People selling their cars are being warned by the police about a scam popping up across Wiltshire.
The scammers try to claim steep discounts for cars they damage
The force has heard of five incidents across the county in recent months in which groups of people arrived to view cars advertised for sale.
The scam involves one person looking under the bonnet while the owner is distracted, and then pouring oil into the radiator or coolant tank, causing the vehicle to emit smoke when test-driven.
The would-be buyer then asks the seller for a large discount on the car’s original selling price because - they say - the engine must be repaired. In each case the seller has refused but the would-be buyers have become aggressive before leaving.
Det Sgt Joanne Webber said: “We’ve seen a series of these incidents where a so-called interested buyer tampers with the engine while the seller is being distracted and then demands a discount when a problem appears on the test drive.
“Unfortunately, everyone targeted by these rogue would-be buyers has had to pay for repairs to their cars afterwards. Luckily, no-one has sold their car at a discount.
“If you are selling a vehicle please be mindful of this scam. If you suspect someone of doing this, try to take down as many details as possible about them including their description along with the make, model and registration of the vehicle they may arrive in and then call us on 101.
“Also, if possible, have someone with you when buyers arrive so they can keep an eye on anyone trying to tamper with the vehicle.”
Further crime prevention advice can be found at www.wiltshire.police.uk
The scam involves one person looking under the bonnet while the owner is distracted, and then pouring oil into the radiator or coolant tank, causing the vehicle to emit smoke when test-driven.
The would-be buyer then asks the seller for a large discount on the car’s original selling price because - they say - the engine must be repaired. In each case the seller has refused but the would-be buyers have become aggressive before leaving.
Det Sgt Joanne Webber said: “We’ve seen a series of these incidents where a so-called interested buyer tampers with the engine while the seller is being distracted and then demands a discount when a problem appears on the test drive.
“Unfortunately, everyone targeted by these rogue would-be buyers has had to pay for repairs to their cars afterwards. Luckily, no-one has sold their car at a discount.
“If you are selling a vehicle please be mindful of this scam. If you suspect someone of doing this, try to take down as many details as possible about them including their description along with the make, model and registration of the vehicle they may arrive in and then call us on 101.
“Also, if possible, have someone with you when buyers arrive so they can keep an eye on anyone trying to tamper with the vehicle.”
Further crime prevention advice can be found at www.wiltshire.police.uk
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