'Vehicle matching' a big problem, OFT says

28/05/2009

Vehicle matching cons are costing hard-up consumers around £3 million a year, according to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

Research from the organisation shows that 1,600 Brits have complained about the issue over the past year - a number which could rise as times get tougher in the recession.

The scams work by the con artists cold-calling the victim after they announce that their car is for sale by placing an advert in a newspaper, magazine or online.

They are then told that the caller is a "matcher", who has a buyer for the car and will put them in touch in exchange for a fee.

However, this buyer does not exist, the car is not sold and the con artist pockets his or her fee and is not heard from again.

Mike Haley, OFT director of consumer protection, said: "Time is up for rogue traders who attempt to cheat sellers with false promises of a guaranteed buyer for their cars.

"We are working with the industry and enforcement partners across the UK to crack down on scammers who are preying on consumers during the economic downturn."

Tags; Income Worries and Debt, Young Family Finances, Recent Graduate Debt,

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