Buying and selling safely
Sales happen directly between buyer and seller. These habits keep you safe.
For buyers
- Ask the seller for the VIN and registration before you travel to see a car.
- Inspect the car in person, ideally at the seller's home, in daylight.
- Match the VIN on the car to the registration papers.
- Get an independent mechanical inspection for anything you're unsure about.
- Never pay a deposit before seeing the car. Avoid gift cards, crypto or overseas transfers.
For sellers
- Don't hand over keys or papers until the money has cleared in your account.
- Go along on test drives and check the buyer's licence first.
- Be wary of buyers offering more than the asking price or asking for refunds.
- Complete your state's transfer of registration paperwork straight away.
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