Never send money in advance or accept cheques as payment F. P.

Detecting Scams When Buying Used Cars: The Key is to Be Skeptical and Verify

Autocasión

Viernes, 20 de junio 2025, 09:15

In the dynamic used car market, caution is the most valuable tool for both buyers and sellers. The premise is clear: "If in doubt, there is no doubt." Any hint of irregularity should be a warning sign for the user.

The anonymity offered by the internet, while facilitating contact, also opens the door to potential fraud. Therefore, the platform Autocasión emphasizes the importance of verifying names, addresses, and phone numbers of supposed sellers or buyers. Categorically, it warns: "Never send money in advance or accept cheques as payment."

Here are some of the most common scam methods:

Cars abroad with a deposit request: The most common scam. The seller claims to be out of the country and requests a deposit or reservation for the vehicle's shipment. To expose this, it is recommended to search for the car's image on other sites (it is likely from a catalogue), attempt phone contact, and if possible, offer for an acquaintance to see the car in person. The "reverse versions" of this scam involve a foreign "buyer" offering more money than asked, arguing that the excess is for transport, and that the payment will be held in escrow until delivery. In these cases, be wary of excessive generosity and verify the supposed payment or transport company.

Payment with bounced cheques: As frequent as it is dangerous. The "typical" scam involves the fraudster sending a cheque with a value higher than agreed (to cover supposed transport costs) and then requesting the return of the excess. The cheque turns out to be without funds, and the victim loses the transferred money. The recommendation is clear: distrust any cheque unless it is a bank-certified one, and even then, with caution.

Non-existent sales: Scammers create professional-looking websites to showcase cars and lure unsuspecting buyers. They operate for a while and then disappear. They often excuse themselves by claiming to be located in another country and request a deposit as a reservation, disappearing once the money is received. Therefore, it is advisable to be aware of several key points to recognize a fake ad.

Report any suspicion to the portal administrators F. P.

To identify a fraudulent ad

Autocasión advises:

Visual analysis: If the car photos show license plates or signs from different countries, or the cars from the same seller have varied backgrounds (warehouses of different colours), be suspicious. It is normal for professional photos to be taken in their own facilities.

Inconsistencies in responses: Lies often unravel themselves. If the seller's or buyer's explanations are not coherent, it is a warning sign.

Data verification: Search for names, phone numbers, and email addresses online. If you cannot find information about the person or company, it is a reason for distrust.

Prioritize phone contact: Always try to contact by phone. Avoid limiting yourself to WhatsApp or other messaging apps if a direct call is not possible.

Avoid advance payments: Never send money via Bizum or any other method before the vehicle's delivery and verification.

"Miracle" prices: Be wary of prices that are too low or if you are offered more money than you ask for.

Autocasión implements email and mobile number verifications for individuals, and IP authentication for professionals, aiming to prevent identity theft.

Although these measures are effective in most cases, the platform acknowledges that "nothing is absolutely foolproof." Therefore, they encourage users to "Report ad" if they detect any suspicion of fraud, allowing Autocasión to investigate and remove the fraudulent ad. User collaboration is essential to maintain security on the portal.