Detect scams when buying used cars: The key is to be suspicious and verify.

In the dynamic used car market, caution is the most valuable tool for buyers and sellers. The premise is clear: "If there's any doubt, there's no doubt." Any sign of irregularity should be a red flag for the buyer.

The anonymity offered by the internet, while facilitating contact, also opens the door to potential fraud. Therefore, the Autocasión platform emphasizes the importance of verifying the names, addresses, and phone numbers of potential sellers or buyers. It categorically warns: "Never send money in advance or accept checks as payment."

These are some of the most common types of scams:

Cars sold abroad with a deposit request: This is the most common scam. The seller claims to be abroad and requests a deposit or a reservation for shipping the vehicle. To spot this scam, it's recommended to search for the car's image on other websites (probably a catalog), try contacting the seller by phone, and, if possible, offer to have an acquaintance view the car in person. Reverse versions of this scam involve a foreign "buyer" offering more money than requested, claiming the excess is for shipping, and that the payment will be held in escrow until delivery. In these cases, be wary of excessive generosity and verify the alleged payment or shipping company.

Payment with bad checks: As common as it is dangerous. We warn against the "typical" scam where the scammer sends a check for a higher amount than agreed (to cover supposed shipping costs) and then requests a refund of the excess. The check turns out to be bad, and the victim loses the transferred money. The recommendation is clear: be wary of any check, unless it's bank-issued and certified, although even then, be cautious.

Non-existent car dealerships: Scammers create professional-looking websites to showcase cars and lure unsuspecting buyers. They operate for a while and then disappear. They often claim to be located in another country and request a deposit as a reservation, disappearing once the money is received. Therefore, it's helpful to understand a few key points to recognize a fake ad.

Autocasión is implementing email and mobile number verification for individuals, and IP authentication for professionals, seeking to prevent identity theft.

Although these measures are effective in most cases, the platform acknowledges that "nothing is absolutely foolproof." Therefore, they encourage users to "Report an ad" if they detect any suspicion of fraud, allowing Autocasión to investigate and remove the fraudulent ad. User cooperation is essential to maintaining security on the portal.