If you or a friend are looking to buy a car over the next few months, there’s an online scam that you need to be aware of…
We’ve noticed a troubling trend, especially prevalent on Facebook, though it’s wise to keep your eyes peeled on other platforms too.
Here’s how it unfolds:
The scam kicks off with a marketplace listing. Scammers are getting crafty, posting real cars, often those shiny high-end models and occasionally, your average runabouts.
The first red flag? The price. It’s eye-wateringly low. Remember the old wisdom—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take, for example, a 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport listed at a jaw-dropping £3,600. Tempting, right? But alarm bells should be ringing.
Another tip-off is the seller’s profile, which often shows multiple car listings all too good to be true. So, do a bit of digging into their other offers before reaching out.
And here’s the clincher: When you call to snap up this too-good-to-miss deal, they’ll ask for a deposit to “secure” the car because they’re “on holiday” and will arrange delivery upon their return. Classic scam!
A solid way to gauge the phishiness of a deal? Compare the car’s price with similar models on reputable sites like Auto Trader. A significantly lower price tag for no clear reason? You’ve likely spotted a scam.
So, before you speed off towards what looks like a fantastic deal, pump the brakes and remember these tips.
Chris Barnard has spent over 15 years delivering exceptional digital marketing performance for leading businesses in the UK, Europe and North America as an independent business consultant.
FeedbackFans provides a unique next-generation managed technology and marketing platform that delivers outstanding and outsized results for businesses in sectors such as finance, retail, leisure, and professional services.
With our unparalleled expertise in creating cutting-edge solutions and environments, we empower our clients and users to thrive in the digital age.
Chris Barnard is Managing Director of FeedbackFans.
