Tips for safely buying or selling a car online
Today we have advice for those buying or selling a vehicle online, courtesy of Gumtree.
In our last Crimewatch we warned about the potential dangers of selling - or buying - a car online. A listener was almost defrauded in what's becoming a more common scam. Check out her story here.
A car is a high-value item; and it can mean dealing with large amounts of money when transacting. Be sure that you follow these golden rules when buying a car, particularly from a private seller:
A car is a high-value item; and it can mean dealing with large amounts of money when transacting. Be sure that you follow these golden rules when buying a car, particularly from a private seller:
- Vehicle purchases should not be rushed. Take the time to check with your local police station that the car in question has not been stolen.
- It's also important to confirm that the vehicle does not have a hidden accident history. It may be worth your while to do an AA Autocheck at your nearest station.
- Always insist on meeting in-person and viewing the car before making a payment and meet the seller on your terms - not theirs, at a place of your choice.
- Meet in a public place where you feel comfortable - such as your local police station.
- Insist on copies of the service record and registration papers.
- Provide payment for the vehicle if you choose to buy without allowing the seller to accompany you to the Bank, ATM or other source of revenue
- Never provide your personal or banking information (e.g. credit card number) to others over the Internet
- Take the time to visit our blog to educate yourself about buying and selling cars safely. If in doubt, contact our Customer Service team - they are available 24/7 to handle your queries.
- Gumtree does not handle money - do not trust any buyer who claims that you can pay money into a Gumtree account or receive a refund from Gumtree
- Never send money overseas via PayPal. (This is how the fraudster in Thursday's case had wanted to transact.)
Finally, the classifieds site says it's entered into an official affiliation with Motofinn Solutions which can assist with the facilitation of a sale between buyers and sellers using the platform. This includes arranging an HPI check to confirm the vehicle ownership as well as verifying the vehicle condition and roadworthy test.
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