The top used car scams in the UK – and how to avoid them – Advertisement

Buying a used car is supposed to be an exciting rite of passage, yet for many UK drivers it’s a journey fraught with risk. Sophisticated scams are in operation across the used car market, and without the right preparation, even an experienced buyer can fall victim to fraudsters. From so-called bargains with a hidden, dangerous past, to vehicles that have done double the miles they claim, the financial and safety risks are significant.

The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this minefield alone. We’ll outline the most common and costly used car scams facing buyers today, and crucially, reveal a simple, affordable solution that puts the power back in your hands: a comprehensive vehicle history check from carVertical.

Hidden miles, hidden costs

One of the oldest tricks in the book remains one of the most profitable for fraudsters: mileage tampering, or ‘clocking’. By illegally rolling back the odometer, a seller can significantly inflate a car’s perceived value. A vehicle that has done 150,000 miles disguised as one with only 60,000 miles is not just a financial deception; it’s a critical safety issue. More miles mean more wear on key components like the engine, gearbox, and brakes, leading to unexpected and expensive mechanical failures for the unsuspecting buyer.

The data is clear: more than 2 per cent of used cars checked by carVertical in the UK have had their mileage rolled back. With 7.6 million pre-owned cars sold in the UK through 2024, this small percentage means that there could be over 150,000 clocked vehicles currently in circulation within the used car population.

Plus, with false odometer readings reduced by an average of 32,657 miles in the UK, you could be buying a car that has effectively covered over four extra years of driving (using the typical 7,500-mile rate covered by UK drivers per annum).

carVertical’s own research puts it all in perspective; with mileage rollbacks in the UK increasing the perceived value of a vehicle by an average of 29 per cent, you’ll be paying thousands over the odds.

The carVertical solution: Designed to easily verify a vehicle’s mileage, clocking is much more difficult to hide from carVertical. For complete peace of mind, your history report will cross-reference records from a massive network of over 900 international databases, including official national car registries, inspection bodies, and authorised garages.

If a seller has tampered with the odometer, a carVertical report can detect potential rollbacks via previously recorded figures and, wherever possible, display the real mileage timeline. This essential feature allows you to walk away from a potential time bomb or negotiate a price that accurately reflects the car’s true usage.

Write-off dangers revealed

After a serious collision, a vehicle may be declared a write-off (Category S or N) by an insurer. But while legally repaired vehicles can eventually return to the road, many unscrupulous sellers attempt to hide this crucial accident history.

Such potential outcomes are alarming. If a car suffered structural damage and was repaired poorly or cheaply, its safety performance could be severely compromised; for example, in a future accident, crumple zones may not deploy correctly, putting you and your passengers at risk. A repaired write-off also significantly reduces the car’s resale value, meaning you’ve overpaid for a compromised asset.

UK vehicle history reports show that nearly one in five used cars checked by carVertical (to October 2025) have undisclosed damage, while the average repair bill stands at a staggering £3,540 – enough to put a serious dent in the pocket of most buyers.

The carVertical solution: To protect you from this dangerous deception, carVertical pulls data directly from police and insurance databases. These reports provide the vehicle’s official write-off category and, critically, often include actual accident photos from the scene. This irrefutable evidence shows the extent of the damage before repairs were carried out, giving you a clear picture of the car’s past and its current structural integrity. If a seller is omitting this information, the carVertical check makes it impossible to conceal.

Stolen car nightmare

This is arguably the most devastating scam. An unsuspecting buyer purchases a vehicle that has been stolen and re-plated, and when the true owner, police, or law enforcement agencies eventually trace the vehicle, it will be confiscated, leaving the buyer without a car and no opportunity for a refund. It’s a legal and financial nightmare that results in a total loss of investment, plus it’s almost impossible for an individual to uncover using conventional checks.

The carVertical solution: Providing an iron-clad theft check by instantly scanning international law enforcement and police records, carVertical can confirm if the vehicle’s VIN is marked as stolen or involved in a theft ring. A few clicks and a small fee prevent you from becoming an accessory to a crime, and safeguard you from losing thousands of pounds overnight.

carVertical: the essential advantage for used car buyers

carVertical is more than just a history check; it’s a powerhouse of information that enables you to buy with absolute confidence. For a cost that’s often less than the price of a tank of fuel, you gain access to comprehensive data that allows you to avoid costly scams, confidently negotiate fairer prices, and ensure your next car is safe and sound.

carVertical reports also provide invaluable service history records to ensure your potential new vehicle has been properly maintained, revealing any critical maintenance oversights.

Furthermore, you’ll benefit from details on previous usage, identifying whether the car was previously a rental vehicle, taxi, or a fleet car – all factors that can influence maintenance quality and wear and tear. This bespoke analysis helps you to assess the vehicle’s fair market value, and ensures you don’t overpay.

Don’t gamble your money or your safety. Get the facts you need to buy with total assurance and protect yourself from hidden dangers.

Visit carVertical’s VIN decoder page today for the full story on your next vehicle: carVertical VIN Decoder.