The Ministry of Internal Affairs warns drivers: how to avoid scams when buying a car

According to hvylya.net: Ukrainian drivers have been explained why fact-checking is a key element of safe vehicle transactions.

As reported by 'Hvylya', this was announced by the press service of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and cyber police urge motorists to independently verify information when buying, selling, or re-registering a vehicle – this will help avoid fraud.

Scammer Methods

The most common trick is the offer to buy a car at a discount through supposedly official online platforms. Malefactors send fake links or documents with seals that look convincing. Sometimes they offer to conduct the deal remotely, without inspecting the car, promising to send the documents by mail.

Another type of fraud involves intermediaries who, for a small fee, allegedly 'resolve issues' with online registration. To appear credible, such sites are professionally designed and contain logos of government agencies.

At first glance, these scenarios seem real, but they often conceal illegal actions and lead to financial losses.

What to Check

Before any transaction, it is essential to thoroughly check the car and the documentation. Verify the VIN number, technical specifications, and registration details, and ensure there are no arrests, liens, or other restrictions. The authenticity of the documents should be verified only through official channels.

The site should be located on the gov.ua domain or have a verified social media page with a blue verification tick. Do not make advance payments or 'insurance' deposits without official confirmations, even if the seller seems reliable.

How to Protect Yourself

The safest option is to contact the official service centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs directly. There, one can obtain official extracts from the registers, conduct a vehicle inspection, and legally formalize the purchase and sale with the issuance of new documents.

For checks, it is convenient to use official online tools – Driver's Cabinet and the Diia app. Any other third-party services promising 'quick solutions' may turn out to be fraudulent.

Where to Contact

If you discover suspicious sites or fraudulent schemes, report them to cyber police.

Current advice and tools for verifying information are available on the 'Gates' platform – a resource with practical recommendations for protection against fakes and misinformation.

The Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, along with the cyber police, explained to drivers how to avoid fraud in vehicle transactions. The importance of independent verification of information before concluding a transaction was emphasized, as well as tips on checking the car and documents.