Regina Police Warn Used Car Buyers of Recent Auto Fraud Incidents – Regina | The Canadian News

Regina Police are asking citizens to take steps to protect themselves when it comes to buying used vehicles.

The police service said on Friday that it has received multiple files this year about purchases of used vehicles from online sales platforms and dealerships.

“Most of the problems reported to the police have not been criminal and led to civil judicial proceedings,” Regina police wrote in a statement on Friday.

In an attempt to reduce the number of auto fraud incidents that occur in the city, Regina Police have provided some tips to protect the buyer from fraud when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle.

• Do your research to determine the value of the vehicle. Is the vehicle priced fairly? Use an Internet site such as Auto Trader, CARFAX, or Kelley Blue Book so that the buyer can receive information on the make, model and mileage.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection, which will determine the cosmetic, mechanical, and safety condition of the car. A good mechanic can help determine existing conditions and possible future problems that may arise. This will come at a cost, but could potentially save you in the long run.
• Look up the VIN at the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC). A public search of the VIN number can be performed on the CPIC website to determine if the theft of the vehicle has been reported. This can also be done through SGI for a fee.
• Get a vehicle history report. Companies like CARFAX can provide a vehicle history report, which can provide information such as whether the vehicle has been in an accident, liens, service history, theft report, etc.
• Buyer beware. Ask questions, and if something doesn’t seem right, walk away. Don’t feel pressured or rushed to make a purchase.

Regina Police have also provided some suggestions on selling a vehicle privately.

• When you meet a potential buyer, meet in a neutral place where you feel comfortable.
• Go for the test drive. Again, if something doesn’t feel right, follow your instincts.
• Cash is king. Always check the invoices to make sure they are authentic; Be very careful if you accept US funds (ask yourself, does this make sense?)
• When it comes to wire transfers, it may depend on the price and the buyer’s daily transfer limit. Wire transfers can be withdrawn if there are insufficient funds in the buyer’s account.
• Most financial institutions can verify that the check or money order is legitimate. Present the check to a teller to be verified as legitimate, do not deposit it through an ATM or mobile deposit.
• If someone offers or sends you a check for more than the asking price, the check is likely a fake, especially if they ask you to send them the additional funds.

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