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LATEST SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Seller Alert: Engine Tampering Scam

Some sellers have reported a scam where fake buyers tamper with a car during a viewing to make it look damaged. They may pour oil into the coolant reservoir, exhaust, or onto the engine, then claim the vehicle has a fault to push the price down. Stay alert during viewings and test drives. If you think this has happened to you, or you’ve seen anything similar, please contact us using the details in the Report an Issue section on this page. Your report helps us protect more people.

Security advice

How to buy and sell vehicles safely

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Think you’ve been a victim of fraud or spotted something we should know about?

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Buying or selling a car should be a pleasant, hassle-free experience, and at Autotrader we do everything we can to make sure that's the case.

Our handy hints and tips will ensure you stay safe online, whether you're buying or selling a car.

Safety advice

Never send money for a vehicle you haven't seen

View and check the vehicle and documents before handing over any money. The only exception would be if you have paid to reserve the vehicle through Autotrader's Online Order journey or arranged a distance sale from one of our advertising dealers, who offer this service. If you pay for a deposit or click and collect/home delivery, consider using a credit card as this offers additional protection.

Keep your keys safe during viewings

Never leave a potential buyer alone with the vehicle, give them the keys, or let them borrow the car documents. Never allow unsupervised access to the engine or allow yourself to be distracted during a viewing of your vehicle.

Look out for scam calls, emails and texts

We'll never call you on the protected number on your advert or ask you to login to your Autotrader account via email or SMS. Only enter your login details where you see a padlock icon in your browser window.

Latest Security Announcements

Staying safe on Autotrader

We've partnered with VSTAG (the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group) to provide the following checklists so you have a hassle-free experience when buying or selling a vehicle.

Buying a vehicle checklist
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  • 1. Check the documents

    Always check the vehicle registration number (VRN), vehicle identification number (VIN), engine number, and colour, match what’s in the vehicle’s V5C registration document (logbook). A genuine V5C document will have a DVLA watermark running through it. You should also check for any outstanding recalls and its MOT history (if it’s more than three years old).

  • 2. Know your rights

    If you buy a vehicle from a dealership, you’ll be covered by the Consumer Rights Act.If you buy from a private seller, you won’t have the same level of protection, but the vehicle must still match the advert description otherwise you could have a claim under the Misrepresentation Act.

  • 3. Get a vehicle history check

    A vehicle history check will tell you if the vehicle has been recorded as stolen, scrapped, written-off, or has outstanding finance. If it has an outstanding finance balance, contact the seller as this is often settled on sale of the vehicle. Be aware that if you buy the vehicle with outstanding finance, the finance company will remain the legal owner until the loan is repaid in full. It is also worth checking the MOT data on .gov which will give you an indication of any repairs or advisories from previous MOTs. It also shows the mileage recorded during these inspections so you can compare them to what is displayed on the car’s dash.

  • 4. Check the price

    If the price is too good to be true, it probably is, and it could be a sign of fraud. If it’s significantly below market, be cautious. Check the advert carefully or ask the seller if you’re unsure about its pricing. There may be underlying reasons why it’s a low price.

  • 5. Be cautious sending money before you’ve seen it

    Most fraudulent sellers will try to persuade you to transfer money before you’ve seen the vehicle. Often, they will insist on communicating via email rather than phone. Always check the vehicle and its documents in person before handing over any money. If they request a deposit, don’t pay more than you can risk losing. Always confirm with the seller in writing that they will refund the deposit if you decide not to buy the vehicle. Autotrader works with a select number of dealers who provide a reservations service and home delivery. If any issues arise, you may be protected under the distance selling regulations. Visit Citizens Advice to learn more.

  • 6. Take it for a test drive

    This should always be done from the seller’s premises or their home never let them meet you halfway. You should also make sure you’re insured before getting behind the wheel. If you are familiar with engines or know someone who is, it’s a good idea to inspect under the bonnet for signs of wear and tear that are not in line with the mileage on the car. It’s also an opportunity to take note of the condition of the interior of the vehicle as this can be indicative of the usage of the car being in keeping with the mileage shown on the vehicle.

  • 7. Don’t carry large sums of cash

    Where possible, go to the bank with the seller. If you’re buying from a dealer, you have the option to buy on finance. If something goes wrong and the dealer won’t fix it, you can go directly to the finance company.

  • 8. Check your insurance

    You need to inform your insurer if you’ll be driving a new vehicle. Let them know when you’ll need the new cover to start, or it may be invalid. If your existing policy is coming to an end, you can get a new insurance quote.

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    Safety & Security When Buying A Car

    Insurance write off categories

    Everything you need to know about write off category vehicles, including whether you can buy or sell a write off and what Cat A, Cat B, Cat S and Cat N mean.

    How do I test drive a used car? (2025 update)

    Test driving a used car? Here’s what to check, from the vehicle’s exterior to the paperwork.

    How to transfer car ownership and update car tax (2025 update)

    Just bought a car? Learn more about the V5C form and how you can fulfil your legal obligation of transferring car ownership.

