Go to their house and view the car.
• Bring a friend when viewing a car Take someone with you who isn’t involved in the purchase of the car. They’re more likely to spot cons, lies or suspicious behaviour. If something looks fishy, it probably is.
• Wear and tear What’s expected for the car's claimed mileage? Be wary of severely worn pedal rubbers (or brand new ones) or a threadbare driver’s seat.
• Check the V5C and Vin 'Make sure the registration document (V5C) is available and genuine, check that the vehicle identification number (Vin) matches the registration document and ensure, as far as possible, that neither has been tampered with' – VOSA.
• Seller's ID 'Verify the seller's ID and make sure you can reach him or her if needed' – Kent Fält, motor vehicle registration systems senior advisor.
• Service history and MoT records Check that the car's mileage progression tallies up. You can double-check the MoT history online. If there are any inconsistencies, walk away.
• History check Include the V5C reference number when running a history check (with a company such as the AA, Autocheck, HPI or RAC) to ensure you receive their full insurance indemnity against being conned. 'Double check both the Vehicle Identification Number (Vin) and Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM)' – Alan Bishop, industry relations director of HPI.
• Is it their car? 'Ensure that the vendor has legal title to the vehicle, for example, by means of a bill of sale' – VOSA.

Buying the car

If you're not sure about a car, don't buy it

• Walk on by 'If there are any reasons for doubt about a car you're viewing, walk away. Unless the car is a McLaren F1 then you will find another example. It’s much easier to walk away from a car than sort out the problems later. Rejecting a car after purchase is still virtually impossible. Trading Standards can rarely help after the event' – Edmund King, president of the AA.
• Don’t pay with a substantial amount of cash 'Particularly if the car is costing you more than £3,000. Some cloners will take a banker's draft as part payment, because the cash part is sufficient profit without ever cashing the banker's draft. Most crooks selling cloned cars would rather walk away from a sale than take a payment that could be traced back to them.' – Alan Bishop, industry relations director of HPI.

How to spot stolen blank V5C vehicle registration certificates 

Stolen V5C certificates have a different background colour on the Notification of Permanent Export (V5C/4) tear-off slip on the second page, which looks mauve on the front and pink on the reverse. 

On legitimate V5C documents they should be mauve on both sides. Further details can be found from the DVLA. 

To check the validity of a registration certificate before you buy a car, call the automated DVLA advice line on 0870 241 1878.

Protect your vehicle from car fraud

• Fit theft-resistant number plates. These are designed to resist any known attack method for a minimum period of three minutes, ie they cannot be removed in a re-usable form in less than three minutes. Products meeting the standard are currently available through more than 300 outlets. Further information about theft-resistant plates is available on the Direct Gov site or by contacting a motor dealer or number plate supplier.
• Car thieves usually need car keys Don’t flash car keys around in public and don’t leave them lying around at home.
• Out of sight A securely locked garage deters most car thieves.
• Mystery tickets 'If you receive a mystery parking ticket or congestion charge fine you shouldn’t ignore it on the basis it wasn’t you, as it may indicate you are a car cloning victim. You should contact the authorities and DVLA, who will investigate' – Edmund King, president of the AA.