Auto Trader will NEVER carry out an UNPROMPTED vehicle check on a car

That’s the message we’re sending out to users after a number of reports of scam emails.

A small number of customers have reported receiving emails claiming to be from Auto Trader, saying a check has been carried out on the vehicle (and the company dealing with the sale), and that it is OK for the buyer to proceed with the sale.

The buyer initially tries to phone the seller, but can’t get through. The buyer then emails the seller, and receives an email claiming to be from Auto Trader, using addresses such as info@autotrader.co.uk.

Auto Trader DOES NOT offer this service - it is the buyer’s responsibility to carry out a vehicle check - not the seller’s.

An email which claims a vehicle check has been carried out by the seller is a scam.

For more information visit the Auto Trader Vehicle Check site.

If you receive an email claiming to do this, please forward it to our Customer Services team at enquiries@autotrader.co.uk or contact them on 0845 345 3450.

An example of the email is shown below.

For more information on spotting and avoiding scams, click the links below: