Auto Trader, eBay Motors, Exchange & Mart, the Finance & Leasing Association, Motors.co.uk, and the Met police have joined together in partnership to form the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group (VSTAG), an industry forum created to combat vehicle related fraud.

As part of its aim to protect both buyers and sellers of cars, vans and motorcycles from fraud, VSTAG has published a consumer advice guide and is now sharing information on known and suspected fraudulent adverts.

Whilst the process of buying or selling a vehicle is usually straightforward, both buyers and sellers can leave themselves open to becoming the victim of fraud or other crimes. VSTAG urges consumers to be careful not to let the excitement of buying or selling a vehicle compromise their safety or money.

Read the full VSTAG guide here.

‘Remember - if the offer looks too good to be true - it usually is’

DVLA warns motorists

Check V5C Registration Certificate before buying a used vehicle

DVLA is warning motorists to check the V5C registration certificate when buying a used vehicle. Motorists are advised not to purchase the vehicle, and instead report the matter to the police, if the serial number of a V5C registration certificate falls within the following ranges

BG8229501 to BG9999030

BI2305501 to BI2800000

Motorists are also reminded not to proceed with any purchase if a V5C has no serial number, or looks to have been altered or tampered with, or the vehicle is accompanied by only a part of the V5C registration certificate.

If a member of the public wishes to check if a serial number of a registration certificate is within the series prior to the purchase of a vehicle, they can call DVLA on 0870 241 1878

Cheque Clearance Guidelines

Important new changes have been introduced that will benefit you when paying in cheques.
When you pay in a cheque these guidelines will help provide clarity on:

1. When your account will start to earn interest on money paid in by cheque.
2. When the balance on which overdraft interest is charged will be reduced, if your account is overdrawn.
3. When you will be able to withdraw the money paid in by cheque from your account.
4. When money has safely cleared with no chance of it being reclaimed without your consent, unless you are knowing party to fraud.

Download the Consumer Advice on Change to Cheque Clearing Times. (1.3Mb)