Medium riskMarketplace Scams

We Buy Any Car Scam

In this scam, an online 'instant car valuation' or buyer lures you with a high quote, then drastically cuts the price at inspection over minor 'faults', or harvests your vehicle and personal details for fraud.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Bait-and-switch valuation (seller-targeted)
Main red flag
A high instant car quote that is slashed at inspection over minor points.
What to do first
Get multiple independent valuations and be wary of inflated online quotes.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, an online 'instant car valuation' or buyer lures you with a high quote, then drastically cuts the price at inspection over minor 'faults', or harvests your vehicle and personal details for fraud.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'We'll buy your car for top price!' At inspection the offer is cut sharply, pressuring you to accept on the spot.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • An online quote far above other buyers
  • A price slashed at inspection over minor faults
  • Pressure to accept on the spot
  • Extra 'admin' or 'transfer' fees deducted
  • Requests for excessive personal or vehicle details

What to do

  • Get multiple independent valuations before selling
  • Be wary of inflated online instant quotes
  • Read terms for deductions and fees
  • Do not feel pressured to accept a slashed offer

If you already clicked or replied

  • If pressured or misled, walk away and sell elsewhere
  • If you shared excessive details, monitor for misuse
  • Keep the quote and correspondence as evidence
  • Report misleading practices to consumer authorities

What not to do

  • Do not trust inflated instant quotes
  • Do not accept a slashed offer under pressure
  • Do not pay 'admin' or 'transfer' fees that gut the price

Similar scams

High risk Marketplace

Car Deposit Scam

This scam uses an underpriced vehicle listing where the seller claims to be away and asks for a deposit or full payment through gift cards, wire transfer, or a fake escrow service before you can inspect the car.
Medium risk Marketplace

Vehicle History Report Scam

When buying or selling a vehicle, the other party insists you first get a history report from one specific website, which is set up to harvest your card details or charge hidden fees.
Medium risk Marketplace

Device Buyback Scam

In this scam, a device buyback or trade-in service offers a great price for your phone or laptop, but after you post it they slash the offer citing 'faults', underpay drastically, or keep the device entirely.

Frequently asked questions

How do I sell a car safely?
Get multiple independent valuations, be wary of inflated online quotes, read the terms for deductions, and never accept a slashed offer under pressure.
Why do they cut the price at inspection?
The high online quote is bait. Cutting it on the day, with pressure to accept, is a bait-and-switch tactic to buy your car cheaply.
They wanted lots of personal details. Why?
Excessive details can be used for fraud. Share only what is needed and monitor for misuse if you provided more.
Is walking away okay?
Yes. You are not obliged to accept a slashed offer. Get other valuations and sell where the terms are fair.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.