Beware of buyers claiming to be from Botswana

legal updates

An email arrives claiming that the buyer is in Botswana and wants to pay by bank transfer for it there and then for the price advertised.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

A car advert was placed in a motoring publication for sale by our client. Nothing unusual with that or unique about the car – it was a fairly mundane model up for sale for about £3k and advertised with an unknown minor problem with the engine.

An email arrives claiming that the buyer is in Botswana and wants to pay by bank transfer for it there and then for the price advertised.  The deal goes ahead and the car is loaded up in a somewhat unprofessional manner.

A few hours later and a call came from the “buyer” saying he no longer wants the car due to the engine issue.  And that the car is in the port for our client to collect and to transfer the money back to him.

We urged great caution – our client had no evidence to show that he was entitled to recover it.  The port is massive with thousands of cars there.  It is suspected that this is a scam whereby the vehicle has been exported and the “buyer” (having secured trust in paying by bank transfer) tries to end up with both the vehicle and his cash back.

Confirmation is awaited from the relevant enforcement agency but it all sounds very dubious…  especially when one reads this: www.4x4web.co.uk/scamexamples.html  Lawgistics cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites.

Wearewood Services LtdMotor Trade Web Specialists

We offer an all-encompassing web, digital & design service specially tailored to the Motor Industry.

Dennis ChapmanIn remembrance of Dennis Chapman 1951 -2015Read More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Data Discrepancies: When a clean car becomes a Cat S

Furthermore, the vehicle was clearly not of unsatisfactory quality, having been driven nearly 10,000 miles by the claimant. It also passed an MOT during their ownership.

Don’t Get Caught Out: Your Essential Part Exchange Checklist

Part exchanges can quickly become costly if a trade-in isn’t as described. Learn what to ask and how to protect yourself with our practical checklist.

Coincidence or Cause? When Timing Leads to Claims

A motorcycle engine seized just 30 miles after a service, sparking a claim of negligence. Find out how this case unfolded in court and why coincidence doesn’t always mean liability.

Elusive Vehicle Noises: What to Do When You Can’t Find the Fault

More customers are reporting strange noises that seem impossible to trace. Learn practical steps to recreate, record, and address these elusive issues while protecting your business.

AI is the future – but treat it with care!

AI can be a powerful ally—but recent cases show its misuse can lead to serious consequences, even contempt of court.

The devil is in the detail

A solid report can make or break your legal case, but even minor mistakes can be costly. Learn what details to double-check in vehicle reports and how to avoid common pitfalls that could undermine your evidence in court.

Major changes to UK Consumer Law have landed

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has introduced sweeping updates to UK consumer law, including powerful new enforcement tools for the CMA.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.