Used car scams
Recognise warning signs and investigate a car's identity and history.
Car Cloning Is Up 41%. Fines for Clones Are Up 857%.
Car cloning is up 41% in a year and cloned-plate fines in London rose 857%. Innocent drivers are paying for crimes they never committed.
2 July 2026
The 66,000 Mile Car That Had Really Done 250,000
A buyer nearly paid thousands for a car with fake mileage: advertised at 66,000, actual reading 250,000. One question saved him. Here it is.
29 June 2026
Facebook Marketplace Car Scams: £480,000 Gone in 9 Months
Facebook Marketplace car scams cost UK buyers £479,964 in nine months. The cars never existed. Here is how the scam works and how to beat it.
27 June 2026
The Van Dealer Who Made £20,000 Rolling Back Odometers
A van trader made £20,000 clocking six vans before their first MOT. Here is how the mileage fraud worked and how to avoid buying a clocked van.
23 June 2026
How to Spot a Cloned Car Before You Buy
A cloned car carries number plates stolen from a legitimate vehicle. Here is how to spot one before you hand over your money.
9 May 2026
What is a Private Number Plate and Can it Hide a Car's History?
Private number plates are legal and common in the UK, but they can be used to obscure a car's age and break the paper trail. Here is what to check.
3 May 2026
How to Spot a Cut and Shut Car
A cut and shut car is two written-off vehicles welded together and sold as one. Here is how to spot one before you buy.
3 May 2026
Red Flags When Buying a Used Car Privately
Private used car sales have fewer protections than dealer sales. Here are the red flags that tell you to walk away before you get burned.
18 April 2026
What Happens If You Unknowingly Buy a Stolen Car?
Buying a stolen car in good faith does not mean you get to keep it. Here is what actually happens and how to protect yourself.
12 April 2026
How to Spot a Clocked Car
Clocking - winding back a car's odometer - is illegal and widespread. Here is how to spot a clocked car before you buy one.
9 April 2026