CarZoon Safety Centre
Practical guidance to help buyers, private sellers and dealers recognise scams, protect accounts, check vehicles, arrange safer meetings and report suspicious activity.
Immediate danger or crime in progress: Move to a safe place and call 999. Do not confront a suspected fraudster, follow a vehicle or put yourself at risk to collect evidence.
Stop, check and report. Stop if you feel pressured. Independently check the vehicle, advertiser and payment recipient. Report suspicious activity to CarZoon and, if money or personal information has been lost, contact your bank and the appropriate police reporting service promptly.
Safety information is general guidance and cannot remove every risk. CarZoon is an advertising marketplace and does not normally own, inspect, buy or sell advertised vehicles. Read this page with our Buyer and User Marketplace Terms, Test Drive Safety Terms and Acceptable Use Policy.
1. If something feels wrong
Stop
Do not send money, share a code, click another link, download a file or continue a meeting because someone is pressuring you.
Check independently
Use contact details from a trusted official source—not details supplied in the suspicious message—to verify the person, business, bank, lender, vehicle and payment instructions.
Protect and report
If you have paid, contact your bank immediately. Change compromised passwords, secure your email and report the account, advert or message to CarZoon and the appropriate authority.
2. CarZoon's marketplace role
CarZoon helps users publish and browse vehicle adverts and contact advertisers. Unless a specific service clearly says otherwise, CarZoon:
- does not own, possess or inspect advertised vehicles;
- is not the buyer's or seller's agent;
- does not hold vehicle purchase money or provide escrow;
- is not a party to the vehicle sale, deposit, delivery or test-drive agreement;
- does not guarantee an advertiser's identity, authority or conduct; and
- does not guarantee that a vehicle exists, is available or matches its advert.
An approved account, dealer profile, badge, advert review or CarZoon message does not replace your own checks and is not a guarantee or endorsement.
3. Common scam warning signs
Advert and identity warnings
- A price far below similar vehicles without a credible reason.
- Copied photographs, inconsistent locations or changing contact names.
- A seller who will not show the vehicle, VIN, original documents or identification.
- A supposed dealer using only a personal account or unrelated payment name.
- Claims that CarZoon has inspected, guaranteed or holds the vehicle when it has not.
Payment and pressure warnings
- Pressure to pay immediately, secretly or before viewing.
- A last-minute change of bank account or payment recipient.
- Requests for cryptocurrency, gift cards, money-transfer vouchers or cash sent by courier.
- A fake escrow, delivery, insurance or refund link.
- A request for a password, remote device access or one-time security code.
One warning sign does not prove fraud, but several together are a strong reason to stop and verify independently.
4. Protecting your account
- Use a strong, unique password for CarZoon and a different strong password for your email account.
- Enable multi-factor authentication wherever it is offered, especially for email and banking.
- Never share a password, sign-in link, recovery code or one-time security code.
- Do not approve an unexpected sign-in or payment notification.
- Check the address bar before signing in and use only the official carzoon.co.uk website.
- Keep your device, browser and security software updated.
- Sign out on shared devices and do not allow a stranger remote access to your phone or computer.
If you suspect account access, change the password from a trusted device, secure the linked email account and contact support@carzoon.co.uk.
5. Communicating safely
Use CarZoon's available contact tools for the initial conversation and keep copies of important messages, advert details, promises and payment terms.
- Be cautious when someone immediately moves the conversation to an encrypted or disappearing-message service.
- Do not open unexpected attachments or install an app to view vehicle documents.
- Do not trust caller ID, an email display name or a copied CarZoon logo as proof of identity.
- Verify a dealer using independently obtained business contact details.
- Never send a photograph showing a full bank card, full V5C document reference, driving-licence number or unnecessary identity information.
CarZoon support will not ask by email or message for your password, full payment-card number, card security code or banking one-time code.
6. Checking the advertiser
Before paying or travelling a long distance, confirm who is advertising the vehicle and whether they have authority to sell it.
Private seller
- Ask to see suitable identification at the viewing.
- Compare the seller's name and address with the original V5C and their explanation of ownership.
- Ask why the vehicle is being sold and how long they have owned it.
- Be cautious if the seller has several vehicles but claims not to trade.
Dealer or business
- Confirm the legal and trading name, premises, website and contact number.
- Check company and regulatory records where relevant.
- Call using a number obtained independently if payment details change.
- Obtain an invoice identifying the business selling the vehicle.
A V5C is not proof of ownership. It identifies the registered keeper. Check separately that the person or business has the right to sell and that the vehicle is not stolen or subject to outstanding finance.
7. Checking the vehicle and documents
Inspect the vehicle in person where reasonably possible and compare its identity with the advert and original documents.