    Selling a vehicle checklist
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  • 1. Get the paperwork ready

    You’ll need your V5C vehicle registration document (logbook), service history and MOT certificate. Buyers can view these documents to check the details but never let them take a picture - it may be used for fraud. You should check if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls and resolve those before advertising - you can do this online at http://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall.

  • 2. Arrange a viewing

    Genuine buyers should want to see the vehicle before making a payment. You should arrange to meet them at your home, never halfway or at their work premises and always have someone else with you on a viewing. Ask for their contact details, including a phone number and home address for reassurance. A genuine buyer should be happy to do this.

  • 3. Stay within sight

    Never leave a buyer alone with the vehicle or give them the keys, dishonest people may take the opportunity to tamper with the vehicle to haggle you down on the price. If you have a keyless fob, always keep hold of it, even on a test drive. Your personal safety comes first so if you feel uncomfortable at any time, walk away.

  • 4. Join them in a test drive

    Always accompany any potential buyers on a test drive and make sure you ask them to bring their driving licence. You should check that they are covered by insurance to help prevent you being liable for damages. Be sure to retain your own insurance policy while you sell the car, even if you’ve bought another vehicle in the meantime.

  • 5. Exchange documents after you’ve received payment

    Keep hold of the vehicle, keys and all the documents until the full payment has cleared in your bank account. If you accept a cheque or bankers draft, be aware it can take a few days for these funds to clear.

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    Our top tips on staying safe when selling your car online

    Paperwork needed to sell your used car (2025 update)

    Once the deal is done, it’s time to prepare the paperwork for selling a car. If you're wondering 'What documents do I need to sell my car', find here a list of all the documents you need to provide the buyer.

    How should you take payment for your car?

    As with so much in the car-selling process, there are simple steps you can take to keep yourself safe

    Online Safety

    Useful links to help you in the buying and selling process

  • Metropolitan Police Advice - to report crimes, issues and incidents
  • DVLA - to contact DVLA if you've bought or sold a vehicle or want to check vehicle details
  • Get Safe Online - for advice on how to stay safe online
  • Citizens Advice - for advice on what to do if there's a problem with a vehicle you've bought.
  • Action Fraud - to report scams and cyber-crime activity
  • GOV.UK - for further advice on buying and selling vehicles
  • 1. Protect your computer

    Keep your computer and security software up to date. Regularly check if there are updates available as these will help reduce the risk of threats entering your computer.

  • 2. Set strong passwords

    Use a combination of letters and numbers and avoid using the names of loved ones or other easy-to-guess passwords. Change it regularly and avoid using the same passwords for all your online accounts.

  • 3. Phishing

    Fraudsters may send phishing emails in an attempt to access your personal information and login details, such as your username, passwords or financial information. Remember, we will never ever ask you to enter your accounts details via a link in an email or text. Phishing emails can be difficult to spot, so if you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Autotrader, please forward it to us at customersecurity@autotrader.co.uk

  • 4. Enter payment details carefully

    Check there’s a padlock in the browser window before entering any payment details. The url should also begin with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’. Get in touch with your bank or credit card company immediately if you notice a transaction in your bank statement that you didn’t make.

  • 5. Check the privacy policy

    You can read Autotrader’s privacy policy to understand how we use your personal information. Sites without a privacy policy should be avoided.

    • Buying an electric vehicle checklist

    Whether you're buying a petrol, diesel or low emission car there are key things you should consider . However, if you're looking to buy an electric vehicle, we'd recommend a few additional considerations:

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  • 1. Explore your charging options before you buy

    Make sure there are plenty of charging stations near where you live and work. If you can install a home charger, this can make your life easier and help you save on costs.

  • 2. Consider the car's range and battery life

    The average range of an EV continues to increase but check how far the model can travel on a single charge and see if it meets your daily needs. Also, check the battery's warranty and expected lifespan to ensure it fits your long-term plans.

  • 3. Think about overall costs

    Beyond the sticker price, remember that electric vehicles can save you money on fuel and maintenance over time. Compare these savings to traditional vehicles to see the bigger picture.

  • 4. Read reviews and other owners' experiences

    Dive into expert and user reviews of the electric model you're considering. This can tell you what the vehicle is really like to drive, plus common issues and overall satisfaction from current owners.

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    Selling an electric vehicle checklist

    As with buying a car, there are steps you should take when selling your car. To help you sell your electric car, it's important to share these additional details:

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  • 1. Highlight charging features in your advert

    Emphasize the vehicle's charging options, including any home charging capabilities and compatibility with public charging networks. Buyers appreciate convenience.

  • 2. Showcase the cost savings

    Tell your potential buyers about the long-term savings on charging and maintaining an electric car compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, as this can be a major selling point.

  • 3. Provide detailed history and condition

    Gather all your service records, including battery health reports and details of any repairs or updates. Being able to share the vehicle's condition and remaining warranty can reassure buyers.

  • 4. Use marketplaces effectively

    List your electric vehicle on online marketplaces and platforms specific to electric vehicles to reach a broader and more targeted audience. These platforms attract buyers who are specifically looking for electric vehicles.

    • download Download PDF