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Beware of ‘virtual car seller’ scam
HPI are warning of a ‘virtual car seller’ scam that catches out buyers who think they are protected by online payment systems [8 November 2013]
HPI have been checking the histories of used cars since 1938. They have reported that unsuspecting buyers are being tempted by used car advertisements on motoring websites from UK sellers that offer top-of-the-range cars at bargain prices.
The fraudsters usually claim to be based far away from the buyer, providing a reason why they cannot view the car there and then. Normally, the scammer says the vehicle is already being shipped to a location close to them, and that the low price is due to the need for a quick sale - except in reality there is no car.
Not protected by online payment systems
The virtual car scam has been conning online buyers out of money for a number of years but in a new twist HPI has seen a number of buyers mistakenly believe they are protected if they use Google Wallet or another online payment system.
HPI warns consumers that any money transferred through to a dodgy seller using an online payment system, are not protected, even in the event that the car does not exist. Used car buyers should never purchase a vehicle online without seeing it and meeting the seller first, no matter what the payment method is, advises HPI.
Phil Peace, operations director for HPI comments, “Online payments systems offer many protections, but these are designed to prevent fraudulent transactions. This is leading some consumers to believe that if they use a system like Google Wallet, they will be protected if they fall victim to a scam, such as the virtual car scam. These systems offer similar security measures offered by banks, designed to prevent your money being taken without your knowledge or consent.
“The problem is, if a buyer transfers money over to someone willingly, there is little that can be done about it. Online transactions are so fast and easy now, that by the time people realise they have been duped, the sellers are long gone, leaving the buyers with a fictitious car for their money.”
For further information please visit the HPI website.
Please note that Action Fraud is not responsible for the content of external websites.
To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.
HPI are warning of a ‘virtual car seller’ scam that catches out buyers who think they are protected by online payment systems [8 November 2013]
HPI have been checking the histories of used cars since 1938. They have reported that unsuspecting buyers are being tempted by used car advertisements on motoring websites from UK sellers that offer top-of-the-range cars at bargain prices. The fraudsters usually claim to be based far away from the buyer, providing a reason why they cannot view the car there and then. Normally, the scammer says the vehicle is already being shipped to a location close to them, and that the low price is due to the need for a quick sale - except in reality there is no car.
Not protected by online payment systems
The virtual car scam has been conning online buyers out of money for a number of years but in a new twist HPI has seen a number of buyers mistakenly believe they are protected if they use Google Wallet or another online payment system.
HPI warns consumers that any money transferred through to a dodgy seller using an online payment system, are not protected, even in the event that the car does not exist. Used car buyers should never purchase a vehicle online without seeing it and meeting the seller first, no matter what the payment method is, advises HPI.
Phil Peace, operations director for HPI comments, “Online payments systems offer many protections, but these are designed to prevent fraudulent transactions. This is leading some consumers to believe that if they use a system like Google Wallet, they will be protected if they fall victim to a scam, such as the virtual car scam. These systems offer similar security measures offered by banks, designed to prevent your money being taken without your knowledge or consent.
“The problem is, if a buyer transfers money over to someone willingly, there is little that can be done about it. Online transactions are so fast and easy now, that by the time people realise they have been duped, the sellers are long gone, leaving the buyers with a fictitious car for their money.”
For further information please visit the HPI website.
Please note that Action Fraud is not responsible for the content of external websites.
To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.
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