Drivers warned over 'biggest scam' they could fall for when buying a used car

Motorists in the market for a used car are being urged to exercise caution, with experts stressing the importance of checking a vehicle's ownership history before committing to a purchase.

Unscrupulous sellers have been known to obscure the true owner when advertising cars online, complicating the ability to track a vehicle's past and potentially leaving buyers vulnerable post-transaction.

A spokesperson from Bumper told buyers: "One of the most important steps when buying a used car is verifying who the registered keeper is. In the UK, this information can be found on the V5C document, which should match the details of the person selling the vehicle."

They warned: "If a seller isn't listed as the current registered keeper, it could be a red flag."

The spokesperson also noted that while there may be legitimate reasons for discrepancies, such as selling on behalf of a relative, it's crucial to obtain written proof before moving forward, reports the Daily Record.

Bumper further highlighted the significance of proper documentation for buyer protection.

An expert from the company stated: "The V5C logbook is a critical document for any used car purchase. It shows the current and previous registered keepers, and any discrepancies should be taken seriously."

They cautioned against overlooking missing logbooks or accepting excuses for their absence. This advice comes at a time when thousands of drivers are anticipated to buy second-hand cars in 2025.

Bumper added: "If something doesn't feel right – such as mismatched names or vague explanations – it's best to walk away."

They also advised: "There are plenty of well-documented used vehicles on the market, and taking a cautious approach can prevent costly mistakes down the line."

Motorists are encouraged to use the vehicle's registration number to perform various checks through GOV.UK, ensuring they've got details about MOT history, tax status, and any records of the car being stolen or written off.

Further insights into a vehicle’s past, including whether there is outstanding finance, can be obtained from independent vehicle history reports.

In an effort to streamline motoring administrative tasks for drivers, the DVLA has recently launched a new service. The innovative project was announced on X, which used to be called Twitter.

It aims to consolidate all necessary driver information and documents in one accessible location.

By setting up a driver and vehicles account on Gov.UK, users can conveniently tackle a multitude of life admin chores at once, ranging from driving licence renewals to vehicle tax checks.

To register for this service, individuals need either a driving licence from England, Scotland or Wales, or possess a V5C vehicle log book registered in their name.