Common Scams When Selling or Buying a Car Privately (and How to Avoid Them)

Most private buyers and sellers are honest. But car sales involve large amounts of money between strangers, and scammers know it. Here are the scams I hear about most, and how to avoid them.

Scams that target sellers

Fake payment messages

A buyer says they have paid by PayID or bank transfer and sends a screenshot or an email that looks like it is from your bank. Sometimes the email says you need to pay a fee or upgrade your account to receive the money. This is a scam. Real payments don’t need you to pay anything to receive them. Log in to your banking app directly, not through a link, and only release the car when the money is in your account and cleared.

Overpayment

The buyer pays more than the asking price, then asks you to refund the difference, often to a “transport company” or “agent”. The original payment later turns out to be fake or reversed, and the money you sent is gone.

Test-drive theft

Always check the buyer’s driver licence, take a photo of it, and go on the test drive with them. Keep the spare key with you.

Requests for personal details

Be careful about sharing more than you need to, such as copies of your licence or registration papers, before you are sure the buyer is genuine.

Scams that target buyers

Cars that don’t exist

A great car at a low price, a seller who is “away” and can’t show it, and a request for a deposit to “hold” it. Never pay for a car you haven’t seen in person.

Hidden finance or write-offs

Always run a PPSR check before you pay. It shows whether there is finance owing, or if the car is recorded as written off or stolen.

Clocked or misrepresented cars

Check that the service history matches the odometer and the condition. If something doesn’t add up, walk away.

Simple rules that prevent most scams

• Meet in person, in a safe place, in daylight.
• Never send money to someone you haven’t met for a car you haven’t seen.
• Confirm payments yourself in your own banking app.
• Never click payment links sent by a buyer or seller.
• If it feels rushed or too good to be true, slow down.

You can report scams and see current warnings on the Australian Government’s Scamwatch website.

Prefer to avoid the risk altogether?

Selling through a licensed dealer removes most of these risks. With consignment we handle the buyers, test drives and payment process for you, or we can make a direct offer. Buying from a licensed dealer also gives you protections a private sale doesn’t. Read dealer vs private seller.

Quick answers

How do I safely accept payment for a car?

Only release the car when you can see the money cleared in your own banking app. Don’t rely on screenshots or emails.

Is a PayID email asking me to upgrade my account real?

No. That is a known scam. You never need to pay a fee to receive a payment.

Should I let a buyer test drive alone?

No. Check their licence and go with them.

How do I avoid buying a car with finance owing?

Run a PPSR check before you pay.

Selling or buying in Brisbane?

See consignment, a direct sale, or browse our current cars.