Vehicle scams

23 July 2021

Don’t get caught out

According to Scamwatch, Australians lost $1 million to vehicle sales scams last year.

Already, in the first quarter of 2021, almost $300,000 has been squandered by unwary consumers.

Typical schemes involve posting fake listings for secondhand vehicles at attractive prices on popular trading websites.

One scam involves a ‘seller’ claiming they’re in the military and want to hawk their vehicle before deployment overseas.

They post low prices on sought after vehicles to create a sense of urgency and then, to allay fears, may suggest a smaller amount of money be deposited in an escrow account.

Of course, the bank account is fake and the ‘sold’ vehicle is never delivered.

Don’t be the next victim.

Here are a few things to safeguard yourself against scammers:

• Look at email addresses carefully. If a person is in the armed forces their email address should be @defence.gov.au not an iteration of this and certainly not @123abc.com.au
• If a price looks too good to be true it almost certainly is. Ask to inspect the vehicle in person, or have it inspected by a Licensed Vehicle Tester before handing over any money.
• Be wary of paying through third party websites, such as escrow accounts, or eBay.
• Do not deal with a seller who is evasive and makes excuses for not appearing in person or presenting the physical vehicle.

The best way to avoid vehicle scams is to use a Licensed Motor Car Trader.

Finally, keep a regular eye on the Scamwatch website for scam alerts. Go to: scamwatch.gov.au

Words: VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun 23 July 2021.

Share your thoughts! E: ceo@vacc.com.au