Fraudulent Sellers

A small number of fraudulent adverts have been placed by people posing as sellers. When potential buyers have tried to contact the seller they have found that the phone number is faulty, invalid or constantly diverted to voicemail.

On questioning this point by email the seller informs the customer that they are unable to use the phone and that they can only converse via email.

The seller asks for a deposit or the full price to be transferred to them but after they have received the money they create an excuse as to why they cannot release the vehicle, need more money to be transferred or become impossible to contact.

Be cautious if the advert or ensuing emails are full of spelling mistakes and bad grammar, as this seems to be a trait of fraudulent adverts.

All vehicle buyers should be cautious if a potential seller cannot give you a telephone number or insists on communicating by email only.

Don’t hand over any money until you’ve seen the vehicle or are satisfied that the vehicle and seller are genuine. Even then, don’t be pressured into giving a large deposit; most genuine dealers will be happy to accept a small deposit to hold a vehicle.

Examples of fraudulent Adverts

I received a similar answer to my query on a virtually brand new 2007 VW Touareg 3.0 TDi.
This 'lady' wanted me to pay R 50 000 into an account in England BEFORE I could see the car. On request for photo's, details etc. the more than adamant request was to pay, and then after 10 days I may return the car if i am unhappy. To cut my story short, I told her on e-mail exactly what I thought of the deal, and fortunately did not lose anything other than valuable time. How these ads can slip through on Autotrader, I don't know. However, be C A R E F U L ! !