Need a car?? National car shortage sparks spike in fake car sales advertisement

Need a car?? National car shortage sparks spike in fake car sales advertisement

<  Back to News and Media

Published on:

November 9, 2020

We know finding a new or used car for sale is particularly tough in this market, but please be careful as many of our clients are being caught out in fake car scams.

Our National Case Management Centre has dealt with multiple complaints in one day from people lured into buying a car from sites like Facebook Marketplace.

Not only are the clients losing money putting down deposits on cars that don’t exist, they’re also required to provide scanned copies of identity documents to complete the purchase.

These documents, which can include driver licence, passports and utility bills, are often used to open an account on various cryptocurrency trading platforms in the client’s name.

Here’s an easy guide to spot a fake car advertisement from the real deal:

  • The car is offered for sale below market value.
  • The person selling the car is often listed as being in the military.
  • The seller asks to communicate with the client directly via email or WhatsApp, instead of through Facebook messaging.  Often the scammer will place their preferred contact email over one of the advertisement photographs.
  • They’re in a hurry to sell and will pressurise you for a quick transaction.

You can always do a reverse image check on the photos listed with advertisements to determine whether they’ve been used elsewhere.  

Remember, do your research first and ask to speak to the seller in person.

BACK TO LATEST NEWS

Other News

IDCARE is always active in the media from radio to TV, social media and news articles. Keep up to date with what's happening at IDCARE and in the media.
The Valentine Edition

Revealed: The job profiles romance scammers use most

Read more...
Identity Conference 2019 - Identity Theft in New Zealand: Causes, Cures and Curses

The Managing Director of IDCARE, David Lacey, gave this keynote presentation to the Identity Conference 2019.

Read more...
Behind the mask: Unveiling the new and the trending scams in the fortnight

Behind the mask: Unveiling the new and the trending scams in the fortnight

Read more...
Looking Back At Australia's First Major Infrastructure Hack

Plus, there is an app to map your poop and we put it through The hAPPy Score.

Read more...

CONTACT US

IDCARE is here to provide you with specialist support and guidance when faced with a cyber and identity related issue. Contact one of our Identity & Cyber Security Case Managers to learn more about our Support Services and how we can help you.   

Get help
ONLINE FORM

Submit a web request

Call Centre Icon

Call our AUSTRALIAn
NATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT CENTRE

1800 595 160

Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm AEST

QLD: 07 3555 5900
ACT & NSW: 02 8999 3356
VIC: 03 7018 2366
NT, SA & WA08 7078 7741

Call Centre Icon

call our NEW ZEALAND
NATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT CENTRE

0800 121 068

Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm NZST

AKL: 09 884 4440