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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Fraud, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Vehicle Fraud
A resident on our ward was selling his vehicle. A buyer viewed and took the vehicle but did not send the victim any money for the purchase.
We’re giving the heads-up and reminding residents not to sell anything before receiving the money first.
Crime prevention advice:-
Scammers want to take money rather than give it out, so if an undesirable decides to purchase your car, they’re very unlikely to spend legitimate funds in order to obtain it. While selling a car for cash can be quick and easy, cash payments also lack any of the protection associated with a digital transaction.
A secure, tracked payment such as a bank transfer is the safer way to go when selling a car. You may need to wait for the bank’s fraud protection measures to be carried out, but the upside is that you’ll be better protected should you need proof of the transaction taking place.
Regardless of your chosen payment method, always check the buyer’s photographic identification, such as their driving licence, to ensure that they are indeed who they say they are, and that the car is being registered in that person’s name. Also ensure that 100 per cent of the funds are cleared and in your possession before handing over the keys.
A potential buyer may try to convince you that there’s a major mechanical problem that you were unaware of in order to knock several pounds off the asking price. Never let them inspect or test drive the car without your supervision and, in some extreme cases, they may even attempt to sabotage the car in some way and don’t believe any so-called mechanical advice.
A bit of light haggling is to be expected when selling a used car, but if a buyer is trying to take a ridiculously large sum off the asking price due to the apparent condition of the car, reject the offer and walk away from the deal.
If the person viewing the car wants to photograph any of the associated paperwork, this could be a sign that they’re planning to copy your details and use them to commit identity fraud. Remember that it’s not only the V5 log book that has your details on it, and even repair invoices are likely to hold useful information that can be exploited.
 Fraud can affect anyone within the community, so we want to make sure you have the tools and knowledge to protect yourself from it. It comes in many different forms and across varying channels, whether that's through emails, phone calls or in person encounters. Some adults may be even more vulnerable to fraud or financial abuse, but it is something that everyone can be at risk of. If you’re concerned about someone you know, please contact your local social services and ask for Adult Social Care. Please see a few resources below to protect you and others from potential fraudsters: For more information and help and to report fraud, go to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Lastly, if you think you’ve uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, please contact 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at Action Fraud. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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