Car and van scams surged 74 per cent in the first half of 2023 with victims losing £998 on average in vehicle-related scams, according to new research from Lloyds Bank.
The Ford Fiesta was the most commonly targeted vehicle scam via fake adverts online.
Scammers also featured BMWs and Audis heavily in fake ads, with motorbikes and classic cars also cropping up regularly.
Fake ads for parts and accessories, such as alloy wheels, are also common in online vehicle scams the bank said.
The Ford Fiesta is the vehicle most often targeted in scam adverts for cars
It claims vehicles and accessories are now the most common type of online shopping scam reported by fraud victims in the UK.
According to scam victims, vans are also often popular because people are seeking cheap models to be converted in campervans, Lloyds said.
Our investigation In January 2023 warned that VW’s humble Transporter van had become a fraudsters’ favourite scam vehicle.
RELATED ARTICLES
Previous 1 Next 
Prime Minister backs our campaign to stop people losing… 
How the motor industry and electric vehicle experts reacted… 
Are YOU paying for Gap car insurance you don’t need? FCA to… 
Which brands WON’T be selling you a petrol and diesel car…
Share this article
Share
HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP
How to save on car insurance: Ten top tips to cut the cost in just a few minutes
The findings were based on analysis of scams reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers during between January and June 2023.
This was then compared with the same period in 2022 – and a 74 per cent increase was found.
Lloyds said aged between 25 and 34 being the most likely age group to report being duped by scam vehicle ads.
How the scam works
Vehicle scams work by fraudsters creating fake posts on social media or online marketplaces to advertise vehicles that do not exist.
They will include pictures of genuine cars or vans to convince unsuspecting buyers that they are genuine.
When a potential buyer responds, they will often be asked to make a deposit to ‘secure’ the car, or even sometimes to pay the full amount, alongside excuses as to why the car cannot be physically viewed ahead of the payment being made.
Fraudsters will often use pressure-selling tactics, telling the buyer the car is very popular, that they have several other offers, or that the payment must be made by a certain deadline, Lloyds said.
Victims may be tricked into sending money via bank transfer.
As soon as the payment is made, the buyer will be blocked and the seller’s profile will disappear.
Occasionally, a fake address will be provided at which to collect the car, leaving buyers with a wasted trip alongside the financial loss.
| Make | Model |
|---|---|
| Ford | Fiesta |
| BMW | 1 Series |
| Volkswagen | Transporter (van) |
| Mercedes | Sprinter (van) |
| Audi | A3 |
| Source: Lloyds Bank | |
Most targeted vehicles
There is always high demand for reliable, cost effective cars. The Ford Fiesta is one of the nation’s most popular cars but also the most popular target for for scammers to reel in unsuspecting buyers.
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in August indicated that the Ford Fiesta was the UK’s best-selling used car between April and June.
The manufacturer recently ended production of the car at its factory in Cologne, Germany, so buyers may now be even more keen to get their hands on the model.
Premium brands – such as BMW and Audi – also feature heavily among the fake ads.
Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds Bank said: ‘Buying directly from approved dealers is the best way to guarantee you’re paying for a genuine vehicle, and always use your debit or credit card for maximum safety.
Five tips to spot fake adverts
1. View the vehicle in person
You can also ask the seller for a live video call. Pre-recorded videos won’t work as they could also be stolen from a genuine advert.
2. Avoid bank transfers
Using the second-hand site’s own payment platform often comes with better protection.
3. Reverse Google search
Google has a feature that allows you to drag images into the search bar and see where they have been used before, which can help you identify a scam advert.
4. Be suspicious of low prices
Fake adverts usually list the vehicle for a price much lower than the average. Do your research.
5. Don’t panic
Scammers use tricks to rush you into a decision — such as making up another potential buyer. Be wary if the seller is applying a lot of pressure.
#fiveDealsWidget .dealItemTitle#mobile {display:none} #fiveDealsWidget {display:block; float:left; clear:both; max-width:636px; margin:0; padding:0; line-height:120%; font-size:12px} #fiveDealsWidget div, #fiveDealsWidget a {margin:0; padding:0; line-height:120%; text-decoration: none; font-family:Arial, Helvetica ,sans-serif} #fiveDealsWidget .widgetTitleBox {display:block; float:left; width:100%; background-color:#af1e1e; } #fiveDealsWidget .widgetTitle {color:#fff; text-transform: uppercase; font-size:18px; font-weight:bold; margin:6px 10px 4px 10px; } #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem {float:left; display:block; width:124px; margin-right:4px; margin-top:5px; background-color: #e3e3e3; min-height:180px;} #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem#last {margin-right:0} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemTitle {display:block; margin:10px 5px; color:#000; font-weight:bold} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemImage, #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemImage img {float:left; display:block; margin:0; padding:0} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemImage {border:1px solid #ccc} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemImage img {width:100%; height:auto} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemdesc {float:left; display:block; color:#004db3; font-weight:bold; margin:5px;} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemRate {float:left; display:block; color:#000; margin:5px} #fiveDealsWidget .dealFooter {display:block; float:left; width:100%; margin-top:5px; background-color:#e3e3e3 } #fiveDealsWidget .footerText {font-size:10px; margin:10px 10px 10px 10px;} @media (max-width: 635px) { #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem {width:19%; margin-right:1%} #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem#last {width:20%} } @media (max-width: 560px) { #fiveDealsWidget #desktop {display:none;} #fiveDealsWidget #mobile {display:block!important} #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem {background-color: #fff; height:auto; min-height:auto} #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem {border-bottom:1px solid #ececec; margin-bottom:5px; padding-bottom:10px} #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem#last {border-bottom:0px solid #ececec; margin-bottom:5px; padding-bottom:0px} #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem, #fiveDealsWidget a.dealItem#last {width:100%} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemContent, #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemImage {float:left; display:inline-block} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemImage {width:35%; margin-right:1%} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemContent {width:63%} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemTitle {margin: 0px 5px 5px; font-size:16px} #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemContent .dealItemdesc, #fiveDealsWidget .dealItemContent .dealItemRate {clear:both} } SAVE MONEY ON MOTORING Your legal duty 
Your legal duty Car insurance Compare policies Peace of mind 
Peace of mind Warranties Get covered Car servicing 
One-off or multi-year Save 40% One-off or annual 5,000+ dealers 
5,000+ dealers Sell your car fast Up to £1,000 more Every year 
Every year MOTs made easy Apply online Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. This does not affect our editorial independence.
