NEWCASTLE KZN: SAPS warns public about online vehicle scams

A friendly vehicle seller could be a conman peddling counterfeit cars.

Lizzy Arumugam, from the Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications office, has urged residents to be cautious when responding to internet posts advertising vehicles for sale. She advises that residents do their research beforehand and always be on the lookout for possible scams.

She said fake adverts sometimes appeared on legitimate auto sales websites, classifieds, and online auction sites.

“These con artists claim to sell used cars at lower-than-expected prices, but the automobiles are typically counterfeit.”

SAPS has given the following prevention tips and suggestions, to avoid falling victim to vehicle-related scams:

• Use a number of websites to conduct your study.
• Examine a variety of vehicles without feeling compelled to buy.
• Take a look at what prior buyers have to say.
• Examine the car before making the sale.

Possible warning signs that a car might be stolen include:

• There is no proof of car registration (V5C).
• The V5C contains spelling errors, modifications, or has no watermark.
• The V5C name and address do not match the seller’s (always ask for a copy of the drivers licence, passport, or a recent utility bill).
• The car’s identification numbers don’t match those on the V5C or appear to have been tampered with.
• The vehicle is not covered by the seller’s insurance policy.

Arumugam said one option was a private history check – while you will have to pay for this, it will also inform you of any outstanding finance on the vehicle, if it has been reported stolen, if the vehicle was in a serious collision, and if the mileage on the odometer is correct.

Various companies offer the history check as an online service, including the Automobile Association. If you make use of this service, ensure the company will take responsibility for the accuracy of the information supplied.

In response to some reports of vehicle sales being used as a tool by criminals, Arumugam further advised residents to take at least one person with when meeting a potential seller, and inform others where you will be meeting.

“Avoid meeting strangers at your house or in residential areas. Meet instead in a nearby commercial area, a grocery store parking lot, a fast food restaurant parking lot, or at the police station. Make sure the location is busy – it is preferable to meet during the day. If you have to meet after dark, make sure the area is properly lit and there are plenty of people.”

• If you don’t phone them first, have the seller check on you at a certain time following the meeting.
• Make sure you have your cell phone on you at all times.
• If you are wary of the buyer or seller for any reason, do not let them into the vehicle; leave right away.
• Do not be embarrassed to make an excuse to leave.
• Do not bring large amounts of cash with you.
• If the seller does not have the vehicle with them when you arrive, leave immediately.
• Your life is more valuable than possessions – if you are held up, give the criminals what they want.

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