- Match the registration, make, model, colour and VIN on the vehicle, V5C and advert.
- Check the V5C appears original and verify its document details using the relevant official service.
- Review the official MOT history, including mileage, failures and advisories.
- Check available DVLA vehicle information and current tax status.
- Use a reputable history check for theft, insurance write-off, outstanding finance and other important markers.
- Review service history, repairs, recalls, keys, manuals and supporting invoices.
- Check the physical condition and consider an independent professional inspection.
- Confirm what is included and record disclosed faults in the written agreement or receipt.
An MOT records matters assessed at a particular time; it is not a guarantee of current mechanical condition. Vehicle data can be delayed, incomplete or incorrectly matched, so investigate inconsistencies before proceeding.
8. Payments, deposits and bank details
Never send money solely because an advert or message appears on CarZoon. CarZoon does not normally receive, safeguard, release or refund the vehicle purchase price or deposit.
- View and verify the vehicle, advertiser, ownership and documents before paying.
- Confirm the payment recipient matches the genuine seller or obtain a credible written explanation.
- Independently verify any changed bank details using a trusted phone number.
- Use a traceable payment method and understand the protection it does or does not provide.
- Ask your bank about payment warnings instead of allowing the recipient to coach you through them.
- Agree deposit refund conditions in writing before paying.
- Obtain a receipt recording the parties, vehicle, amount, date, purpose and agreed balance.
- Do not treat a screenshot or email as proof that funds have cleared.
For a high-value payment, consider sending a small test amount only after completing the main checks, then verify receipt through independently confirmed contact details before transferring the balance.
9. Arranging a safer viewing
- Arrange the meeting in daylight at a suitable, legitimate location.
- Tell a trusted person where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return.
- Take another adult where possible and keep your phone charged.
- Confirm the location independently; be cautious about isolated or last-minute changes.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash.
- Keep control of your keys, phone, wallet and original documents.
- Leave immediately if you feel unsafe, pressured or prevented from checking the vehicle.
A buyer should normally be able to view a private vehicle at the registered keeper's address or receive a credible explanation for a different location. A dealer viewing should normally take place at identifiable business premises.
10. Safer test drives
Before any test drive, the driver and vehicle provider must independently confirm:
- the driver's identity and valid driving entitlement;
- specific insurance cover for that driver and vehicle;
- the vehicle's roadworthiness, MOT status where required and lawful tax or trade-plate position;
- permission, route, duration and any restrictions; and
- how keys and documents will be controlled.
A private seller should not normally allow an unknown person to drive away alone. Do not accept keys or another item as security without checking identity, and do not leave a person alone with all vehicle keys.
Read the complete Test Drive Safety Terms. A CarZoon request or confirmation does not verify licence, insurance, identity, roadworthiness or permission.
11. Safety guidance for private sellers
- Remove personal information from photographs, documents and the vehicle before publishing or handing it over.
- Do not post a full V5C document reference, driving licence, bank statement or unredacted invoice.
- Meet with another adult present where possible and do not disclose avoidable household information.
- Check the buyer's identity and test-drive arrangements before providing access or keys.
- Do not hand over the vehicle, keys or original documents until genuine cleared funds are visible through your own bank access.
- Do not return an alleged overpayment or pay a buyer's courier, insurance or release fee.
- Write a receipt and keep a copy signed or acknowledged by both parties.
- Notify DVLA promptly using the official process and retain confirmation.
A banking app screenshot, pending transfer or message from the buyer is not confirmation of cleared funds. Access your own bank independently.
12. Dealer and business checks
Dealers should use documented controls for account access, stock imports, enquiries, test drives, deposits and payment-detail changes.
- Give each authorised staff member their own account access rather than sharing credentials.
- Review permissions promptly when staff roles change or employment ends.
- Confirm stock-feed, crawler and API requests with the named technical contact.
- Use a second verification step for any bank-detail or payout change.
- Train staff to recognise fake buyer confirmations, overpayments, courier scams and account takeover.
- Keep test-drive identity, insurance and key-control procedures proportionate and secure.
- Report compromised accounts or suspicious bulk activity immediately.
CarZoon may ask an authorised dealer contact to reconfirm a material account, feed, payment or profile change.
13. Finance, warranties and other third-party services
A dealer or advert may refer to finance, leasing, insurance, warranty, inspection, history or delivery services. Confirm the provider, price, terms, permissions and complaint route before proceeding.
- An estimated monthly payment is not guaranteed approval or a personalised offer.
- Check deposit, APR, term, total amount payable, fees, final payment, mileage limits and ownership outcome.
- Use the Financial Services Register where relevant.
- Do not submit a finance application through an unexpected link sent by an unknown person.
