Trust & safety
Safety Centre
Simple guidance for buying and selling safely.
Never send money before seeing the vehicle and confirming the seller.
Avoiding scams
- Never pay a deposit or 'holding fee' before seeing the car in person.
- Be wary of prices far below market value, sellers 'abroad', courier or escrow offers.
- Never share bank logins, one-time passcodes or ID documents in chat.
Safe communication
- Keep conversations in The Car Index messages so there's a record.
- Be cautious if a seller insists on moving to WhatsApp or email straight away.
- Don't click links sent by people you don't know.
Test drives
- Make sure you're insured to drive the car.
- Take a friend and your phone. The seller should come with you.
- Check warning lights, brakes, steering and gearbox.
Payments
- Pay only when you have the car, keys and V5C logbook in front of you.
- Use a traceable method such as bank transfer; avoid large amounts of cash.
- Never pay by gift card, crypto or money transfer services.
Checking vehicle documents
- The name and address on the V5C should match the seller and viewing address.
- Check the VIN on the car matches the V5C.
- Check MOT history free on GOV.UK and consider a paid history check.
Meeting sellers
- View private cars at the address on the V5C, in daylight.
- Dealers should have a real trading address you can visit.
- Walk away if anything feels wrong.
Reporting suspicious listings
- Use 'Report this listing' or 'Report user' on any page.
- Our moderation team reviews every report.
- If you've been defrauded, report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040).