Good afternoon,

Motorists are being warned of a scam that sees potential buyers trying to knock money off the asking price by tampering with the vehicle. 

This scam usually involves two or more fraudsters turning up to view a car for sale.  While one distracts the owner, their accomplice tampers with the engine or exhaust by pouring oil into the coolant reservoir, exhaust or over the engine to make sure the car “breaks down” when it is test driven.  The scammer will then attempt to negotiate a lower price claiming the engine is damaged. 

Remember:

Please also see: Avoid car scams and frauds with these top tips | RAC Drive

If this message is not relevant to you, please share it with friends and family members who may find it more useful.

If you've been affected by a crime please contact Victim Care Hub for free, confidential support: Home - Hampshire Victim Care Hub (hampshireiowvictimcare.co.uk) or phone 0808 178 1641

If you would like to report a crime anonymously please contact: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org) or phone 0800 555 111

Hampshire Alerts is not a crime reporting portal – please do not report crime here.

If you realise you’ve been scammed and wish to report a fraud that has already happened, please report it to Action Fraud either phone 0300 123 2040 or online at: Action Fraud

If a crime is in progress, and/or you are in fear for yourself or someone else, and/or there is evidence in situ that could be damaged/destroyed, please phone 999 immediately. 

Otherwise, report online, or find out about other ways to report a crime at: Report a crime | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Thank you – Fraud Safeguarding Team