EXPERTS have revealed five sinister clues car buyers should be aware of to avoid being scammed when buying a used motor online.
While car buyers once prowled forecourts looking for the perfect used motor, many now rely on the internet.
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The internet provides cheap and quick access to an infinite amount of used cars.
But now experts at insurance giants Hagerty have identified potential hazards for buyers searching the internet.
These are the tips to avoid being ripped off:
Reverse Image Search
Unscrupulous sellers will use fake photographs to try and mislead customers. However buyers can right-click on an image to search for similar pictures.
The “reverse image search” facility can be used to identify similar pictures and heavily edited photographs.
This will reduce the chances of being misled when choosing a car online.
Request a Current Photo
Some scammers are wise to the checks that buyers can carry on out photographs, and use light Photoshop methods to cover their tracks.
So buyers can request a current photograph of the car, placed next to a copy of a local paper to verify it’s authenticity.
Look up the Location
The experts at Hagerty’s point out that any reputable dealer or seller will list their address. Buyers are encouraged to use Google to check out the location.
Any disparities between where a seller claims to be and where they actually are should be seen as a “red flag.”
Further checks should then be carried out to ensure the driver is bona fide.
Eyes on the prize
The experts advise that the best way to avoid scams is to travel and inspect a car.
Kicking the tyres yourself is the sure fire way of avoiding rip off merchants and hucksters.
If a buyer is unable to carry out the inspection due the journey involved, local car club representatives are often happy to carry out inspections.
The expert said: “In short, buying vintage cars is risky in the even the best scenario.
“If a potential purchase seems too good to be true, treat it as such until all the information you gather points to the opposite.
“Being respectful while being skeptical will serve you well: Even if you think the person on the other end might be a scammer, there is no reason to be a jerk until you have the proof.
“Even then, it’s best to report the ad or website and move on with your life, happy they didn’t catch you.”
