VSTAG... the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group

VSTAG helps protect both buyers and sellers of pre-owned vehicles from fraud during the online vehicle transaction process.

Forged from a strong partnership of the UK’s leading online car sales companies and the police, our members share information of known and suspected fraudulent advertisements – working together to reduce online vehicle crime.

REPORT INCIDENT

If you have been a victim of online vehicle crime we would like to hear about it

SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT – Vehicle thefts

VSTAG is aware of a number of cases, mainly in the Greater London, South East and West Midlands, where people have had their cars stolen during a private sale viewing. Having advertised their cars online, seemingly genuine buyers have turned up to viewings only to steal the car. There are two main methods employed by these thieves. The first is that the seemingly genuine buyers distract the seller while the keys are in the ignition, and then drive away in the car. In other cases thieves have swapped the key or key fob for an identical dummy whilst they have test driven the car, only to return later in the day to steal the car.

Therefore, we recommend that you never leave a potential buyer alone with the vehicle; give them the keys; or let them borrow the car documents. If you have a keyless fob, we advise you keep hold of it at all times, even on a test drive. Always accompany the buyer on a test drive and supervise any inspection they make of the vehicle. Finally, make sure you ask potential buyers to bring their driving licence along when they test drive your car.

For further selling advice please see Tips on selling a used car safely

SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT – Private Sellers

Used car prices remain high and VSTAG is receiving an increasing number of reports about a well-known scam targeting private car sellers.

Scammers turn up to an arranged viewing with the intention of obtaining the vehicle at a lower price.

Typically, the scammers will turn up to the viewing in groups of 2 or 3.
One will try to distract the seller, while the others place oil or another substance, into the coolant or exhaust pipe of the car.

Their intention is to make the engine emit smoke or sound as though there is a problem. They will then pressure the seller to accept a lower price as the vehicle is damaged.

If needed, repair work following this type of tampering can be expensive.

Wherever possible, try to conduct viewings with someone else present who can help to observe any potential buyers. Sellers are also advised against leaving the bonnet up or unattended while showing a potential buyer around the rest of the vehicle

At all times, your personal safety comes first so if you feel uncomfortable at any time, walk away.

If this happens to you, report it to the advertising platform so they can take appropriate steps to protect others.

In all cases please report the incident to Action Fraud.

REPORT VEHICLE CRIME INCIDENTS

If you know about, or have been a victim of vehicle fraud or scam, we would like to hear about it.

VSTAG ADVICE

VSTAG brings you the most up to date buying and selling tips to safeguard you and your money.

Our buying and selling advice and tips from industry specialists allow you to make the best judgements when it comes to buying or selling a vehicle online.

BUYING ADVICE
Our buyers guide, tips and checklist to help you through the buying process.

SELLING ADVICE
Our guide and checklist to help you through the online selling process.

STAY SAFE ONLINE
Information on how to stay safe online, how to spot a scam – and the warning signs to look out for.

WHO WE ARE

VSTAG helps protect both buyers and sellers of pre-owned vehicles from fraud during the online vehicle transaction process.

Forged from a strong partnership of the UK’s leading online car sales companies and the police, our members share information of known and suspected fraudulent advertisements – working together to reduce online vehicle crime.

USEFUL LINKS

You may find these other sites useful in finding out more about safety online and help in buying and selling your vehicle.

These links are from industry leaders but VSTAG cannot guarantee their accuracy.

Useful links to help you in the buying and selling process