Trust and Security

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Warning recent fraud emails

This example incorporates the different wording that may appear:

"thanks, I really appreciated your quick response over my request, I think the price is negotiable as I would like to offer you $9,900 for the lowest price as you have stated. And I would have come for an inspection… but due to the nature of my job and location… I will not be able to come for inspection, am a very busy type as I work long hours everyday, I have gone through your advertisement and I am satisfied with it. As for the payment… I will be paying you via the fastest and secure way to pay online (PayPal). I have a private courier agent that will come for the pick up after the payment have been made and he take up everything after payment have been made… so no shipping included. Thanks for been kindness and considerate… await your response asap."

Report suspected fraud!

Please note that Drive.com.au and Fairfax Digital never request personal information or credit card details via email. You should be wary of suspicious emails claiming to offer Fairfax Digital services. Do not click on any links, open attachments or enter any personal information - we do NOT send emails of this nature.

If you are unsure about an email that you have received, please contact us immediately on 1300 550 576 or casualadvertisers@drive.com.au.

Check out the latest scams on www.scamwatch.gov.au

When selling

  • Be wary of buyers who ask for specific personal details such as account details or banking information
  • Be aware of buyers who offer much more than your asking price or who ask you to pay for shipping, agent or customs charges
  • Be aware of buyers who offer to buy the car without seeing it, especially overseas buyers
  • Never agree to a payment plan, regardless of the terms
  • Check Drive.com.au regularly for updates on the latest scams
  • Importantly, Drive will never ask you for your personal account information or credit card details via email

If you receive a suspicious email or scam enquiry, report it to us immediately by forwarding to casualadvertisers@drive.com.au.

  • Never buy or sell a car which has not been seen, a real buyer will want to kick the tyres of the car before making a purchase
  • Try to meet in a neutral location and a public space. Ideally, take someone with you
  • The buyer is likely to have many questions about the vehicle so bring along the key documentation such as rego and roadworthy certificates and details of servicing
  • Before they take the car for a test drive, ask to see their licence and write the details down
  • Ask them to leave their keys behind while you wait
  • Negotiation is a natural process in buying and selling. Make sure you know your boundaries
  • We don't recommend that you accept bank cheques unless verified
  • Avoid using a money transfer service such as Western Union
  • Don't rely on 'proof' of payment from the buyer
  • Secure the payment and always make sure you have the funds in your account before parting with your vehicle

When buying

  • Do your research by finding out as much about the vehicle as you can.
  • Know the market value of the car
  • Consider using a vehicle history report from a provider such as carhistory.com.au
  • Most scams happen via email. Avoid sending personal or financial information via email
  • Trust your own instincts – if it's too good to be true, it probably is!
  • Get in contact with them and ask as many questions as possible so you can make an informed decision
  • Be wary if the seller is overseas
  • Inspect the vehicle in person and organise a test drive before you commit to buying it
  • If you can't get in contact with the seller, report it to Drive
  • Confirm the seller's contact information and payment process – an email address is never enough
  • Never send cash via mail or use a money transfer service such as Western Union
  • Check for updated scam information on this website

Raise suspicion if you receive an email which claims…

  • "I am curently overseas"
  • "Can you please send me a pay transfer fee"
  • "I am slightly incapacitated and can't get to a bank"
  • "I'm buying the car as a gift…"
  • "Western Union Money Transfer"
  • "I am currently on a ship"
  • "Send me your PayPal details"
  • "I have a shipping agent"
  • "I will pay you more than the asking price"
  • "I am satisfied with your advertisement"
  • "I cannot come and inspect the vehicle"
  • "Click here to enter your Login details"

Contact us on 1300 550 576 or casualadvertisers@drive.com.au