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A specialist police unit established to tackle car crime has launched an awareness week to publicise the escalating problem of fraud in the motor trade.
The Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service focuses on the impact of organised crime on the car industry, and is using this week to remind the public of the dangers of cloning and fraudulent financing when they come to replace their pride and joy.
In an effort to assist anyone going through the process of buying a used car, the Association of Chief Police Officers has teamed up with industry experts to provide a list of tips on how to avoid the fraudsters:
- When buying a car, new or used, do your research. Know what to expect from the make, model and age of the vehicle - cloners in particular will want to sell the car as quickly as possible; if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- If buying a used car, always get a vehicle history check, and remember some check providers offer a more comprehensive check - such as finance information - than others.
- Establish who the seller of the vehicle is - are they the legal owners of the vehicle, or is it a reputable dealer? Don't be tempted by any offer to meet the buyer in a lay-by, motorway service station or car park. Check the address you visit matches the details on the V5C.
- Check the car thoroughly for damage and make sure the vehicle's documents are in order. Check registration number (VRM), chassis number (VIN), along with the V5C serial number and issue date to check if it has been altered in anyway, or it's one of the ones recorded as stolen. Serial numbers for the stolen V5Cs are: BG8229501-BG9999030 and BI2305501-BI280000.
- Consider in advance how you will pay for the vehicle. Think twice before paying with cash - instead, use a traceable payment method, such as a credit card or bank draft.
- If buying a vehicle on the web, ensure you've done all your checks before transferring any payment.
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