Auto Trader will NEVER contact you and ask for your credit card details in order to process a refund.

Customers are being urged to be alert after reports from Auto Trader users who have received calls from scammers asking for their card information.

One customer had a call from a scammer who claimed to be from Auto Trader.

The caller, who knew the customer’s name and address, said the customer’s advert would not be placed in the magazine due to a lack of space, and money would be paid back to them if they gave the caller their credit card details.

The customer was later contacted by their bank, who informed them of suspicious activity in their account - the fraudster had used the customer’s credit card details to buy electrical goods.

How to avoid the scam

1. Remember - Auto Trader will NEVER contact an existing customer and ask for their bank or credit card details in order to process a refund.

2. We will only contact you to ask for your credit card information if payment for a car advert hasn’t gone through.

3. If you're unsure of someone claiming to be from Auto Trader, or you think you’ve identified a scam, please contact customer services by emailing enquiries@autotrader.co.uk or calling 0845 345 3450.

Stay safe when buying or selling a car – visit our Safety and Security Centre