Drivers have been urged to stay vigilant when buying cars online as scam victims are losing almost £1000 on average, says Quotezone UK.
Motoring experts at Quotezone.co.uk have warned drivers how to avoid falling victim to fraud adverts after recent reports show online vehicle scams have increased by over 70%, as demand for second-hand cars continues to soar. There has been a dramatic increase – 74% in the first half of the year – in the number of fake online advertisements from scammers attempting to sell vehicles to unsuspecting victims. Many goods like electric bikes, motorcycles, Swiss watches, designer handbags and more attract fakers with their dubious adverts, often placed on social media sites.
For consumers the problem is that sometimes a real number plate, from a legit vehicle is being used in the adverts. That way the scammers can pass basic HPI or DVLA checks, but still persuade people to part with cash or bank transfers upfront. According to Quotezone reports show 68% of all scams relating to cars and vans appeared on Facebook and Instagram, and a further 15% were posted to eBay.
The now discontinued Ford Fiesta was the most popular car to scam – and with the rising campervan conversion trend, a rise in van scams is suspected to surge, with drivers hoping to bag a good deal to convert a second-hand van into a trendy staycation vehicle.
ADVICE ON HOW TO AVOID BOGUS VEHICLE ADVERTS
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “The cost-of-living crisis and the shortage of new cars has created a surge in the second-hand car market that fraudsters are desperately trying to exploit. It’s shocking to see just how many cyber criminals are scamming drivers through online adverts and fake dealership websites.
“Those who unfortunately fall victim to these fraudulent vehicle sales are losing hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Scammers will upload images of real vehicles on social media or to a fake website in an attempt to sell these cars that don’t actually exist.
“Victims are then told to make an online bank transfer in order to ‘secure’ this vehicle, usually as it’s supposedly based hundreds of miles away, only to be blocked by the scammer and left with a significant loss. Brits who are looking to buy cars, motorbikes and vans online must always approach with caution to protect their money, covid has seen a surge of consumer faith in online shopping that has opened the door for opportunistic fraudsters.
“Always view the vehicle in person before making any transactions, and if the deal sounds too good to be true then it most likely is.
“If you want to shop online for your next car use an approved online dealer, check the reviews on google or Autotrader to make sure they are legit and do your homework.”
Finally, if you are tempted to buy a vehicle online use a credit card, as there is more protection using this method.
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