A scam can be defined as an illegal plan for making money, especially one that involves tricking people.
In some instances car scams occur when the scam artists portray themselves to be a legitimate company but are actually fraudsters. They trick you into making payment to them in return for the delivery of a vehicle. The vehicle is never delivered and they cannot be contacted on their phone numbers.
Car scams can be advertised on the internet, local newspapers and even through SMSs sent directly to your cell number.
Here are a few tips to prevent you from being scammed:
- Be careful of vehicles being sold below market value*, do your homework and research it. If the price of the vehicle is fusually much higher, the 'deal' is probably too good to be true.
- Make arrangements to view the vehicle before any payment is made – you must make sure you are fully satisfied with the vehicle.
- When inspecting the vehicle, look at the current mileage, the condition of the vehicle (check the interior and exterior), ask to see the VIN number (this must correspond with the VIN on the certificate of registration, if it doesn't then the vehicle is probably stolen and can be impounded by the SAPS) and request details of the service history.
*This is not financial advice
(Please note: This is only general advice and should not be relied on solely. The law is complicated and there are many influencing factors that can change the above).