BUYING SAFELY
ONLINE.

Start With the Listing

Fraudulent adverts often rely on urgency, unusually attractive prices and people acting before they have checked the details. Stop! Think Fraud warns that fake adverts can appear on social media and online marketplaces and may use bargain pricing or pressure language to force quick decisions.

• Compare the price with similar T4s or parts. A huge discount needs an explanation.
• Look for clear, current photographs of the actual item rather than catalogue images.
• Check whether the description is detailed enough to make sense.
• Look for contradictions between the advert, photos, location and seller’s messages.
• Be cautious if the seller immediately pushes you away from the platform onto another messaging service.

Check the Seller

A Facebook profile or Marketplace rating can be useful context, but neither proves that the person owns the item. Meta states that Marketplace seller ratings are not verified against completed purchases.

• Look at how long the profile appears to have existed and whether activity looks genuine and consistent.
• Check Marketplace ratings and feedback, but do not treat them as proof on their own.
• Search the seller’s name, business name, phone number or trading page when appropriate.
• For a business, check that the business details, website and social profiles all point to the same organisation.
• Ask specific questions about the item. Genuine owners or sellers should normally be able to answer sensible details.

Make the Seller Prove the Item Exists

For anything expensive, ask for information that is harder to provide if the advert has simply been copied from somewhere else.

• Ask for a fresh photograph showing the item from a specific angle.
• For a van, ask for current photos of registration/VIN-related details without requesting unnecessary personal documents through chat.
• For parts, ask for part numbers, markings, damage and fixing points.
• Reverse-image searching suspicious photos can help reveal images copied from older adverts or other websites.
• If the seller refuses reasonable requests but still wants immediate payment, stop.

Buying a T4 Vehicle

Do not treat a vehicle purchase like buying a used kettle. Before paying, check the van, its identity and its history properly.

• Get the registration number and check the MOT history before travelling.
• At the viewing, compare VIN/chassis details with the vehicle and V5C.
• Consider a vehicle-history check for outstanding finance, theft or write-off information.
• View and test-drive the vehicle before paying the balance.
• Do not let a deposit become a substitute for proper checks.

Deposits: Slow Down

Deposits are where many marketplace scams become profitable. A small amount can feel low-risk, which is precisely why people send it without enough checking.

• Do not send a deposit simply because the seller says somebody else is about to buy it.
• For a high-value vehicle, arrange to view it first wherever practical.
• If a genuine deposit is necessary, make sure the seller, item, terms and refund position are clearly understood in writing.
• Never assume a bank account name proves the advert is genuine.

Choose Payment Carefully

The National Cyber Security Centre recommends using payment methods that provide protection when shopping online and warns against direct bank transfer for online purchases. It also advises checking the protection offered by services such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

• For posted goods, prefer a payment method that gives appropriate buyer protection.
• Read the payment provider’s terms rather than assuming every type of payment is protected.
• Do not deliberately choose a payment option that removes purchase protection merely because the seller requests it.
• For an in-person vehicle purchase, only transfer the balance once you are satisfied with the vehicle, seller and paperwork.
• Double-check account details before sending large sums.

Do Not Trust Links Sent in Messages

NCSC guidance warns that criminals use links in social media messages, emails and texts to send victims to fake websites designed to steal money, card details or passwords.

• Do not log into your bank or payment account using a link the buyer or seller sends you.
• Open the official app or type the official website address yourself.
• Be suspicious of links claiming you need to “verify”, “upgrade”, “release funds” or pay a courier fee.
• Never share one-time passcodes or security codes with another person.

Collection & Meeting Safely

Meta provides specific Marketplace guidance for meeting in person. For parts and accessories, use common sense around location, timing and personal safety. For a vehicle, viewing at the seller’s address can also help establish that the seller and van are genuinely connected.

• Tell somebody where you are going and who you are meeting.
• For small items, consider a public, well-lit location where practical.
• Do not carry unnecessary cash.
• For a vehicle, take somebody with you if possible.
• Do not hand over money until you have inspected the item and are satisfied.

Buying Parts for Delivery

Posted parts remove the strongest safety check: seeing the item before payment. Compensate by demanding better evidence.

• Get clear photographs showing condition and identifying details.
• Agree exactly what is included before paying.
• Confirm the delivery method and tracking arrangements.
• Keep the advert, messages, payment confirmation and tracking information.
• Use appropriate purchase protection where available.

Common Warning Signs

• Price far below normal market value with no convincing reason.
• Seller insists on immediate payment.
• Refusal to provide a fresh photo or video.
• Copied-looking photographs or description.
• Profile details do not match the seller’s claimed identity or location.
• Requests for unusual payment methods or payment outside normal protection.
• Links claiming money is waiting for you or requiring a fee before funds are released.
• Requests for passwords, card PINs or one-time security codes.
• Vehicle cannot be viewed because it is always “with a courier”, “in storage” or somewhere else.
• Seller becomes aggressive or evasive when basic checks are requested.

If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

The NCSC advises people who have lost money online to contact their bank immediately and report the fraud. Stop! Think Fraud also recommends preserving evidence such as names, phone numbers, profile URLs, screenshots and payment details.

• Contact your bank or payment provider immediately using its official app, website or phone number.
• Keep screenshots of the advert, seller profile and conversation.
• Keep payment records, tracking information and any phone/email details.
• Report the account/listing to the platform.
• Report fraud through the appropriate UK reporting route. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland where appropriate.
• If the incident occurred in a Just T4s group, report the seller/listing to the Just T4s admin team as well so other members can be protected.

Before You Pay

• Price makes sense
• Seller profile/business checked
• Fresh photos/evidence received
• Item description and seller answers match
• For a vehicle, MOT/history/VIN checks completed
• Trusted Trader ID verified if claimed
• Payment protection understood
• No suspicious links or security-code requests
• Collection/viewing arrangements make sense
• Advert and messages saved