How to Avoid Fraud When Buying a Used Truck

In most cases, buying a used truck is an easy and trustworthy process. However, if you’re not buying from a reputable dealer, it is important to keep an eye for red flags about a prospective vehicle to avoid potential scams. Here are our top tips for avoiding fraud and scams when buying used trucks.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Especially when buying online, if a deal sounds too good to be true, the likelihood is that it probably is. Whether it’s a low mileage vehicle or the price is better than anywhere else, it is always in your interest to err on the side of caution – particularly when making your purchase privately.

However, this isn’t to say that all deals aren’t legit. If you think that you have found a genuine deal on a truck, go and inspect the vehicle and, if possible, bring a professional with you so that they can spot any faults or issues that you might not be able to spot yourself. Due diligence goes a long way when buying a used truck.

Check with the DVLA

This next tip should be standard practice when purchasing any used vehicle. Checking what information the DVLA has on the vehicle can help you avoid any potential fraud before even going to see the seller or the vehicle yourself. Its free and easy to do online, all you need is the vehicle’s registration number, make and model and the DVLA can provide you with any details that they have on the vehicle such as its MOT history, tax status and more!

Only purchase from reputable sellers

One of the easiest ways to avoid fraud when looking to purchase a used truck is to only buy through reputable sellers. This allows you to ensure that any purchase you make will be legitimate and that the necessary checks will have been completed. Not only this, but most used truck dealers will have financing options that they can offer you to help spread the cost of the vehicle rather than paying one large lump sum at the time of the purchase.

Check the email you’re being contact from

Fraudsters often pose as a reputable institution and use fake email addresses to contact potential victims. To avoid falling victim to these scammers, always double check the email address that the message was sent to you from and if it doesn’t match, don’t click any links, or reply to it. However, if you’re still unsure, contact the listed email address on the dealer’s website and just check to see if the email was genuinely sent by them or not.

Perform a vehicle history check

A full history check on a vehicle might cost abit of money but they often provide details about a vehicle that the DVLA will not be able to provide. The RAC’s vehicle check can provide you with extra details such as any mileage discrepancies listed against the vehicle, the number of previous owners, any write-off details or claims against the vehicle, as well as if the vehicle has been stolen. Paying a little extra for one of these checks can actually save you money in the long run.

Don’t Get Caught Out

Looking purchase a used truck? Don’t get caught out, choose your vehicle from our list of more than 400 quality used trucks and trailers available on our website. We have been trusted suppliers of used commercial vehicles for more than 30 years, selling and exporting our vehicles across the world.

If you require any assistance or have any questions regarding our vehicles or processes, please contact our sales team on +44 1332 50 2450 or email [email protected].