How to make out foul play?

Six cheap tricks - and how to avoid them

1. Mileage tampered cars

'It's quite easy to change a car's mileage using a computer and the right software.'

This is the way dodgy sellers work: take a high-mileage car, wind the odometer back and, hey presto, it's worth a few thousand more. It's easy to alter a car's mileage using a computer and the right software, but it's far harder to cover all the signs of a high mileage car. The car's general condition will give a pretty good indication of how hard a life it has led. The number of stone chips on the bonnet, the sagginess of the driver's seat and the way the pedals are worn down are all giveaways. Usually, the service history and pollution paperwork will allow you to track how quickly a car has covered its kilometres.

2. Theft goods

'Be alert of anyone who seems to be insisting for a quick, cheap sale.'

By using bogus registration documents and fake insurance papers, along with fake chassis numbers criminals can disguise stolen cars. This can be done simply by slapping on a set of fake plates, or as complex as respraying to carry off the scam. Ensure you've checked that the chassis number on the documents and the history report matches all the chassis number plates on the car (including stickers on door edges, the boot lid and the bonnet). Be wary of anyone who seems to pressing for a quick, cheap sale. They could be hoping you won't look too carefully at the car as you rush to 'unbelievable deal'.

3. Dodgy Payments

Don't agree for personal cheques or banker's drafts, which can be forged.'

Get taken in by fake cheques and unpaid finance and you'll end up with no car and no cash. When selling a car, don't accept cheques and be wary of banker's drafts. Contrary to popular belief, banker's drafts can be forged, and you often won't find out until several days later when your bank discovers the deceit and takes the money back. Insist on an electronic bank-to-bank transfer - that way you'll know the cash is real. When buying a car, always ensure no finance is outstanding. If someone hasn't paid off a loan on the car you're buying, it could be repossessed and you'll struggle to get your money back.

4. Accident damage

'A good history report will show if a car's been officially written off by an insurer.'

Enterprising criminals buy wrecks and transform them into good-looking cars at bargain prices. Total write-offs and the infamous cut 'n' shut (two cars - one with front damage only, the other with rear damage only - that have been cobbled together into one whole 'undamaged' car) can be bodged into looking like safe and reliable vehicles. A decent history report will show if a car's been officially written off by an insurer, but some still slip through the net, so beware. An inspection by an engineer should flush out a wreck. It's hard to totally hide the signs of repair work and welding.

5. Shady Dealers

'Organised crime gangs pose as private sellers to sell stolen or suspect cars.'

Back-street traders and criminals can pretend to be private sellers so they can pass on poor-quality or dodgy cars. Always say when you phone: 'I'm calling about the car for sale.' If they answer: 'Which one?', be on your guard. If they have more than one, they may be selling cars that can't be sold in a dealership, and they almost certainly aren't paying income tax on the sales. Organised crime gangs also pose as private sellers to sell stolen cars. Never agree to meet in a remote place. Always see the car at the seller's house, and make sure they really live there. Also, never carry cash when you go to see a car and always take a friend.

6. Fake identity

'Guard your personal details - they're as valuable as your cash.'

Cars (among other luxury goods) are a favourite buy for identity thieves, who use your details to make the purchase. Beat them by shredding old statements, utilities bills and unwanted loan applications. Criminals can use these to organise a car finance agreement in your name. They'll quickly sell the car on - leaving you to foot the bills and explain where the car is. Keep your eyes peeled for suspicious paperwork arriving in the post - and check your bank account for mystery payments. If you're unexpectedly refused credit, a personal credit history check may expose criminal activity.

Blurb
'Criminals can disguise stolen cars using bogus registration documents and fake chassis numberplates.'