The Most Common Used Car Scams of 2025 and How to Avoid Them

This guide breaks down the used car scams that caused the most financial damage in 2025. You’ll learn how they work, what the warning signs look like, and how to protect yourself before you hand over money. The goal is simple. No panic. Just awareness. And clear steps that help you stay one step ahead.

One thing remained consistent all year. A full history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk was still the fastest way to block most scams before they had a chance to escalate. History reports saved UK buyers thousands of pounds by exposing mileage issues, hidden write offs, outstanding finance, and seller inconsistencies.

Let’s walk through the scams that defined 2025.

The Most Common Used Car Scams of 2025

1. Fake Listings Driven by AI Photos

The biggest scam of 2025 involved AI generated car photos. Scammers used tools to create hyper realistic images of cars that never existed. They posted them on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and even smaller dealer sites.

How the scam works:

• the scammer uses AI to create a clean car photo with no imperfections

• the price is set slightly below market to tempt fast buyers

• the seller claims the car is away, abroad, or with a shipping company

• buyer is asked to pay a small deposit to secure it

Warning signs:

• perfectly clean photos with no driveway marks, reflections, or shadows

• seller refuses video calls

• ads with identical descriptions across multiple locations

How to avoid it:

• ask for a real time walk around video with today’s date

• run the reg through TopCarCheck.co.uk to confirm it exists

• never pay any deposit without seeing the car in person

2. Cloned Cars With Copycat Number Plates

Cloning hit a massive peak in 2025. Criminals copied the plates from a genuine car and put them on a stolen or unroadworthy vehicle.

How the scam works:

• scammer finds a car with the same model, colour, and trim

• they duplicate the number plate

• they advertise the stolen car under the identity of the real one

Warning signs:

• seller avoids meeting at their home

• cheap price for a high demand model

• VIN number on the windscreen doesn’t match the reg data

• service history with mismatched dates

How to avoid it:

• check all VIN locations manually

• match VIN to the number plate through TopCarCheck

• insist on meeting at the seller’s home with the car cold

3. Mileage Tampering and Digital Odometer Rewrites

Clocking didn’t die when digital dashboards arrived. It just upgraded. In 2025, scammers used plug in tools to rewrite odometer values in minutes.

Why it’s common:

• higher mileage cars are harder to sell

• tampering tools are cheap

• many buyers still focus on mileage above all else

Warning signs:

• worn interior with low mileage

• smooth pedals with high age

• incomplete or irregular MOT history

• past mileage drops in a TopCarCheck report

How to avoid it:

• inspect seat bolsters, wheel wear, pedal condition, and button shine

• verify mileage trends with MOT data

• run a full mileage check before viewing

4. Deposit Fraud Through Fake Transport Services

2025 saw a rise in fake “delivery included” scams. These relied on fake transport company websites that looked legitimate.

How the scam works:

• scammer says the car is with a shipping or transport partner

• they provide a tracking link (usually fake)

• buyer pays a deposit or full amount

• tracking link stops updating after payment

Warning signs:

• transport company website created recently

• no UK customer support line

• seller refuses local collection

• unrealistic delivery timelines

How to avoid it:

• never pay for a car you haven’t seen

• google search the transport company with “scam”

• compare the registration with a TopCarCheck report to confirm the car is real

5. Write Off Cars Sold as Clean Cars

Sellers tried to offload repaired write offs by hiding their category status. Many of these cars looked clean at first glance but had structural damage underneath.

Why it grew in 2025:

• cost of living pressure pushed buyers toward cheaper deals

• many Category S and N models were repaired cheaply

• sellers relied on fast online sales to hide defects

Warning signs:

• fresh paint that doesn’t match surrounding panels

• crash damage around boot floor or engine bay

• airbags missing or replaced with resistors

• seller avoids providing the V5C

How to avoid it:

• run a write off check at TopCarCheck

• inspect panel alignment

• look for non OEM bolts or fresh seam sealer

6. Outstanding Finance Sold as “Private Sale”

Finance scams increased as buyers rushed to grab cheap deals. Many didn’t realise that you cannot legally sell a car still under finance unless it’s settled before transfer.

How the scam works:

• seller with outstanding finance lists the car

• buyer pays the seller

• finance company still owns the car

• finance company can repossess it at any time

Warning signs:

• price lower than comparable cars

• seller pushes for fast payment

• no proof of finance settlement

• TopCarCheck shows active finance on the reg

How to avoid it:

• always check finance status before paying

• ask for written proof of settlement

• walk away if the seller becomes defensive

7. Keyless Theft Cars Sold With “Normal Wear” Stories

Keyless theft hit record levels in 2025. Many stolen cars were resold quickly through “private sellers” who had no paperwork beyond a V5C copy.

Warning signs:

• only one key

• V5C doesn’t match seller’s address

• seller refuses to show ID

• car unlocked but key mysteriously “lost”

How to avoid it:

• confirm stolen markers through TopCarCheck

• always ask for two keys

• insist on seeing the seller’s address match the V5C

8. Fake Service History Books

2025 saw a spike in fully stamped service books bought online. They looked legitimate at first glance but had no matching garage records.

Warning signs:

• stamps that look identical

• missing invoices

• inconsistent handwriting

• no garage details

How to avoid it:

• check MOT service notes

• contact garages listed in the book

• match service mileage with online MOT history

9. Part Exchange Scams Targeting Private Sellers

Not all scams target buyers. Some hit sellers.

How the scam works:

• scammer offers a part exchange

• they bring a car with hidden issues or false paperwork

• they pressure the seller to accept a quick trade

• once done, seller discovers the part exchange vehicle is worthless

How to avoid it:

• never accept part exchanges privately

• run both vehicles through TopCarCheck

• insist on full paperwork before trading

10. Fake “Holding Deposits” Requested by Dealers Without Viewings

Some rogue traders pretended to be legitimate dealers. They asked for small deposits just to “hold the car.”

How the scam works:

• buyer sends £100 to £500 to secure a car

• the dealer disappears

• multiple buyers paid for the same car

Warning signs:

• dealer cannot be found on Companies House

• website built on a basic template

• landline number not working

How to avoid it:

• never pay to reserve a car you haven’t seen

• check the dealer’s office address on Google Maps

• search their business name + “reviews”

Table of 2025’s Most Common Used Car Scams

How to Avoid All Used Car Scams in 2026

1. Never skip a full history check

TopCarCheck.co.uk can reveal cloned plates, write off alerts, mileage drops, and finance issues.

2. Always view the car in person

If the seller refuses, it’s a red flag.

3. Match the seller’s address to the V5C

Genuine sellers won’t object.

4. Bring someone with you

Two sets of eyes are always better.

5. Never pay deposits to private sellers

Dealers sometimes charge them, but private sellers should not.

6. Check MOT history for inconsistencies

Look for sudden mileage drops or repeated advisories.

7. Trust your instincts

If something feels rushed or inconsistent, walk away.

Conclusion

Used car scams in 2025 were more advanced, more digital, and more aggressive than past years. But they also became easier to avoid when buyers used the right tools, asked the right questions, and stayed alert.

The best protection is knowledge. When you know what the most common scams look like, you’re nearly impossible to trick. And when you pair that knowledge with a full vehicle history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk, you remove almost every hidden risk from the process.

Buying a used car should feel exciting, not stressful. With the right checks and a clear plan, you can stay safe, stay confident, and find a car that matches your budget without falling into a single trap.