REDDITCH motorists are urged to guard against bogus online car sales following a Worcestershire resident losing almost £7,200 after being duped by a scam internet car seller.
The consumer warning was issued today (Tuesday) and brings the total amount lost in this way in the county to £27,000 in recent years.
Each victim responded to adverts placed by fake sellers on well-known internet auction and vehicle websites.
In every case a sale was agreed without seeing the vehicle in person, with the buyer only relying on photos and details via email.
The unsuspecting purchasers were then told to pay via bank transfer or Western Union by ‘payment protection service’ emails that seemed to come from the sale website, but were in fact fraudulent.
Once the money was sent – the scammers disappeard and the vehicles were never delivered.
It was impossible for the buyers to get their money back as payments by bank transfer or Western Union cannot be reversed.
Worcestershire Regulatory Services Joint Committee Chairman, Councillor Bronwen Behan, said: “This is a sophisticated scam – the emails look very professional and are almost identical in style to the real websites.
“Legitimate websites never ask for money transfers in this way.
“If you are unsure contact the website owners or publishers to double check.”
contact Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506.
Anyone intending to buy or sell a vehicle online should bear in mind if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Buyers should never transfer money to anyone they do not know for a vehicle they not seen and always view a vehicle in person and in the light before agreeing to buy.
A vehicle history check from a reputable source is recommended for peace of mind and would-be buyers should check whether a ‘’ayment protection service’’ is genuine before sending any money.
The Metropolitan Police and Western Union Bank both recommend that consumers use money transfers as a means to purchase goods only when sending money to someone they already know and trust.
