Tag: second-hand car

If you’ve ever browsed through used car ads on online marketplaces, you’ll know that many are too good to be true.

In 2023 Santander issued an urgent warning after £479,964 had been reported as lost to Facebook Marketplace car scams.

Criminals were – and still are – using stolen photos and videos of genuine vehicles, to advertise cars that they don’t own and aren’t theirs to sell.

To help second-hand car buyers navigate the numerous dangers, UK-based vehicle history checking platform PitStop has this essential advice for online car buyers.

Red flags to look out for when browsing second-hand car listings online

• The picture is blurry or low resolution – Damage may be concealed, be especially wary of only one camera angle.
• There is no image of the interior, mileage, or engine bay – Key parts of the car are missing from the listing likely means there are issues or it has been tampered with.
• There are important missing details – Not showing the MOT, or ownership history, or service records can indicate that the seller is concealing issues.
• The listing overuses phrases – “First to see will buy”, “runs well”, or “cheap for quick sale” probably means there are expensive or dangerous issues with the car.
• The seller has poor grammar and spelling – Often reflects a lack of care on the seller’s behalf.
• Photos show the car dirty – Dirt may be a cover-up for missing spots of paint on the car’s body.
• The car is parked tightly against a wall or in dark lighting – The seller may be trying to conceal damage or an issue.
• The price is too good to be true – A listing price well below market value could mean the car is stolen, damaged or doesn’t exist.
• The seller says that they are “out of the country” – This is a common scam tactic to avoid in-person meetings or inspections.
• There is pressure to pay a deposit quickly – Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to rush buyers into transferring money before they’ve had time to check the vehicle.

Top safety tips for online car buyers

• Use reverse image search on listing photos – Scammers often steal images from other websites or listings.
• Always check the reg number and MOT history – Use a free MOT checker to confirm the car’s mileage and test results.
• Verify the seller’s profile – Look for signs of credibility on platforms like Facebook Marketplace (be cautious of accounts that are newly created and have limited activity).
• Never send money without seeing the car in person – If a seller asks for a deposit before you’ve seen the vehicle, it’s likely to be a scam.
• Meet in a safe location – Arrange to view and collect the car in a safe area.
• Use secure payment methods – Avoid using cash for payment, as bank transfers with references can often offer buyer protection.
• Report suspicious behaviour – Most online platforms allow you to report suspicious listings or messages.
• Use a reliable vehicle checking service – Platforms like PitStop, offer full history reports that can help you to verify the car’s condition, service history, ownership changes and potential risks.