A small number of fraudulent adverts have been placed by people posing as bike or car sellers.

When potential buyers have tried to contact the seller they have found that the phone number is either faulty, invalid or constantly diverted to voicemail.

On questioning this point by email the seller informs the customer that they are unable to use the phone due to deafness, a recent accident, illness or that they are away on business and that they can only converse via email.

The seller asks for a deposit or the full price to be wired to them but after they have received the money they create an excuse as to why they cannot release the vehicle, need more money to be transferred or become impossible to contact.

Be cautious if the advert or ensuing emails are full of spelling mistakes and bad grammar, as this seems to be a trait of fraudulent adverts.

All vehicle buyers should be cautious if a potential seller cannot give you a telephone number or insists on communicating by email only.

Don’t hand over any money until you’ve seen the vehicle or are satisfied that the vehicle and seller are genuine. Even then, don’t be pressured into giving a large deposit; most genuine dealers will be happy to accept a small deposit to hold a vehicle.


Important links:

• Trading Standards - http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/
• National Criminal Intelligence Service - http://www.ncis.gov.uk/
• Police links - http://www.police.uk/
• Metropolitan Police Fraud Alert - www.met.police.uk/fraudalert
• Report an unscrupulous dealer - enquiries@autotrader.co.uk
• Report a scammer - fraud.alert@met.police.uk

Please do not email the Metropolitan Police unless you have details of the fraudsters bank details, address or telephone numbers. Also bear in mind that the Metropolitan Police covers the Greater London area. For help across the rest of the UK, please contact your local force.

 

Been contacted by a fraudulent vehicle seller? Contact us now.