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How to buy and sell items safely
Buying or selling an item should be a pleasant, hassle-free experience‚ and at Buy and Hire 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 are buying or selling an item.
Latest Security Announcements
Never let a potential buyer handle the keys even if they are insistent. If you have keyless entry, you can demonstrate that both fobs work without the buyer touching them. Do not leave the buyer alone with the item or allow unsupervised access of item parts.
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning the public to be vigilant of scam calls that appear to be coming from numbers similar to their own. Commonly, the first seven digits (07*****) match the victim’s own number. The calls impersonate well-known government organisations, or law enforcement agencies, and will ask the recipient of the call to “press 1” in order to speak with an advisor, or police officer, about unpaid fines or police warrants.
We are aware of scammers attempting to get personal information and payment details by impersonating Buy and Hire and contacting private sellers saying they have been overcharged or should have had a discount due to a promo or something else. We will never contact you via the number on your advert requesting for your details. Never give out bank or card details to an unsolicited caller. If a caller asks for a copy of your V5C logbook prior to viewing your vehicle, we would advise you not to disclose it. If you would like to check a call is genuine, please call or email us.
Staying safe on Buy and Hire
1. Check the documents
Always check if the physical vehicle registration number (VRN), vehicle identification number (VIN), engine number, colour, and other item details match with what is in the document. A genuine V5C document will have a DVLA watermark running through it. You should also check vehicle MOT history to know if it is more than three years old or not.
2. Know your rights
If you buy an item 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 item 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.
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 is significantly below market, be cautious. Check the advert carefully or ask the seller if you are unsure about its pricing. There may be underlying reasons why it is low price.
5. Be cautious sending money before you have seen it
Most fraudulent sellers will try to persuade you to transfer money before you see the item. Often, they will insist on communicating via email rather than phone. Always check the item and its documents in person before handing over any money. If they request a deposit, don’t pay more than you can risk losing or better still check other dealers. Always confirm with the seller in writing that they will refund the deposit if you decide not to buy the item should you decide to make a deposit. Buy and Hire advise that you don't make any upfront payment for anything whatsoever.
6. Take it for a test drive
Vehicle test drive should always be done from the seller’s premises or their home never let them meet you halfway. You should also make sure you are insured before getting behind the wheel.
7. Don’t carry large sums of cash
Where possible, go to the bank with the seller.
8. Check your insurance
You need to inform your insurer if you will be driving a new vehicle or purchasing a new property. Let them know when you will need the new cover to start, or it may be invalid.
1. Get the paperwork ready
You will need to make your V5C vehicle registration document (logbook), service history and MOT certificate available when selling a vehicle. Buyers can view these documents to check the details but never let them take a picture; it may be used for fraud. Same applies to other items that require paperwork.
2. Arrange a viewing
Genuine buyers should want to see the item before making payment. You should arrange to meet them at a public place or in your store, never halfway or at their work premises. 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 item or leave them with the keys or any parts. Dishonest people may take the opportunity to tamper with the item to haggle you down on the price. If you have a keyless fob, always keep hold of it, even on a vehicle test drive. Your personal safety comes first; so you feel uncomfortable at any time, walk away.
4. Join them in a vehicle 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.
5. Exchange documents after you have received payment
Keep hold of the item, keys or remote 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.
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. Be wary of 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 Buy and Hire, please forward it to us at [email protected].
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 Buy and Hire’s privacy policy to understand how we use your personal information. Websites without a privacy policy should be avoided.