Summary: Car buying scams include fake listings, cloned vehicles, mileage fraud, outstanding finance scams, fake paperwork, and hidden vehicle damage. Buyers should verify the car, seller, and paperwork before paying.
Here's what to watch out for:
Summary: Car buying scams are increasing because more buyers use online marketplaces and social platforms where fake listings, cloned adverts, and anonymous sellers are easier to create.
Because scammers know where people are shopping… and these days, that’s online. Especially on:
It’s easy for scammers to clone listings from real dealers, use stock photos, or pretend to be private sellers. And because cars are high-value items, one scam can mean thousands lost.
Summary: Common car buying scams include cloned vehicles, fake listings, mileage fraud, hidden write-offs, fake history checks, outstanding finance scams, and traders posing as private sellers.
A cloned car scam happens when criminals copy the registration number and identity of a legitimate vehicle and apply them to a stolen car.
A cloned vehicle copies the genuine vehicle registration identity. You can see if a car has been cloned by checking the vehicle VIN, which you can find in the door frame or in the engine bay. A VIN mismatch indicates possible fraud, and a vehicle history check can uncover theft records. If you believe your car has been cloned, reach out to the police immediately.
Warning signs of a cloned vehicle
How to check for a cloned car
Summary: A cut-and-shut car is created by joining sections from multiple damaged vehicles together. These vehicles may look normal but can be structurally unsafe.
Warning signs:
Summary: Some fraudsters ask buyers to use fake vehicle history websites that imitate genuine checking services. Instead of providing history reports, these sites collect payments and personal information.
Red flags:
Outstanding finance means money is still owed on the vehicle under agreements such as HP or PCP. Buyers should verify finance status before purchase because legal interests may remain attached to the car.
Check for:
Run these checks to determine if a car has outstanding finance:
Summary: Curbstoning happens when traders pose as private sellers to avoid regulations and sell poor-quality vehicles.
Look out for these warning signs:
Summary: Written-off vehicles may have previous structural or non-structural accident damage. Buyers should check write-off status and repair history before purchasing.
Cat S indicates structural repairs, while Cat N indicates non-structural damage. Buyers should verify write-off history using vehicle checks before purchase.
Cat S means structural vehicle damage that has been repaired and Cat N means non-structural damage that has been repaired.
Summary: Clocking, also known as mileage fraud, occurs when mileage is illegally reduced to make a vehicle appear newer, have lower mileage, or appear more valuable.
Clocking happens when mileage is illegally reduced to make a vehicle appear newer or more valuable.
Warning signs:
Check:
Read our full guide to mileage clocking.
Summary: Fake car listings, sometimes called ghost vehicle scams, happen when fraudsters advertise vehicles that do not exist or copy genuine adverts to steal deposits or personal information.
Fake car listings happen when scammers advertise vehicles that do not exist or copy genuine adverts from dealerships and private sellers.
Common warning signs include:
• Prices far below market value
• Seller claims to be abroad
• Delivery-only offers
• Requests for deposits before viewing
• Refusal to meet in person
• Use of stock photographs
To stay safe:
• View the vehicle in person
• Verify the seller address
• Test drive the car
• Check MOT and history records
• Never pay before inspection
Summary: Warning signs of a car buying scam include unusually low prices, pressure to pay deposits, missing paperwork, refusal to meet, and suspicious payment requests.
1. The Price Seems Too Good To Be True
If a £10,000 car is being offered for £4,000, it’s probably not your lucky day… it’s a red flag. Scammers use low prices to lure buyers quickly.
2. They're Rushing You To Pay A Deposit
If someone says “I’ve had loads of interest, send a deposit now to hold it”, stop. That’s a classic scam move.
3. They Refuse To Let You See The Car In Person
If the seller won’t give you a proper viewing, test drive, or even a video call to show the vehicle, chances are the car doesn’t exist.
4. They're Vague About Paperwork
Missing V5C logbook? No MOT history? Excuses like “I’ve just moved house” or “the docs are with my mate” are not worth the risk.
5. They Want Payment Through A Sketchy Link Or App
Scammers often send payment links via email or WhatsApp, posing as a “reputable finance company.” If in doubt, check the company directly, and never pay through unknown links.
Looking for safe car finance? Here’s what reputable companies look for in a car finance application.
Summary: Facebook Marketplace and Instagram can contain genuine vehicle listings, but buyers should verify the seller, inspect the vehicle, and avoid paying before viewing.
We get it, there are real bargains out there. Facebook Marketplace is packed with legit listings, especially for used cars. But here’s what scammers count on:
Always meet in person, bring someone with you, and never pay for a car you haven’t seen. And don’t forget to check the car’s MOT history on GOV.UK and run an HPI check to make sure it’s not stolen or written off.
Summary: Buyers can reduce the risk of car scams by checking vehicle history, verifying seller details, viewing the car in person, and using secure payment methods.
✅ Research the seller
Google their name or phone number, and if they’ve scammed someone before, it may show up.
✅ Don’t be pressured
Legit sellers won’t push you to send money before you’ve seen the car.
✅ Always view the car
See it. Test drive it. Ask questions. If they refuse, walk away.
✅ Check documents
Ask for the V5C logbook and match the name and address to the seller’s ID.
✅ Use secure payment methods
Never transfer money via Western Union, PayPal “friends and family,” or links from strangers.
Summary: Checking the vehicle, paperwork, seller identity, and payment method before sending money can reduce the risk of car buying fraud.
✅ MOT history check
✅ HPI or vehicle history check
✅ VIN match across vehicle locations
✅ Cat S / Cat N status
✅ Theft markers
✅ Outstanding finance
✅ Match V5C details
✅ Confirm registered address
✅ Ask for identification
✅ View at seller’s address
✅ Confirm seller matches registered keeper details
✅ Use secure payment methods
✅ Avoid PayPal Friends & Family
✅ Avoid unknown payment links
✅ Never pay before viewing
Using regulated car finance can offer more protection than a cash purchase. Lenders like Marsh Finance carry out checks on the vehicle and seller, reducing your risk of fraud.
Not sure if you’ll be accepted? Here’s what you need to know about credit scores and car finance.
Summary: If you think you have been scammed, stop contact with the seller, report the fraud, contact your bank, and keep evidence of the transaction.
Car buying should be exciting, not stressful. But with so many scams out there, a little caution goes a long way.
If you’re not sure, trust your gut. And if a seller is giving you the run-around, remember, the right car (and the right deal) will never come with that much pressure.
Looking for peace of mind when buying a car?
Talk to the team at Marsh Finance. We work with trusted dealerships and vetted vehicles, so you can focus on the car, not the worry. Check out your finance options today without impacting your credit score.