Contact & inspection
- The seller insists on e-mail communication only and is not available over the phone.
- The seller continues to refuse a test drive or vehicle inspection for various reasons.
What to do:
Play it safe and give up on this offer. Better pass on a supposed bargain rather than incur unnecessary risks. Report the ad to the online marketplace using the link provided and tell them your experience.
Payment terms
- In the course of the transaction, the seller insists on advance or down payment.
- The seller insists on involving an alleged escrow service or shipping company to handle the purchase.
What to do:
Never remit any money or make a down payment! The normal procedure is delivery versus payment, i.e. you pay when you receive the vehicle and vehicle certificates! Online market portals in Germany do not offer escrow services – Exception: the eBay Motors escrow service.
Escrow service / shipping company
- The seller insists on involving an alleged escrow service or shipping company to handle the purchase.
What to to:
Since Internet car marketplaces are not involved in the actual purchase process, they cannot offer such service. The "stop escrow fraud" group has compiled a list with known fraud sites and keeps it up to date. You can find an overview of known escrow fraud sites including their screenshots here!
Confirmation-e-mail from the Internet marketplace
- The Internet marketplace confirms the legitimacy of the vehicle and the seller’s bona fides.
What to do:
No Internet marketplace verifies the data of its users. Break off contact with the would-be seller and do not conclude a sale. Use the link provided in the ad to report this ad to the hosting Internet marketplace and give an account of your experience.