Car Sale 'Scam' Warning Issued

Trading Standards officers in Northern Ireland are warning consumers about so-called vehicle matching scams.

Vehicle matching scams work by promising to 'match' consumers who are selling their cars, with definite buyers. Typically, the seller is 'cold-called' by telephone, having placed an advertisement in a magazine, website or newspaper.

The seller is assured that a buyer exists for the vehicle which they are selling, however, it is a condition that they pay a 'matcher's fee' in advance, before the often non-existent sale is completed.

During its investigations into this scam, Trading Standards Service (TSS) has found that in many cases, there is no buyer, the contract with the vehicle matcher cannot be cancelled and any money paid is lost.

Last year, over 40 private sellers of second-hand vehicles complained to Consumerline, the consumer helpline of TSS. These complainants lost between £80 and £99 each.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has co-ordinated the sharing of intelligence between a range of enforcement agencies to target action against traders engaged in unfair commercial practices.

The OFT has also provided enforcement assistance by organising a special 'day of action' with the police, GB local authorities, TSS and consumer bodies, to crack down on the car matching scammers.

The OFT is also working with online and print motoring publications who are members of the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group. They now aim to put in place clearer, more prominent warnings for consumers as soon as they put their cars up for sale.

The UK European Consumer Centre, European Consumer Centre, Dublin, and Which? magazine are also supporting the campaign.

Damien Doherty, Trading Standards Area Inspector, said: "The time is up for rogue traders who attempt to cheat sellers with false promises of a guaranteed buyer for their cars.

"We are working with the industry and enforcement partners across the UK to crack down on scammers who are preying on consumers, particularly during the current economic downturn," he said.

"High pressure selling, alongside cold-calling, makes this a very successful scam and often leaves the consumer with very little chance of getting redress.

"While Consumerline received 40 calls last year about such scams, we believe the true number of victims could be much higher," he admitted, offering advice on how consumers can help avoid being scammed.

"Consumers need to be alert - stop, think and be sceptical if they are cold called or are asked for money in advance. It is important that credit or debit card details are never given out to strangers.

"Be cautious if there are buyers ready to view a car immediately or that a refund will be offered should the car not sell," he said, adding the familiar caveat that, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".

Anyone who may have been a victim of a vehicle matching scam, or who suspects a scam in progress should call for clear, practical consumer advice on tel: 0845 600 62 62 / 028 9025 3900 or log on to Consumerline

(BMcC/JM)