Tighter net for car fraud

Buying online can bag a bargain, but it pays to be prudent, especially when the deal is for a car itself

Auto Express Car Reviews

16th June 2007

And now web users have a new ally: the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group (VSTAG), an industry forum to combat motor-related fraud.

VSTAG includes the Finance and Leasing Authority, Metropolitan Police, eBay Motors and other vehicle advertisers. It aims to protect both buyers and sellers. The partnership collects and shares information on suspected fraudsters to make online and print adverts safer. “We urge caution when engaging in the buying and selling of vehicles, particularly private sales,“ said VSTAG chair Adrian Black.

The group’s new guide advises buyers to protect themselves with a history check to ensure the car is not stolen or an insurance write-off.

To verify the car is genuine, documents should be studied closely and compared with the vehicle identification number (VIN). Visit www.met.police.uk/fraudalert to download a full copy of the guide.