Car Audio

Online car deals are increasingly being used by criminals to target people with cash and relive them of it. Used car sellers have advertised to sell their cars online and then been paid with forged cash or bankers drafts, which they have discovered only after parting with the vehicle. One now common scam involves the supposed buyer asking if they can pay you more than the asking price, so long as you will forward some of the surplus to a third party.

Would-be used car buyers, of apparently real bargain cars, have been asked to meet in quiet places and told that the seller will only take cash. Unsuspecting people have arrived at a quiet location to met by a couple of dubious thugs who have taken all their cash and also driven off with the car.

Online used car buyers and sellers need to take great care to safeguard themselves and their money from this new breed of Internet fraudster and crook.

A good basic trustworthiness checklist would start with:

• Will they give a full name in advance and carry photo ID when you meet?
• Can yiou verify that the address they give is a proper business?
• Will they provide a non-mobile phone on which you can call them back?
• Will they provide their bank details?
• Bankers drafts can be faked and you should meet at your bank to pay it in there and then?
• If cash, don’t accept foreign currency which is more difficult to spot forgeries and do count all notes out separately.
• Finally, if meeting the buyer or seller half-way, make sure they agree to meet in a safe well lit place where plenty of people are about and take someone with you.
• If price is unbelievable – don’t believe it!

There are plenty of reputable online car firms who will sell you a car or buy one from you without risk but you do need to do your homework and check them out first. If you are unable to discover their basic information easily then you would do well to avoid doing business with them.

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