Vehicle scams are increasingly prevalent online, ACCC warns

Approximately 1900 fraudulent classifieds have led to $1.9 million in losses throughout 2021.

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Fraudulent vehicle sale scams are becoming increasingly prevalent online, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned.

Throughout 2021, Australians lost an estimated $12.9 million to counterfeit classifieds.

Of that, approximately $1.9 million – or 15 per cent – was fronted up as payment for 1878 vehicles which did not exist, were knowingly sold more than once, or never delivered.

The independent watchdog found digital scams had increased by a significant margin during 2021, and those aged 25 to 34 were the most vulnerable and susceptible to online ploys.

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“Scammers have also created fake stores on social media platforms or post fake ads on legitimate classifieds websites,” the ACCC’s Deputy Chair, Delia Rickard, said.

“They may request payment or offer discounts for payments made through direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency.

“Before you buy, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of scams. While some scammers try to make online stores look legitimate by requesting payment via PayPal or credit card, always double check that the real PayPal platform is being used.

Be suspicious of too good to be true offers and any sellers that ask you to pay by bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency.”

Drive has previously reported the increase of

online shopping at the height of the pandemic in 2020 drove up the reported number of successful scams, and that figure has continued to rise.

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