- Read the provider's privacy information before sending identity, income or banking details.
CarZoon is not the lender or insurer and does not provide personalised financial advice unless a specific service clearly states a different authorised role. See our Finance Disclaimer & Disclosure.
14. Delivery, collection and transport scams
Be cautious if a stranger claims the vehicle is unavailable to view because it is in storage, abroad, with a transporter or controlled by a supposed escrow company.
- Independently verify the vehicle's physical location and the transport business.
- Do not pay a release, customs, insurance or refundable transport fee through an unverified link.
- Confirm who bears risk during collection or delivery and record vehicle condition at handover.
- Do not allow a courier to collect a vehicle until genuine cleared funds and authority are confirmed.
- Check delivery paperwork and photograph the vehicle safely at collection and receipt.
CarZoon does not provide escrow or guarantee delivery merely because a message uses the CarZoon name or logo.
15. Documents and personal information
Share only the minimum information reasonably needed for the stage of the transaction. Redact unrelated addresses, account numbers, reference numbers and personal details before sending a document where appropriate.
Never share in an ordinary message
- passwords or recovery codes;
- one-time banking or sign-in codes;
- full payment-card details;
- online banking credentials;
- a full V5C document reference; or
- unnecessary identity-document numbers.
Check before sending
- who is requesting the information;
- why it is genuinely needed;
- whether a secure upload is available;
- how it will be stored and used; and
- whether irrelevant details can be redacted.
16. Reporting an advert, account or message to CarZoon
Use the report control on the relevant advert when available, visit the Report an Advert page, or email support@carzoon.co.uk.
Include what you can safely and lawfully provide:
- the advert URL, reference or vehicle registration;
- the account, dealer or contact details involved;
- what happened and when;
- the specific statement, payment request or behaviour causing concern;
- relevant screenshots or message headers; and
- whether money, account access or personal information has been lost.
Do not publish accusations, sensitive personal information or banking details in a public review. A report to CarZoon is not a police report and does not guarantee recovery of money.
17. If you paid or shared sensitive information
Contact the bank or payment provider
Use its official number or app immediately. Explain that you may have been deceived and ask what protective, recall or dispute action is available.
Secure your accounts
Change reused or exposed passwords from a trusted device, secure your email first, end unfamiliar sessions and contact providers whose accounts may be affected.
Preserve evidence
Keep the advert URL, messages, numbers, email headers, payment references and timeline. Do not continue engaging merely to gather more evidence.
Report promptly
Report to CarZoon and the appropriate police fraud-reporting route. Report exposed identity documents to the issuing body and monitor financial accounts.
18. Official reporting contacts
Immediate danger
Call 999 if a crime is in progress, there is an immediate threat to life or safety, or emergency assistance is required.
Fraud in Scotland
Report fraud and other financial crime to Police Scotland by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
England, Wales or Northern Ireland
Report cybercrime or fraud through Report Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
Suspicious messages
Follow National Cyber Security Centre phishing guidance. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious texts to 7726.
Reporting routes and contact details can change. Use the linked official websites to confirm current instructions.
19. What CarZoon may do after a report
Depending on the information and risk, CarZoon may:
- review the advert, account, messages and relevant service records;
- request clarification or reasonable supporting evidence;
- warn, restrict, suspend or close an account;
- hide, reject, pause or remove an advert or dealer profile;
- preserve relevant records;
- share information with payment providers, professional advisers, regulators or law enforcement where lawful and appropriate; and
- take no visible action where evidence is insufficient or disclosure would create a legal, security or fraud-prevention risk.
To protect investigations and personal information, we may not be able to tell a reporter every action taken. CarZoon does not determine criminal guilt, legal ownership or private civil liability.
20. Responsibility and legal rights
You remain responsible for deciding whether to meet, test drive, pay, buy, sell or use a third-party service. Apply your own judgement, complete appropriate checks and obtain professional advice where needed.
Nothing on this page excludes or restricts liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of statutory rights, or another liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. Nothing removes a consumer right against a dealer or other trader.
CarZoon is responsible for loss that is a foreseeable result of its breach or failure to use reasonable care and skill. Subject to applicable law, it is not responsible for an independent user's fraud, a transaction to which CarZoon is not a party, or a third party's inaccurate information except to the extent CarZoon's own breach caused or contributed to the loss.
21. Updates and contact
We may update this page as CarZoon features, fraud patterns, official reporting services or safety guidance change. Always use the current official reporting instructions where they differ from this page.
CarZoon Automotive Ltd
Company number: SC882384
5 South Charlotte Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4AN
United Kingdom
Safety reports and support: support@carzoon.co.uk
Website: https://carzoon.co.uk/