Many of us turn to the online market when looking at a car – either just to do research or potentially to buy. However, it is worth noting that many online payment systems do not offer fraud protection, if for example you purchase a car that doesn’t even exist! Used car buyers should never purchase a vehicle online without seeing it and meeting the seller first, no matter what the payment method is, advises HPI.
The virtual car scam has been conning online buyers out of money for a number of years. Unsuspecting buyers are tempted by an advert on a motoring website from a UK seller offering a top-of-the-range car at a knock-down price. The seller will then usually claim to be based far away from the buyer, providing a reason why they cannot view the car there and then. Normally, the vendor says the vehicle is already being shipped to a location close to them, and that the low price is due to the need for a quick sale. Except there is no car, and the cash the buyer pays will be long gone by the time they realise they have been conned.
In a new twist on the scam, HPI has seen a number of buyers mistakenly believe they are protected if they use Google Wallet or another online payment system. But if the car they’ve purchased turns out to be dodgy; the money and the seller will be nowhere to be found.
Phil Peace, operations director for HPI comments, comments, “Online payments systems offer many protections, but these are designed to prevent fraudulent transactions. This is leading some consumers to believe that if they use a system like Google Wallet, they will be protected if they fall victim to a scam, such as the virtual car scam. These systems offer similar security measures offered by banks, designed to prevent your money being taken without your knowledge or consent. The problem is, if a buyer transfers money over to someone willingly, there is little that can be done about it. Online transactions are so fast and easy now, that by the time people realise they have been duped, the sellers are long gone, leaving the buyers with a fictitious car for their money.”
The advice of Car Articles? See a car in person, several times if possible. Conduct an HPI check through your company of choice. Check how much it would cost to insure and if possible take a mechanic or expert with you to have the car checked. This is, after all not just a matter of money but also safety.
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