The Most Common Used Car Scams in Australia (And How to Avoid Them)
Australia's private vehicle market is a target for a range of sophisticated scams. Some are crude and easily spotted; others require the same checks that any responsible buyer should do anyway. Here's your guide to recognising and avoiding the most common schemes.
The Most Common Used Car Scams in Australia (And How to Avoid Them)
Watch on YouTube1. The Curbstoner
A curbstoner is an unlicensed dealer posing as a private seller. They purchase vehicles wholesale, often with hidden defects, and list them as private sales to avoid dealer obligations.
Signs:
Protection: Run a National VIN Check — the seller's name should match the registration. Multiple registrations linked to the same address can be investigated through state roads authorities.
2. VIN Cloning
A stolen vehicle is fitted with the identity (VIN plate, registration label) of a legitimate vehicle — typically a written-off or deregistered vehicle of the same make and model.
Signs:
Protection: Always check the stamped VIN on the chassis (not just the label) against the registration certificate. Run a National VIN Check — a VIN clone will typically show a mismatch between the VIN's recorded identity and the vehicle being presented.
3. The Finance Concealment
A seller lists a vehicle for private sale knowing full well there's significant outstanding finance. They collect the purchase price, don't pay out the finance, and disappear.
Signs:
Protection: Always run a National VIN Check Basic report ($9.95) before purchase. This queries the PPSR immediately. Never hand over money without a clear PPSR result.
4. The Salvage Title Seller
A vehicle that was declared a statutory write-off (and can never be re-registered) is somehow presented with legitimate-looking papers. This is fraud.
Signs:
Protection: A National VIN Check Premium report shows WOVR history. Any vehicle showing statutory write-off status should never be purchased.
5. The Odometer Fraudster
The odometer has been rolled back to show lower kilometres. This adds perceived value while concealing the vehicle's true wear and age.
Signs:
Protection: Our National VIN Check Gold report ($29.95) includes odometer verification data.
6. Online Payment Scams
The vehicle doesn't exist. The seller is overseas (or pretending to be) and wants payment before inspection. A transport company will "deliver" the vehicle.
Signs:
Protection: Never purchase a vehicle you cannot physically inspect in person. Legitimate sellers are always willing to meet. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.