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Online Buying / Selling Fraud - Trigger Fraud Alert #36 (November 2025) |
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Dear Resident, Humberside Police are warning people to be careful after reports of fraudsters selling fake listings and written off cars on Facebook Marketplace. Fraudsters often post listings for cars that look too good to be true, such as a nearly new model at a suspiciously low price. Always compare prices for similar cars to spot deals that might be too good to be true Don’t let anyone pressure you into paying upfront – you should only hand over money once you’ve seen the car in person and you’re happy with it Make sure you carry out all the usual checks before buying a car. A HPI is especially important when buying privately, as it will show if the car has been stolen, written off, scrapped, or has any outstanding finance A low price can be a red flag for fraud, like fake listings, damaged cars being misrepresented, or tricks to get you to send money before you’ve even seen the car. Tips to stay safe: Beware of Suspicious Deals: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do Your Due Diligence: Research the seller and the vehicle to confirm their legitimacy. Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a suspicious listing or seller, report it to Facebook to help them identify and remove scam accounts. Stolen Car Images: Scammers use photos of cars they don’t own to create fake listings and entice buyers. See the Car First: Always inspect the car in person and take it for a test drive before handing over any money. Meet Safely: Arrange to meet the seller in a safe, public place, and consider bringing a friend. Check the price. Most of the scam adverts are “selling” cars at around 1/4 of their actual value. Do not be pressured to use unusual payment methods such as gift cards Reporting and Support If you have been a victim and lost money, call 101 and report it to Humberside Police. Visit fraudwatch.org.uk for more information about fraud and where to get support. You can also sign up to receive future alerts at alerts.fraudwatch.org.uk.
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