Introduction: The convenience of buying a car online comes with risks. Dishonest sellers use sophisticated tricks to exploit buyers, from fake listings to hidden fees.
This guide dives deep into common scams—with real examples—and provides actionable steps to protect yourself, including where to report fraud in the UK, Bulgaria, and the EU.
How Online Car Sellers Cheat Buyers
1. Fake or "Too Good to Be True" Listings
Scammers post attractive deals to manipulate buyers. Here’s how it works:
Collecting Your Contact Details for Spam
How it happens: A seller advertises a luxury car (e.g., a 2020 BMW X5) for 50% below market price. When you inquire, they claim the car is "still available" but insist you submit your phone/email to "verify eligibility."
Real example: In 2023, UK buyers reported fake ads on Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace where scammers harvested contacts, then bombarded victims with phishing emails or loan scams.
Luring You Into a Bait-and-Switch Scam
How it happens: A dealer lists a well-priced car with clean history. When you arrive, they claim it "just sold" and pressure you into buying a more expensive or faulty vehicle.
Real example: A Bulgarian buyer in Sofia found a 2018 VW Golf for €8,000 online. At the dealership, the seller claimed it had "engine issues" and pushed a €12,000 replacement—with hidden financing fees.
Stealing Deposits for Non-Existent Cars
How it happens: A seller asks for a €500 "reservation deposit" via bank transfer to "hold" the car. After payment, they disappear or send fake shipping updates.
Real example: UK Action Fraud reported cases where buyers paid deposits for cars listed on cloned versions of legitimate dealership websites.
2. Hidden Fees & Fine Print Tricks
Dealers exploit buyers with unexpected costs. Common tactics include:
- Documentation fees: Adding £300+ for "admin costs" not mentioned upfront.
- Mandatory add-ons: Forcing buyers to purchase overpriced warranties or accessories.
- Financing markups: Hiking interest rates after agreeing to a "low monthly payment."
Case study: A 2022 investigation by the UK’s Trading Standards found dealerships adding £1,200 in hidden fees to advertised prices.
3. Odometer Fraud (Rolled-Back Mileage)
Tampering with mileage is a serious crime. Red flags:
- A 5-year-old car showing only 30,000 miles but with worn-out pedals/seats.
- Service records showing higher mileage than the odometer.
Example: In Bulgaria, a 2017 Audi A4 was sold with 70,000 km—later discovered to have 190,000 km after a mechanic found inconsistent ECU data.
How to Avoid Online Car Scams
1. Research the Seller
- Check reviews: Search "[Dealer Name] + scam" on forums like Reddit or Trustpilot.
- Verify addresses: Use Google Street View to confirm the dealership exists.
2. Inspect the Vehicle
- Test drive essentials: Listen for unusual engine noises; test all electronics.
- Mechanic inspection: A £150 pre-purchase check can reveal £3,000+ in hidden repairs.
3. Avoid Pressure Tactics
Scammers create urgency by:
- Claiming "5 other buyers are interested."
- Refusing to let you take the car to a mechanic.
Where to Report Scams
United Kingdom
- Action Fraud – Report online car fraud (including fake listings).
Bulgaria
- Commission for Consumer Protection – File complaints against deceptive sellers.
European Union
- European Consumer Centre (ECC) – Resolves cross-border disputes
Key Takeaways
- Never pay deposits without seeing the car.
- Always get a vehicle history report.
- Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics.