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Safe Trading Tips

Tips For Safer Selling

You can help to make selling a vehicle safer by following these tips:

• Send all parts by Registered or Express Post, or via a Courier.
  
  
• Keep all documentation about the postage of the item, including all tracking numbers.
  
  
• For Cars, before you agree to a test drive:
  
  • check your insurance - comprehensive insurance policies generally cover test drives but you should check to make sure your insurance covers you
    
  • check the driver's insurance and write down the licence number – an accident may not be covered if the driver is un-insured
    
  • obtain something of value, i.e. keys as security for the test drive (even if you go along for the test drive)
    
  • always meet the person in a safe, public, location
    
    
• if in doubt about a buyer don't rush into sending an item, or offering a test drive or a sale.

Tips for Safer Buying

You can help to make buying online safer by following these tips:

• Protect yourself against fake and fraudulent advertisements:
  
  
  • don't rush to buy if the advertisement seems too good to be true
    
    
  • be suspicious if the item is advertised at a very low price
    
    
  • find out who you are dealing with: ask for a name and contact phone number
    
    
  • Use a SECURE payment option. We recommend PAYPAL
    
    
  • NEVER use electronic money transfers such as Western Union. They are not intended to be used to send money to strangers. Never pay a stranger by electronic funds transfer
    
    
  • NEVER agree to deposit money in a bank account or via escrow unless completely sure the advertisement and seller are legitimate
    
    
  • Request the buyer send the item via REGISTERED post, or via courier.
    
    
• Protect yourself against buying a stolen or encumbered vehicle:
  
  
  • obtain a 3rd party inspection
    
    
  • ALWAYS get independent advice
    
    
  • if in doubt about a vehicle don't rush in to buy it
    
    
  • research whether your State/Territory Road Traffic Authority has a Vehicle Securities Register which will generally allow you to check:
    
    • Vehicle Registration Status
      
    • Finance recorded against the vehicle
      
    • Whether the vehicle is reported as stolen

What is a Scam?

The most common form of scam seen on classifieds sites is people listing fake parts that may not even exist, then accepting direct deposit of money.
Recovery of money is usually possible, however expect it to be a long drawn out process, with alot of headaches.

Overall it is difficult to define a "scam" as scammers are often sophisticated criminals, who invent new scams frequently.

It is important to note that the examples below are not exhaustive. Scammers invent new scams all the time. You should protect yourself by educating yourself on how to recognise, report and protect yourself from scams.
Visit www.scamwatch.gov.au for more information.

Scams and fraud exist on the internet. Responsible buying and selling is essential to reduce the risk of you being the victim of a scam.

It is difficult to define a "scam" as scammers are often sophisticated criminals, who invent new scams all the time.

An example of a recent scam is when a consumer is contacted by a scammer via SMS.