The scam is quite common in almost every trading business. When you buy a car, you might get scammed even in the city of Dubai where law enforcement is quite strict.
Everyone excited to invest in the car must be aware of those scams that may hinder their way. These scams are not a threat to your investment but to your citizenship in the UAE. This is because some scammers are smart enough to misuse your identity and other legal matters against you.
Buying a used car in Dubai can be an easy and fun process however, every good brings a bit of bad with itself. And that bad in this car buying process is the scam that you may encounter at the first or even the end of the process. All you need to do is to be aware of them before heading towards the car buying process.
Watch Out for Profitable Ads with Few Details
Attractive and unrealistic ads are the first type of scam in the list that you may come in contact with. These ads are visibly very attractive but have very few hidden details which is a red flag for you to stay away. Before dealing with and proceeding with such ads make sure to ask for all the relevant details and look for their authenticity. This is especially the case when you want to import Japanese cars from the other region in Dubai.
You may search on Google and ask your friends and colleagues about them. Further, verify by all means before being caught in these scams. Remember that when a seller says their car is “as good as new” without giving enough details, they frequently want to hide something. You should stay cautious and prevalent at the very moment.
The speedometer Tampering Scam
An automobile’s odometer, which shows how far it has driven, is an important indicator of its worth. To give the false impression of decreased mileage, scammers may manipulate or roll back the odometer. Digital odometers are not exempt from manipulation. Buyers can take precautions against this by requesting a service report, which provides an exact record of the kilometres driven and contains the latest service date. Without having a service and all the history reports of the car, do not believe them. This is your right as a customer to ask for all the satisfactory documents.
Be cautious of Requests for “Pay in Advance or Cash Only”
Another common and most prominent type of scam is asking for cash or advanced money without having a satisfactory inspection of the car.
There is a chance that some sellers will only accept cash or want payment in full upfront, which could lead to scams. Cash transactions do not have the same traceability as other methods, despite their seeming convenience. Buyers should hold off on making advance payments until they have had a face-to-face meeting with the seller to reduce this risk. To increase security, international purchasers might ask for a legitimate receipt and a copy of the seller’s Emirates ID. All you need to do is never pay them in advance or cash. When you pay with a cheque or online transaction, you have a legit receipt and record of it that you may use in your favour.
Check the Service History to Prevent False Documents
Be aware of this one of the most prevalent tricks employed by scammers to trick buyers is a phone service history. To counter this, buyers ought to confirm the vehicle’s maintenance history and ask for invoices from recent services. Should a vendor assert that the vehicle was serviced at several locations without proper documentation, purchasers can independently confirm by acquiring documents directly from a minimum of three of the alleged service centres. If you have any doubt about this, consult your friend or the legal authorities for assistance.
Demand a Test Drive
Sometimes the major issue in the used car is lying under the attractive paint and overlooking the car. Do not get in trouble for the outer beauty of the vehicle. Always request for the test drive and the deep inspection. The lack of one may indicate possible problems. Comprehensive testing (preferably with a knowledgeable friend or mechanic) can uncover hidden issues that are not immediately apparent. Before completing any transaction, it is imperative to carefully examine the car’s handling, overall condition, and sounds.
Never Pay Before Ownership Transfer
Another financial scam type is when the seller asks for the money before transferring the ownership. You should never pay before the official transfer of ownership, even if an offer appears too good to refuse. By taking this safety measure, you can be sure that all the documentation is in place and avoid buying stolen cars with outstanding registration difficulties. You should insist on receiving copies of their car insurance and the completion of all transfer paperwork as well as the car registration certificate.
Conclusion
Dubai’s used automobile market requires a balance of caution and excitement. By staying up to date on frequent scams and using the recommended safeguards, customers may protect themselves from fraud sellers and have a safe and enjoyable car-buying experience. Remember that the secret to making your dream of buying a dependable used car a reality is to be diligent.
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