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The scam involves a Rogue ‘Seller’ copying all details and photos from a legitimate online private car ad placed on a motor sales website. These details will then be placed as a ‘new’ ad on multiple websites using skimmed credit card details. The Rogue Seller will then change the price, however, so that the car looks like a bargain - at an extremely attractive price.

Prospective buyers will be told that the car is not in the country and that it will be shipped over upon receipt of a deposit – generally in the region of €2,000 - €3,000 approximately.

Once the deposit is paid the buyer will never receive the car or see their deposit again.

Motorcheck.ie and the Car Buyers Guide have developed a series of safety checks to ensure that Irish consumers are not taken in by the scam.

Shane Teskey of Motorcheck.ie says the ideal is to actually see the prospective vehicle in advance: "We strongly advise car buyers to see the vehicle and check its condition before they hand over any money. If this is not a possibility one of the most important things to check is the chassis number of the car in question before making any deposit payment. We advise customers to always ask the seller to provide you with the Chassis Number of the vehicle so that you can verify its identity. "

In cases such as this, only the real owner of the vehicle should have access to the Chassis Number which is detailed on the vehicle licensing certificate. This can then be typed in and verified on www.motorcheck.ie. If the serial number provided by the seller does not match that on the vehicle report then customers are advised not to proceed with any sale or cash transaction..”

The Car Buyers Guide have published a list of safety tips for prospective car buyers, which are available in full on their website (www.cbg.ie).  Barry Malone of the Car Buyers Guide says that one of the most important aspects of the advice is to not be afraid to quiz the owner:  “One should ask to actually see the logbook before making any decisions.” 

He also advises particular caution if contact with the seller is only through email.

“The ‘scammers’ normally provide an incorrect landline number or a mobile number that goes straight to playback with the option to leave a message removed, hence the only way of correspondence is via email” he says.

Malone adds that these conmen often have a ready made list of elaborate lies & false explanations such as:

 “I’m in the army in the UK and will be  travelling to Iraq very soon.  I can have the car delivered directly to you once payment is received...”  

Or

“The car is in fantastic condition and I really don’t want to sell but I’m living outside of Ireland now due to work commitments and want to sell as soon as possible. Wire the deposit to this address and I will forward the shipping details etc. Remainder of payment can be made when you receive delivery of the car.”

Car Buyers Guide Tips if unsure about a vehicle:

• Avoid all contact with sellers or buyers if the offer seems to good to be true..
• Never buy a car without seeing it first or checked over by a professional
• Never give out your account details if unsure, if you do and have reservation, contact your bank immediately.
• Make sure you history check the vehicle to prevent against it being stolen, clocked, outstanding Finance.  It might be the best €35 ever spent.
• Ask to see the log book and if a name is on it ask for ID to verify the seller.
• Where is the VIN number? (Should match the log book)

For further information, Irish consumers can visit www.motorcheck.ie or www.cbg.ie

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