News release

Internet car sales scam warning

West Lothian Council's Trading Standards team is warning about an internet car sales scam which has caught out two local residents.

Cars are advertised in private sale adverts on well-known websites. The price is well below the market price for the make, model and age. When a prospective buyer contacts the seller, usually by email, they are told that the car can't be viewed, as they have recently moved abroad, but photos are supplied.
When they agree to go ahead with the sale, the buyer is told to 'wire' the money to a 'trusted third party'. However, they turn out to be fictitious and the buyer is left with no money and no car.
West Lothian Council's Principal Trading Standards Officer Ed Machin said: "If you find a car you would like to buy, take steps to protect yourself. Make certain that you know exactly who you are dealing with.
" If the price looks too good to be true, then it probably is. I would strongly advise that you go and see the car in person, in daylight if possible before placing a deposit or buying the car."
Further advice can be obtained from Consumer Direct, the government-funded consumer advice service on 08454-040506 and at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. West Lothian Trading Standards can be contacted on 01506 776410.

 

 

Date: 28-04-2008