Car buying fraud: How to protect yourself from nasty tricks!

Car buying fraud: How to protect yourself from nasty tricks!

A fraudulent car purchase incident has occurred in the Bavarian capital, Munich, which has put the police on alert. As the Bavarian police reported, the vehicle was confiscated from a 27-year-old man who had offered his used BMW via an online platform without receiving the purchase price.

The fraudster contacted the seller and sent him a copy of his ID and a receipt for an instant transfer. On July 4, 2025, the seller handed the car over to a collector, who then stole the vehicle. Despite reporting the matter to the police, the money was not received and the investigation was started at Commissariat 54. A warning from the police is clear: “Fraudsters often use fake transfer certificates and identity documents.” Sellers should be careful, especially if no personal interest is shown in the vehicle.

Identity theft when buying used cars

This incident is part of a larger problem happening on the Internet. Online used car trading is booming, which is also driving up the number of fraud cases. As an article on Rechtsanwalt.de illustrates, identity theft on the Internet is increasingly becoming a problem. Scammers use hacked accounts and fake documents to trap unsuspecting buyers.

Consumers should note the following information:

• Vorsicht bei Angeboten mit ungewöhnlich niedrigen Preisen.
• Kontaktaufforderungen über inoffizielle Kanäle sind verdächtig.
• Prüfen Sie, ob die Angaben im Inserat stimmig sind.
• Führen Sie eine persönliche Überprüfung des Angebots und des Verkäufers durch.

The Cyber ​​Security Situation Forum also makes it clear that the use of fake evidence, such as photos of ID cards, is not uncommon. Buyers and sellers should also be careful during the payment process, especially when unsecured payment methods such as “send money to friends” are suggested.

Safeguards and fraud response

In the event of identity theft, you need to act quickly. According to the BSI, those affected should immediately secure evidence and inform the police and their banking institution. It is also recommended to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect yourself against cybercrime.

Overall, this case shows once again how important it is to pay attention to your digital security when buying used goods, especially online. These fraudsters can only be kept at bay through increased vigilance. Consumers are well advised to be skeptical and, if in doubt, to avoid purchasing rather than falling into a trap.

In other news from Munich, a motorcycle accident and a dog theft also occurred last weekend, each keeping the Munich police on their toes. While a 19-year-old was injured in an accident in the Heckenstaller Tunnel, a stolen Bernese Mountain Dog was brought back after a tip-off, allowing Police Station 47 to take action on site. And a 66-year-old Austrian who was seen on a high-voltage pylon was also taken to hospital with burn injuries.