Buying and importing a car via the Internet

 Buying and importing a car via the Internet

BIFA often receives telephone calls and e-mails from individuals who have tried to purchase and import a car from an Internet web site. These web sites look very professional and often the car price is a bargain, however after parting with the cash the car does not appear.

If you are considering this type of purchase please BEWARE. While there are legitimate sites covering this activity, there are also many scams operating in this field and the principle is always the same. The car looks good, the price is low, and all arrangements are made for the car to be delivered to you as soon as you pay. More often than not the car was never for sale and the web site claims were false. BIFA is aware of many people who have lost money in this way.

These false web sites will often claim that the company is a member of BIFA, as well as other professional bodies. BIFA is unaware of any of its members that will handle the payment aspects of such a transaction. A number of members ship cars (see: Directory), but the provision of buying facilities is not something our members undertake.

Most people are aware that the Internet provides opportunities for fraudsters to operate, and this is one activity that we have noticed where people are being tricked out of money.
Please beware if you are tempted by such a transaction.