Auto Trader, eBay Motors, Exchange and Mart, the Finance & Leasing Association, Motors.co.uk, and the Met Police have joined together in partnership to form the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group (VSTAG), an industry forum created to combat vehicle related fraud.

As part of its aim to protect both buyers and sellers of cars, vans and motorcycles from fraud, VSTAG has published a consumer advice guide and is now sharing information on known and suspected fraudulent adverts.

Whilst the process of buying or selling a vehicle is usually straightforward, both buyers and sellers can leave themselves open to becoming the victim of fraud or other crimes. VSTAG urges consumers to be careful not to let the excitement of buying or selling a vehicle compromise their safety or money.

Read the full VSTAG guide here.

‘Remember - if the offer looks too good to be true - it usually is’

DVLA warns motorists

Check V5C Registration Certificate before buying a used vehicle

DVLA is warning motorists to be on the lookout for stolen blank V5C Registration Certificates when buying a used vehicle, which are being used by organised criminals to support the sale of stolen cars.
To help protect motorists from the abuse of stolen documents, DVLA has introduced a new look V5C. This is a different colour (red instead of blue) and makes it clear that the registration certificate is not proof of ownership. It also gives details of a website where you can get advice on buying a used vehicle www.direct.gov.uk/buyerbeware. This site also provides details of the serial numbers of the stolen V5Cs, as does the hotline 0300 7906104.

Cheque Clearance Guidelines

Important new changes have been introduced that will benefit you when paying in cheques.
When you pay in a cheque these guidelines will help provide clarity on:

1. When your account will start to earn interest on money paid in by cheque.
2. When the balance on which overdraft interest is charged will be reduced, if your account is overdrawn.
3. When you will be able to withdraw the money paid in by cheque from your account.
4. When money has safely cleared with no chance of it being reclaimed without your consent, unless you are knowing party to fraud.

Download the Consumer Advice on Change to Cheque Clearing Times. (1.3Mb)