You’ve finally decided to sell your old car. Maybe it’s been sitting in the driveway for months, or perhaps you just need the extra cash. Whatever the reason, you jump online, post an ad, and wait for the offers to roll in. But instead of legitimate buyers, your phone starts buzzing with messages that just feel… off.

Unfortunately, this is a reality many Perth car sellers face. The used car market attracts scammers like flies to a barbecue, and if you don’t know what to look for, you could end up losing your car, your money, or both. It’s not just about losing a few hundred dollars—some people have lost thousands to sophisticated scams that seemed completely legitimate at the time.

The good news? With the right knowledge, you can protect yourself. This guide will walk you through the most common car selling scams in Perth, teach you how to spot the warning signs, and show you how to sell your car safely—whether you go private or choose a trusted professional service.

Want to skip the risks entirely? Sell your car to a trusted local buyer. Get Your Free Quote or call 0452 665 334 for a safe, hassle-free sale.

The Most Common Car Selling Scams in Perth

Scammers are creative, and they’re constantly evolving their tactics. But most scams fall into a few recognisable categories. Here’s what to watch out for:

The Overpayment Scam

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it still catches people out. Here’s how it works: a buyer agrees to purchase your car, but “accidentally” sends you a cheque or bank transfer for more than the asking price. They then ask you to refund the difference.

The catch? Their original payment is fraudulent. By the time your bank discovers the cheque has bounced or the transfer was fake, you’ve already sent them real money—and they’ve disappeared. You’re left out of pocket and potentially without your car.

Red flag: Anyone who “overpays” and asks for a refund is almost certainly running a scam. Legitimate buyers don’t make this mistake.

The Fake Escrow Service

A buyer contacts you, often claiming to be interstate or overseas. They can’t inspect the car in person, so they suggest using an “escrow service” to handle the transaction safely. They might even send you a link to a professional-looking website.

The problem? The escrow service is fake—it’s a website the scammer created themselves. You hand over your car, thinking the money is safely held in escrow, but it never existed. The scammer drives off with your vehicle, and the fake website vanishes overnight.

Red flag: Be extremely cautious of any buyer who can’t meet in person and suggests using a third-party service you’ve never heard of.

The Bait-and-Switch Price Drop

You agree on a price with a buyer over the phone or online. They seem keen, you’re excited, and you arrange to meet. But when they arrive, suddenly they’ve found “problems” with the car. The tyres are worn. There’s a scratch they didn’t notice in the photos. The engine sounds funny.

They offer a significantly lower price, banking on the fact that you’ve already mentally committed to the sale. Many sellers, worn down by the process or desperate for cash, accept the lower offer just to be done with it.

Red flag: Any buyer who dramatically changes their offer upon arrival is likely playing games. A small negotiation is normal; a 30% price drop is manipulation.

The Fake Bank Transfer

With instant banking, this scam has become increasingly common. The buyer meets you, inspects the car, and agrees to pay via bank transfer. They pull out their phone, show you a “confirmation” screen, and you hand over the keys. Except the transfer was never real—it was a fake screenshot or a pending transaction they immediately cancelled.

Red flag: Never hand over your car until the money is physically in your account. Log into your own banking app and verify the funds have cleared before giving up the keys.

The Identity Theft Setup

Sometimes the scammer isn’t after your car at all—they want your personal information. They pose as a buyer and ask for copies of your ID, bank details, or other sensitive documents “for the paperwork.” Or they request that you fill out forms on a dodgy website.

With this information, they can open accounts in your name, apply for credit cards, or commit other forms of identity fraud. The “car sale” was never real; it was just a pretext to harvest your details.

Red flag: Be very careful about what information you share before a sale is confirmed. A legitimate buyer doesn’t need your bank account details or a copy of your driver’s licence before they’ve even seen the car.

Warning Signs That Should Make You Walk Away

Beyond the specific scams above, there are general warning signs that suggest something isn’t right. Trust your instincts—if a deal feels too good to be true or a buyer seems pushy or evasive, it probably is.

They’re in a massive hurry: Scammers create urgency to stop you from thinking clearly. Legitimate buyers can wait a day or two.

They can’t meet in person: Buying a car sight unseen is unusual. Most genuine buyers want to inspect the vehicle before committing.

They offer above asking price: Nobody pays more than they have to. An offer above your asking price is almost always a scam setup.

They want unusual payment methods: Gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers to overseas accounts—these are all major red flags.

Their story keeps changing: Inconsistencies in their story or situation suggest they’re making things up as they go.

They pressure you to decide immediately: “I have another car to look at this afternoon” or “This offer expires today” are pressure tactics designed to make you act before you think.

