If you're selling your car privately, be aware of a deceptive scam where fraudsters intentionally damage your vehicle to lower its value. This scam has been reported recently in Chipping Norton.

Fraudsters typically operate in pairs or small groups. While one person distracts you—perhaps by asking to see the car's documents or discussing payment options—the other secretly pours oil into the coolant reservoir or exhaust pipe. This causes the engine to emit smoke during a test drive, leading the buyer to falsely claim a major mechanical fault. They then pressure you into accepting a significantly lower price, exploiting your concern over the apparent issue.

On one occasion (not in Chipping Norton), a seller was offered just £100 for a car worth over £2,000 after scammers tampered with the engine during a viewing.

Another motorist experienced a similar scam when buyers poured oil into the coolant, causing the car to smoke and leading to a drastic price reduction offer.

How to protect yourself:

Don't be alone: have someone with you, a companion can provide additional vigilance.

Stay present: Always supervise potential buyers when they inspect the vehicle, especially under the bonnet.

Limit distraction: Avoid leaving the car unattended or allowing buyers to distract you during the inspection.

Trust your instincts: If something feels off or you're pressured into a quick sale, trust your gut and walk away.

Seek professional advice: If a buyer claims the car has a fault, have it independently inspected before agreeing to any price reduction.

Limit document sharing: Avoid sharing images of your V5C logbook or any documents containing personal details. Scammers can misuse this information for identity theft or vehicle cloning.

Verify buyer identity: Always ask for and verify the buyer's photographic identification, such as a driving licence, before proceeding with the sale.

Don't be afraid to say NO! your car, your rules!

When selling your car, you have the right to set boundaries and assertively decline offers. Be firm and confident in your decisions 

Secure payment methods:

Opt for secure, tracked payments like bank transfers. Ensure the funds have cleared before handing over the vehicle.

Avoid cash and cheques: Be cautious with cash transactions; meet at a bank to verify the money. If accepting a cheque, wait for it to clear before transferring ownership.