How to Avoid Car Scams
Unfortunately scams are out there, and when things seem too good to be true, chances are you're being scammed. Here's our guide on what to avoid.
Most car sales are completely genuine — but scammers target both buyers and sellers because cars involve large amounts of money. The good news is that almost every scam has warning signs. Learn to spot them and you'll stay safe.
Warning signs for buyers
The price is far too low. A car worth £8,000 advertised at £4,500 "for a quick sale" is the oldest trick in the book. Check what similar cars are selling for. If one advert is dramatically cheaper, ask yourself why.
The seller can't meet in person. Common excuses include being abroad, in the forces, or the car being "in storage" or "with a delivery company". Genuine private sellers will show you the car. Never buy a car you haven't seen, or had independently inspected.
Pressure to pay a deposit before viewing. Never send money to "reserve" a car you haven't seen. A favourite trick is asking for a deposit via bank transfer or gift cards, after which the seller disappears.
The seller pushes a specific payment method. Be wary of anyone insisting on bank transfer to a third party, cryptocurrency, gift cards or payment "through a friend". These are hard to trace and harder to recover.
The story keeps changing. If details about the car's history, ownership or location don't add up, walk away. Genuine sellers know their own car.
Common buyer scams to know
Cloned cars — a stolen car given the identity of a legitimate one. Always check the VIN on the car matches the V5C logbook, and run a history check.
Clocked mileage — the odometer wound back to inflate the price. Check mileage against MOT history and service records.
Fake escrow or "buyer protection" services — scammers set up websites that look like genuine payment protection services. Only use services you've found and verified yourself.
Categorised cars sold as clean — a previously written-off car advertised without declaring it. Our guide to categorised cars explains what to check.
Warning signs for sellers
Scams don't just target buyers. If you're selling, watch for:
The overpayment trick — a "buyer" sends a cheque or payment for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment then bounces, and you're out of pocket.
Fake payment confirmations — emails or screenshots that look like a bank transfer or PayPal payment, but no money has actually arrived. Always check your own account, not the buyer's proof.
The "courier" buyer — someone who buys without viewing and sends a courier to collect. Often paired with fake payment proof.
Test drive theft — never let a buyer test drive alone, and check they're insured. Keep the keys with you when swapping seats.
Distraction theft at viewings — one person keeps you talking while another tampers with or steals the car. Have a friend with you and keep the car in sight.
Golden rules
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Never pay for a car you haven't seen — or had independently inspected.
Meet in person, in daylight, at the seller's home address — and check it matches the V5C.
Check the paperwork — V5C logbook, MOT history and service records should all tell the same story.
Run a vehicle history check before handing over any money.
Use traceable payment — bank transfer to the seller's own account, at the point of collection, once you're happy with the car.
Trust your instincts — if something feels off, walk away. There will always be another car.
What to do if you've been scammed
Report it to Action Fraud (the UK's national fraud reporting centre) on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk
Contact your bank immediately — if you paid by bank transfer or card, they may be able to help
Report the advert to us — if the scam involved a MyMotorMate listing, use the report option on the advert or contact us and we'll remove it and investigate
Found a car you like?
Do your checks, ask the right questions and buy with confidence.
