Avoiding fraud: 8 red flags when buying or selling a car
The classic tricks — and how to protect yourself as buyer and seller.
As a buyer
1) The price is far below the market and the seller "has to sell quickly". 2) The seller wants a deposit before you have seen the car. 3) The car is abroad or "with a shipping agent". 4) The mileage doesn't match the inspection records. 5) The seller won't meet at their own address or show identification.
As a seller
6) The buyer wants to pay by "cheque", by foreign transfer, or to send a "courier". 7) The buyer "overpays" and asks for the difference back. 8) The buyer wants the car handed over before the money is in your account.
How to protect yourself
Always meet in person. Use a bank transfer (an instant transfer clears in seconds). Re-register together with MitID on the spot. Put the sale in writing. And trust your gut — a good deal doesn't feel rushed.