Vehicle history report scam
Find out how to stay vigilant and identify vehicle report scams.
With scams on the rise, knowing how to avoid them is more important than ever. One type that has surged is the vehicle history report scam, sometimes referred to as a 'VAC report.'
How does a vehicle history report scam work?
A vehicle history report scam involves a seller and a fake buyer (the scammer).
Here’s what they do:
- A scammer will contact the seller through their vehicle listing.
- The scammer will pose as a very interested buyer, willing to pay full price and wanting to view the vehicle as soon as possible – but only if the seller provides a specific vehicle history report first.
- The scammer sends a link to the seller for them to buy a specific vehicle history report, sometimes called a 'VAC report.'
- The website will ask the seller to enter their credit card details and/or personal information to obtain the report.
- The website isn't real and the scammer now has the seller's payment and/or personal information.
What to look out for
- The buyer wants the seller to purchase a specific report via a link that they provide and will not accept any other type of vehicle history report.
- Websites with unusual URLs or poor spelling and grammar.
Only use trusted services if you choose to provide a vehicle history report, such as Motorweb.
What to do if you think you've spotted a scam
Read our advice on spotting and dealing with phishing and scams, and report it to us.
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