Paste the advert. We’ll flag the warning signs.
Most car scams follow the same script. Add the advert to your check and we’ll point out the lines that should worry you.
What you get
- Common scam signs
Deposit requests, delivery-only sales, sellers who are “abroad” and moving the chat to WhatsApp.
- Advert vs the MOT record
If the advert mileage is lower than the last MOT, we flag it.
- A clear verdict
Strong scam signs mean a Walk away verdict, whatever the rest of the record says.
How to use it
- Copy the advert text
From Auto Trader, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or anywhere else.
- Paste it under the reg box
Tap “Have the advert?” on the home page, then check.
- Never pay before you view
No genuine seller needs a deposit before you’ve seen the car and logbook.
Where it comes from: The advert text you paste, checked against the car’s MOT record.
Here’s how it looks
BMW 320d M Sport 2015, 89k miles. Selling for my uncle who is working abroad so can't do viewings. The car is with a delivery company, pay a £500 deposit to secure it and it will be delivered to you. WhatsApp only. £3,200.
- Advert asks for a deposit
The advert says
deposit
Paying before you have seen the car and the logbook is the most common way buyers lose money.
- Offers delivery instead of a viewing
The advert says
delivery company
Genuine private sellers let you see the car first.
- Advert mileage is lower than the MOT record
The advert says 89,000 miles, but the car had 93,240 at its MOT on 29 Mar 2025.
- Owner is away
The advert says
abroad
Nobody can show you the car or the documents.
- Wants to talk off the selling site
The advert says
WhatsApp
Leaving the selling site removes its fraud protection.
Demo advert, written to show the most common scam signs.
Try it on a real car
Free, with no sign-up.