Caution! Over the years, we've seen a growing trend for online car shipping scams that involve both fraudulent buyers and sellers.
The anonymous environment of the internet can pave way for scammers, ready to rip people off.
These fraudsters hide behind the allure of great deals and use a number of tactics to get you hooked!
While it might seem like a no-brainer, you should always use your common sense when making an online transaction.
Here are a few possible scenarios that will help you identify fraudsters so that you don't get stung!
The Hook - Fraud Buyer:
Seller: places an ad for the vehicle on the internet.
Buyer(fraud): offers to buy the vehicle.
They make up an excuse as to why they cannot pay for the shipping e.g. they're having issues with the freight company.
Instead, they offer to pay more for the car than the asking price, on the condition that the seller transfers money for the shipping.
The buyer then poses as the freight company and provides fraudulent account details.
Seller: deposits the shipping costs into a fake account which the buyer has access to.
The Hook - Fraud Seller:
Seller (fraud): Places an ad for the vehicle on the internet below the average selling price.
Buyer: Makes contact with the seller.
Seller: Explains that the vehicle is located either overseas or interstate and needs an upfront deposit for shipping costs.
Once the funds are transferred, the seller disappears.
What to look out for:
- The phone number is faulty
- The price is too good to be true
- The number plates are not visible
- Additional pictures of the car only available upon request
- The fraudster makes excuses as to why they cannot use the phone e.g. they are on their way to business or are overseas
- The address doesn't show up in Google Street View
- Overly complicated transactions
The most important thing is to trust your instincts. If you're investing a significant amount of money, it's also a good idea to get advice from a third party in regards to the transaction.
Take your time in agreeing to the offer and never send money to anyone you don't trust.
With all that in mind, it's also important to choose a freight company that you can trust.
With Auto Move, your vehicle is in expert hands.
We provide a fully itemised quote, available references, insurance cover, appropriate licenses and experiences as well as applicable policies.