Motor trade warned over online scam

Posted on July 3rd, 2008 by MTI in Consumer, News

Car buyers have been warned of an online scam in the retail motor industry, which has already seen three people lose money.

Buyers of ‘sight unseen’ vehicles are at risk of putting down deposits on cars that do not exist.

The scammers copy information from online classified car adverts and post the details on other sites at a reduced price.

Buyers looking for a bargain jump at the chance and some have set down deposits of £2,000 to £3,000 that they have never seen again.

Irish vehicle history report provider Motorcheck.ie has strongly advised buyers to see a vehicle and verify its documentation before making a purchase.

If customers are risking the purchase of a vehicle sight unseen, the website recommended they ask sellers for the chassis and registration numbers.

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