At AntiScamNews,we denounce a persistent reality in the used car market: buying a used car remains one of the areas with the highest risk of fraud for consumers. A recent study by Carfax, based on more than a thousand buyer surveys, reveals that 34% have been victims of some type of scamduring the purchase process.
Far from being isolated cases, the data paints a structural picture of irregular practices that affect both first-time buyers and experienced users.
Petty fraud and serious scams: a widespread problem
The study distinguishes between different levels of fraud.
Nineteen percent of respondentsacknowledge having experienced irregularities considered “minor,” although with significant economic and legal repercussions. These include:
- Manipulated mileage
- Undeclared structural damage
- Falsified technical reports
Even more worrying is the 15% who say they have faced serious scams, such as:
- Advertisements for non-existent vehicles
- Deposits held without refund
- Hidden financial burdens
- Stolen vehicles
- Cloning the vehicle identification number (VIN)
This last type of fraud can lead to legal consequences for the buyer, even when they have acted in good faith.
Buying with distrust: the consumer’s state of mind
The impact of these practices is clearly reflected in market perception.
According to the study:
- 55 % of buyerssay they are very worried about being scammed
- 30 %express some concern
- Only 15%say they buy with confidence
These data confirm that mistrust is now part of the buying process in the second-hand market, affecting both individuals and professionals in the sector.
Verification, a key barrier against fraud
Given this context, buyers are showing greater preventative awareness. Nine out of ten users check—or would check—the vehicle’s history before finalizing the purchase.
Specifically:
- 75 %consider it very likely that they will verify the information.
- 15 %see it as quite likely
- Only 10%admit they would not perform this verification
Consulting data such as the registration, ownership history, or digital documentation is thus consolidated as a basic self-protection tool.
Transparency versus deception
at Carfax , emphasizes that buyers are increasingly aware of the risks and the need to access reliable information before making significant financial decisions. In a market where information asymmetry favors dishonest sellers, transparency becomes the primary defense.
An individual problem with a collective impact
Scams in the used car market not only harm those who are directly affected, but also weaken overall market confidence, increase the cost of buying, and normalize abusive practices that persist over time.
At AntiScam,we emphasize a basic premise: when verifiable information is lacking, the risk increases. Checking a vehicle’s history is not an optional recommendation, but an essential measure to avoid falling for scams that, in many cases, come to light too late.