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Buy a car privately online can be risky.Experts report that used vehicle scams are becoming increasingly common.
According to mycarcheck.com, which holds comprehensive records for every vehicle in use in the UK, there are three signs to watch for in particular:
“The sheer volume of online scams is off the chart this summer, with seasonal favourites like convertibles, camper vans and motor homes being targeted,” Mark Bailey, the head of mycarcheck.com’s parent company, CDL Vehicle Information Systems, said.
“The staff at our Glasgow call centre speak to used car buyers every day, often when they’re about to transfer money, so our finger is very much on the pulse when it comes to the latest scams.From early this year we saw a significant rise in fraudulent online adverts, but from May onwards it really ramped up – not only for the usual cars, vans and bikes, but for plant and agricultural vehicles too.
“Sophisticated con artists, often operating in organised criminal gangs, can create scam adverts very quickly and on an industrial scale, even setting up whole fake dealer websites.At first glance, they look realistic; they cut and paste wording from genuine adverts and add features like make and model searches to appear more convincing.
“If you encounter any of the above, and certainly all three in order, it should serve as a red flag that you are being lined up.The best advice remains: if in doubt, walk away.”
Marshall Motor Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our Firm Reference Number is 310503. Details of our permissions and trading names can be checked via the FCA register https://register.fca.org.uk/s/
All of the following companies are individually authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with a Limited Permission for credit broking. Each company is a credit broker not a lender: Marshall North West Limited; Marshall of Ipswich Limited; Marshall of Peterborough Limited; Marshall of Scunthorpe Limited; and Silver Street Automotive Limited. All of the following companies are Appointed Representatives of Marshall Motor Group Limited for credit broking: Pentagon Limited; Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited and S G Smith (Motors) Beckenham Limited.
We will receive a commission or other financial benefit from our lenders for arranging finance for you. For further information on our commission arrangements please see our Finance Commission Disclosure Statement
Marshall Motor Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to conduct insurance distribution as an ancillary insurance intermediary. All of the following companies are Appointed Representatives of Marshall Motor Group Limited for the purposes of insurance distribution: Marshall North West Limited; Marshall of Ipswich Limited; Marshall of Peterborough Limited; Marshall of Scunthorpe Limited; Pentagon Limited; Ridgeway Garages (Newbury) Limited; S G Smith (Motors) Beckenham Limited; and Silver Street Automotive Limited.
List of Companies for credit-broking and insurance distribution
More about our credit-broking services & our insurance distribution activities
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