Check the seller as well as the vehicle
Scamwatch warns that scammers can copy genuine vehicle advertisements and change the contact details or price. That means a VIN can relate to a real car even when the advertisement is fraudulent.
View the actual vehicle, compare its details and establish who you are dealing with. If someone is selling on behalf of another person, ask for an explanation and appropriate evidence of their authority. A PPSR certificate does not verify the seller’s identity.
Treat urgency and unusual payment stories as questions
Pause if you are pressed to send a deposit before a reasonable viewing, asked to use a payment arrangement you do not understand, or given instructions that keep changing. Independently verify any business, transport or payment service mentioned by the seller.
For example, a message claiming a transport company holds the vehicle does not establish that the company has the car. Find the company’s real contact details yourself and check the claim before taking the next step.
Review report and checkout links carefully
Use a report service you have independently chosen. Check the website address, business identity, full price, any recurring charges and the available support details before entering payment information.
Keep downloaded reports with their original certificates, vehicle identifiers and search times. A screenshot or a forwarded summary leaves more unanswered questions than the underlying document. Run the checks for the actual car you are considering.
If you think you have been scammed
Scamwatch advises contacting your bank immediately, ending contact with the suspected scammer and reporting the scam. Save the advertisement, messages, website address and payment evidence so you can explain what happened.
If a RegoLens purchase has a delivery or payment problem, use our published contact details with your purchase reference. Keep card security codes, passwords and report access links private.
Sources and further reading
Official guidance can change. Check the linked source for current details.