RAC warns drivers about Car Buying scam
RAC is warning drivers trying to sell their cars not to be taken in by scams which operate by tricking people into accepting an offer near their asking price.
The scams generally work by targeting anyone who is advertising their car for sale online. Sellers are sent a text message offering to buy their vehicle for close to the advertised price.
Typically the seller would be encouraged to fill out their details online and pay a booking fee ahead of being paid the full amount in cash on collection. Once the booking fee is taken the seller never hears anything else from the company which is supposedly purchasing their vehicle.
RAC is aware of at least one organisation that has been using the RAC’s old logo alongside those of other reputable companies in an effort to add authenticity to its activities. Having received a number of complaints from people who had been taken in, RAC has reported the operation to the Trading Standards e-crime team.
RAC lawyer Scott Morrison warns: “People looking to sell their vehicles should be very careful if they are approached by any organisation asking for any sort of online payment upfront ahead of a cash payment on collection.”
Anyone affected by this type of practice should contact the Citizens’ Advice Helpline on 0845 4040 506 to ensure information is passed to Trading Standards.
