Top tips to stay safe online

Buying a vehicle can be a safe and straightforward process, as long as you take these few simple steps to protect yourself when buying online.

Published on 19 December 2017 | 0 min read

If you’re looking to buy a car, there are a few simple tips you should follow to help keep you safe while browsing online.

Tips to help avoid scams

If a vehicle is offered at a much cheaper price, ask yourself why. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Make sure the seller has a valid address and telephone number. Always visit the seller at home, and never buy without seeing and driving the vehicle.
Be wary of buyers who want to buy the vehicle without seeing it, request upfront shipment payments or private information, display a false sense of urgency or unnecessary details, as it could be a vehicle export scam.
Never wire money abroad, as it is often a fraudulent seller.

Tips to help protect your computer

Ensure your security software is up-to-date, including anti-virus protection, anti-spyware software, and a firewall.
Shop on trustworthy websites. Check the seller’s reputation, and look for the widely-recognised trust marks on their websites.
Set a secure password for your wi-fi connection using a combination of letters and numbers.
Block spam emails, and use an up-to-date web browser.

Tips to help protect your identity and privacy

Don’t let your card out of sight. If you believe your card or card numbers have been stolen, call your card issuer immediately.
Beware of phishing emails. Legitimate businesses are unlikely to send emails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the buyer into revealing financial information.
Confirm your purchase is secure. Look in the address box for the ‘S’ in https://, and in the lower-right corner for the lock symbol before paying, to be sure the website is encrypted.
Check your bank statements often. Get in touch with your bank or credit card company immediately if you notice a transaction you didn’t make.
Protect your personal information. Look at a site’s private policy and understand how your personal information is being used. Sites without a privacy policy should be avoided.
Be careful about the personal information you give away online, such as on blogs or social networks.
Use a secure password, with a mix of words, letters, numbers and punctuation. Avoid using names of loved ones or other easy-to-guess passwords.

What to do if you think you’re a victim of fraud or cyber crime

If you think you’ve been targeted by a fraudster, contact Auto Trader immediately by emailing scam@autotrader.co.uk, or calling 0330 303 9001.

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