Car sellers warned about sophisticated scam

An organised ring is ripping off unsuspecting car sellers and buyers with a sophisticated forgery scam.

People are being warned to be vigilant over Queen's Birthday weekend when the fraudsters, using fake bank cheques probably printed on home computers, are expected to be out buying up vehicles from unsuspecting sellers, Wellington Detective Paris Razos said.

Normally the fraudster will contact the seller during the week. They will take the vehicle being sold for a test drive and agree on a price, saying they will be back later in the week.

They will then advertise it for sale on the Saturday morning.

"They make arrangements to come back on Friday afternoon, after business hours, with a bank cheque for the agreed amount," said Mr Razos.

The seller is unable to bank the cheque over the weekend, leaving the fraudster three days to get rid of the car.

Once in possession of the car the fraudster would sell the vehicle at a much reduced price to ensure a quick sale.

Mr Razos said sellers should be wary of accepting any kind of cheque as payment for a car, especially if being offered more than the car is worth.

- NZPA