Auto Trader, eBay Motors, Exchange & 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 vehicle registration certificates when buying a used vehicle. The stolen certificates have a different background colour on the Notification of Permanent Export (V5C/4) tear off slip on the second page, which looks mauve on the front and pink on the reverse. On legitimate documents they should be mauve on both sides. Further details can be found one the DVLA website

If a member of the public wishes to check the validity of a registration certificate prior to the purchase of a vehicle, they can call the automated DVLA advice line on 0870 241 1878 which provides the serial number ranges of the documents provided above.

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)