How to Avoid Car Fraud

Each year, a significant number of cars that have been involved in accidents are repaired and reintroduced to the market. Unfortunately, not all of these repairs are done properly, and some of these vehicles may still pose safety risks. Additionally, there is a risk of purchasing a stolen vehicle, as a considerable portion of stolen cars are never recovered and can be sold to unsuspecting buyers. It is important to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect yourself from car fraud. In this article, we will discuss why these issues occur and provide you with valuable tips to safeguard yourself when buying a used car.

When it comes to accident repairs, some unscrupulous sellers may cut corners or hide the extent of the damage in order to make the vehicle appear as though it's in better condition than it actually is. This can lead to serious safety hazards, as crucial components may not have been properly repaired or replaced. It's crucial to thoroughly inspect any used car you're considering purchasing and have a trusted mechanic perform a comprehensive inspection to ensure that all repairs have been carried out to a high standard.

The problem of stolen cars being sold to unsuspecting buyers is another issue that potential car buyers need to be aware of. Stolen vehicles can have altered identification numbers or forged documents, making it difficult to detect their true history. To protect yourself from purchasing a stolen car, it is important to conduct thorough research, including checking the vehicle's history, verifying the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and ensuring that all the necessary documentation is in order. Additionally, buying from reputable dealerships or private sellers with a good reputation can help reduce the risk of encountering stolen vehicles.

To protect yourself from car fraud, consider the following tips:

Conduct a vehicle history check: Use reputable online services to obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report. This report will provide valuable information about the car's previous owners, accident history, and whether it has been reported stolen.
Verify the VIN: Check that the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN provided in the documentation. Inconsistencies may indicate potential tampering or fraudulent activity.
Get a professional inspection: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly before making a purchase. They can identify any hidden issues or signs of poor repairs.
Purchase from reputable sources: Buy from established dealerships or individuals with a good reputation. This reduces the risk of encountering stolen vehicles or fraudulent sellers.
Trust your instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true or if something feels off during the buying process, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Walk away from any transaction that makes you feel uneasy.

By being vigilant, conducting proper research, and taking the necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to car fraud. Remember, it's always better to invest time and effort in ensuring the safety and legitimacy of a used car before making a purchase than to deal with the potential consequences of buying a stolen or improperly repaired vehicle.

So, you’d be wise to protect yourself by having the car’s history checked out. The police can take the car away from you if it has been stolen and although in theory, you’d be entitled to a refund of the price from the person who sold you the car, you’d have the practical problem of getting it. (For example, can you locate the seller, and even if you can, are they worth suing?)

If you buy a car which has outstanding credit on it, whether you, or the finance company, own the car will depend on whether you knew about the outstanding credit when you bought it. If you did, the car will still belong to the finance company. If not, you’ll be the owner of it.

What can you do?

Just remember, prevention is better than cure. Check the car’s history before you buy it, so you don’t end up later forfeiting the car to the rightful owner.

Your check needs to cover:

Information from the PNC (Police National Computer for recorded stolen vehicles), the DVLA and the Association of British Insurers (recorded accident damage).

Check whether the registration is recorded as stolen & recovered.

Avoid the loss buying a vehicle that may be:

When purchasing a used vehicle, it's essential to be cautious and avoid the potential loss associated with buying a vehicle that may have certain issues. Here are some key considerations to help you steer clear of potential pitfalls:

Subject to Outstanding Finance: One of the crucial things to check when buying a used car is whether it has any outstanding finance. This means that the previous owner may still owe money on the vehicle, and if you unknowingly purchase it, you could become liable for the debt. Conducting a vehicle history check can help uncover any outstanding finance on the car.
Stolen (Police Interest): It's important to ensure that the vehicle you're interested in purchasing is not reported as stolen or under police interest. Running a stolen vehicle check can provide peace of mind and confirm that the car's ownership is legitimate.
Stolen & Recovered: Some vehicles may have been stolen in the past but subsequently recovered. While these cars may have undergone repairs, it's essential to consider the history and potential impact on the vehicle's value and reliability. A thorough vehicle history check can reveal if the car has been stolen and recovered.
Write off / Total Insurance Loss (Recorded Accident Damage): Cars that have been written off or deemed a total insurance loss due to significant accident damage can pose risks. These vehicles may have undergone repairs, but it's crucial to be aware of their history and the extent of the previous damage. A vehicle history check can uncover whether the car has a write-off or total loss record.
Scrapped by the DVLA: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) may scrap vehicles under certain circumstances, such as when they are deemed unfit for the road or have severe damage. Buying a scrapped vehicle can be problematic, as it may have significant issues or restrictions. Checking the vehicle's status with the DVLA can help you avoid purchasing a scrapped car.
Subject to Plate Transfers: Some vehicles may have undergone plate transfers, where the registration plates have been changed. While plate transfers are legal, it's important to ensure that the process was done correctly and that the vehicle's identity remains clear. Verifying the registration history and conducting a comprehensive vehicle check can provide insight into any plate transfers.
Colour Changes: A change in a vehicle's color may not necessarily be a cause for concern, as owners may opt for a new paint job for personal preferences. However, it's essential to verify that the color change was not an attempt to disguise the vehicle's history or hide any previous damage. Checking the vehicle's records and conducting a thorough inspection can help confirm the legitimacy of the color change.

By being diligent and conducting thorough checks, you can avoid potential losses associated with buying a used car with outstanding finance, stolen status, write-off history, DVLA scrapping, plate transfers, or suspicious color changes. It's advisable to use reputable vehicle history check services and seek professional advice when necessary to ensure a safe and informed purchase. Remember, investing time and effort in research can help you make a confident and reliable vehicle purchase.

Also check the following is correct.

In addition to the previous considerations, it's crucial to verify the accuracy of the following details when buying a used car:

Make and Model: Ensure that the make and model of the vehicle match the advertised information. This information is important for identifying the specific characteristics and specifications of the car.
Number of Former Keepers: Check the number of previous owners the vehicle has had. This information can give you an idea of how well the car has been maintained and may also impact its resale value.
VIN (Chassis Number) Check: Verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number to confirm its authenticity. The VIN is a unique code assigned to each vehicle, providing information about its origin, specifications, and history.
Engine Number and Size: Check that the engine number and size match the details provided. This ensures that the engine is the original one for the vehicle and provides important information about its power and performance.
Exported: Find out if the vehicle has been exported in the past. Exported cars may have different specifications or histories, so it's essential to consider this factor when evaluating the vehicle's condition and value.
Date First Registered: Confirm the date when the vehicle was first registered. This information helps determine the car's age and can impact factors such as road tax and insurance premiums.
Year Manufactured: Check the year the vehicle was manufactured. This information provides insight into the car's production year and can influence its condition and value.
Colour: Ensure that the color of the car matches the advertised information. While color changes are not uncommon, it's important to confirm the accuracy of the color mentioned to avoid any discrepancies.
Fuel: Verify the fuel type of the vehicle, whether it's petrol, diesel, electric, or hybrid. This information is crucial for understanding the car's fuel efficiency, maintenance requirements, and compatibility with your needs and preferences.

By cross-checking these details and verifying their accuracy, you can have greater confidence in the information provided about the make and model, number of former keepers, VIN, engine, export history, registration date, manufacturing year, color, and fuel type of the vehicle. This thorough examination will help you make an informed decision and minimize the risk of purchasing a car with incorrect or misleading information.