So, you’ve decided to buy a car. Congratulations! That puts you one step closer to freedom and independence. Sadly, it also makes you prone to a complete disaster if you fall into the clutches of a car scammer.
Yep, the UK’s roads aren’t just filled with potholes—they’re also riddled with shady characters who’d love nothing more than to rob your bank account in exchange for a clapped-out banger, or worse, a car that doesn’t even exist.
Fear not, fellow motor enthusiast! We’ve put together a handy guide to help you dodge the dirtiest tricks in the car-selling world.
1. Mileage Tampering (a.k.a. Clocking)
Picture this: you find a beautiful 2015 BMW with leather seats, only 28,000 miles, and a price so low. But what you don’t know is that this car has seen more road than you can imagine.
Mileage tampering is where someone rolls back the odometer to make a car seem less used than your treadmill. It’s illegal, it’s sneaky, and it’s more common than you’d think.
Spot it: Use a car history checking online service, such as Car Checker, to view service records, check for wear on the pedals or seats, and trust your gut. If the car looks like it’s been to war but says it’s only been to a few blocks, something’s fishy.
2. Cloned Cars
Ever bought something online that looked amazing only to discover that it was a knockoff? Now imagine that—but with a car.
Cloned cars are stolen vehicles given the identity of a legit one: same number plate, same VIN on the glass, maybe even fake documents. You drive it off happy and then the police come knocking.
Spot it: Always check the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number on the chassis, logbook, and windscreen match—and that they match the V5C document. Don’t skip the car check, and never buy a car without seeing ID and proof of ownership from the seller.
3. Fake Online Car Listings
This one’s a classic: you spot the perfect car online with a price that is almost too good. You message the seller, and they say it’s in Scotland, but don’t worry—they’ll ship it. Just send a small deposit.
Spoiler alert: there is no car. There never was a car in the first place.
Avoid it: Never pay a deposit before seeing the car in person. Don’t be rushed. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably lives in a scammer’s imagination.
4. Fake MOT Certificates
Some sellers hand over a car with a gleaming MOT certificate fresh off their home printer. The reality? The car wouldn’t pass an MOT if it was given one on the moon.
Check it: Again, head over to Gov.uk and plug in the reg. The official MOT history will tell you if it recently passed, what it failed on, and whether its suspension is more rust than steel.
5. Overpayment Scams
This one’s for the sellers. You list your car for £5,000, and a buyer says they’ll send you £6,000—just wire the extra £1,000 back to them after. You do it, the cheque bounces, and suddenly you’ve paid them for the privilege of stealing your car.
Solution: Never refund overpayments. Wait for the full payment to clear—really clear. Use secure methods like bank transfer or escrow if you’re unsure.
6. Deposit Scams
A seller demands a “small holding deposit” to take the car off the market. You send it. Then silence.
Red flag alert: Never send a deposit without seeing the car and verifying the seller’s identity.
7. Fake Car Insurance or Warranty Scams
“Buy this used car and get 12 months of premium warranty for free!” they promise. Then your gearbox explodes, and suddenly their phone line is “no longer in service.” Or the warranty only covers things that never break, like the glovebox hinge.
Don’t fall for it: Buy your insurance or warranty from a reputable provider. Check the small print, and if the seller is offering it, verify it with the company directly.
Final Thoughts
Buying or selling a car should be exciting, not anxiety-inducing. Use common sense, double-check everything, and if it all feels a bit dodgy, just walk away. There are plenty of genuine cars and humans out there.