How to Sell Your Car Safely in Perth

Selling privately can work out well if you take the right precautions. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Meet in Public, Daylight Hours

Never invite strangers to your home for a first meeting. Choose a busy public location—a shopping centre car park, a police station, or a well-lit public area. Meet during daylight hours and consider bringing someone with you.

Verify Payment Before Handing Over Keys

Cash is king for private sales because you can verify it immediately. If accepting a bank transfer, wait until the money actually appears in your account—not a screenshot, not a “pending” notification, but actual cleared funds you can access. This might mean waiting a day before completing the handover.

Keep Records of Everything

Document the entire transaction. Keep copies of all communications, take photos of the buyer’s ID (with their permission), and ensure both parties sign a proper bill of sale. If something goes wrong, this documentation could be crucial.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels wrong, it probably is. It’s better to walk away from a sale than to lose your car or money to a scammer. There will always be other buyers.

Don’t want to deal with the risks? Sell to a trusted local car removal service instead. Get a Safe, Instant Quote from WA Fast Car Removal.

The Safer Alternative: Selling to a Professional Car Removal Service

Let’s be honest: selling a car privately is stressful. Between the scammers, the tyre-kickers, and the endless negotiations, it can feel like more trouble than it’s worth. That’s why many Perth residents choose to sell to a professional car removal service instead.

At WA Fast Car Removal, we offer a completely safe, transparent process. Here’s why selling to us eliminates the risks:

Instant cash payment: You get paid on the spot when we collect your car. No waiting for transfers to clear, no risk of fake payments.

Guaranteed quotes: The price we quote is the price you get. No bait-and-switch tactics, no last-minute price drops.

We come to you: No need to meet strangers in car parks. Our team arrives at your location—your home, your work, wherever suits you.

Established local business: We’re a legitimate Perth-based company with a reputation to protect. We’re not going anywhere.

All paperwork handled: We take care of the transfer documentation, so you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the cracks.

We service all of Perth, from South Perth to North Perth, Fremantle to Joondalup, and everywhere in between. Check out our cash for cars Perth page for more details on the areas we cover.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to a car-selling scam, act quickly:

Contact your bank immediately: If you’ve sent money or shared financial details, your bank may be able to stop or reverse transactions.

Report to WA Police: File a report with the police. Even if they can’t recover your loss, the information helps them track and catch scammers.

Report to Scamwatch: The ACCC’s Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) collects reports on scams and provides resources for victims.

Warn others: Share your experience on local community groups and forums. You might save someone else from falling for the same trick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I verify if a car-buying company is legitimate?

Check for a physical business address, look for online reviews from real customers, verify their ABN on the Australian Business Register, and search for any complaints lodged with consumer protection agencies. A legitimate company will have a traceable history and be happy to answer your questions.

Is it safer to accept cash or a bank transfer?

For private sales, cash is generally safer because you can verify it immediately. Bank transfers are only safe if you wait for the funds to fully clear in your account before handing over the car. Never rely on screenshots or pending transaction notifications.

What documents should I keep when selling my car?

Keep copies of all communications with the buyer, the signed bill of sale, proof of payment received, and a copy of the buyer’s identification. Take photos of the odometer reading and the car’s condition at the time of sale as well.

Can scammers fake bank transfer confirmations?

Yes, easily. Fake screenshots of “successful” transfers are commonly used in scams. The only way to verify payment is to log into your own banking app or account and confirm the money has actually arrived and cleared.

Why do scammers offer more than the asking price?

It’s part of the overpayment scam. They send a fake payment for more than the car is worth, then ask you to refund the difference. By the time you realise their payment was fraudulent, you’ve sent them real money from your own pocket.

How does selling to WA Fast Car Removal protect me from scams?

We’re an established local business with a physical presence in Perth. We pay cash on the spot—you can count it in your hands before we take the car. Our quotes are guaranteed, we handle all paperwork legitimately, and we have a reputation built on honest dealings. There’s no risk of fake payments or last-minute tricks.

Sell Your Car Safely in Perth Today

Selling your car doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether you choose to sell privately (with proper precautions) or go the safer route with a professional service, the key is staying informed and trusting your instincts.

If you want to skip the stress entirely, WA Fast Car Removal offers a safe, straightforward alternative. Up to $9,999 cash, paid on the spot. Same-day pickup. Free towing. No scams, no games, no worries. Just a simple, honest transaction from a local Perth business.

Ready for a Safe, Hassle-Free Sale?

Get Your Free Quote  |  Call: 0452 665 334

WA Fast Car Removal

Perth’s Trusted Car Removal Service | Up to $9,999 Cash | Safe & Secure | Free Towing