Fraud Awareness Tips
Because there is no foolproof way to prevent fraud, awareness is the best defense. Please review our tips below, and use your best judgment in all transactions.
Please be aware that AutoIndia.com does not Own, buy or sell vehicles listed on our website. We do not offer automotive warehousing or shipping services. We do not get involved in transactions between buyers and sellers. We do not ask you for personal or financial information via email. We do not Inspect vehicles listed on our website for stolen, repair, flood damage.
Common-Sense Advice for Buyers
Buying a vehicle you find online is a lot like buying a vehicle through a classified ad in the newspaper. In either case, use your best judgment.
Know the vehicle’s market value
Be suspicious of a vehicle priced significantly below market value. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We recommend you to determine a competitive price for your vehicle in your local market by checking the similar models listed in AutoIndia.com. Keep in mind, asking price can vary based on factors like the vehicle's condition, mileage, options, trim, etc.
Obtain a vehicle history report
A vehicle history report can provide useful information, such as who holds the title to the vehicle and whether the vehicle has been in an accident reported to authorities. A SMARTCHECK vehicle history report can provide useful information, whether the vehicle has been in ever reported stolen.
Inspect the vehicle
Schedule an inspection with a professional mechanic or an inspection service if the vehicle is not in your area. An early inspection can help you identify problems. However, keep in mind that an inspection isn't a warranty and won't guarantee a vehicle is free from defects or that inspectors have identified all existing problems.
Confirm contact information
Before you send payment, verify the seller's street address and phone number- an email address is not enough. Name and addresses should match up. Be wary if the seller is located overseas.
Use email wisely
Avoid sending sensitive personal or financial information (such as your bank account number or credit card number) to a seller via email. Remember that email communications are not secure and can be easily forwarded to others.
Get a detailed receipt and agreements
Ask the seller for a receipt that states whether the vehicle is being sold with a warranty or "as is."
Get title to the vehicle
Make sure you know what's required in your state to transfer title to the vehicle you're buying.
Common-Sense Advice for Sellers
Selling a vehicle you find online is a lot like selling a vehicle through a classified ad in the newspaper. In either case, use your best judgment.
Be particularly wary of buyers willing to purchase your vehicle sight-unseen, especially buyers located overseas. Always verify the buyer's address and phone number.
Secure payment first
Do not transfer the title until you have payment in hand at the agreed upon price.
Verify that a certified check is genuine
Before you deposit a certified check, verify authenticity with the issuing bank-not just your bank. Make sure the account contains sufficient funds and the issuing bank guarantees payment on the check. It may take a week or more for the check to clear. It hasn't cleared just because your bank has accepted it and credited your account.
Beware of overpayment or other complicated payment schemes
Don't agree to any plan where the buyer asks to send a cheque for more than the sale price and requests that the seller refund the difference. And be suspicious of any buyer who proposes making payment through a friend or agent of the buyer.
How to Report Fraud
Help us stop fraud. If you receive a suspicious email, let us and law enforcement know right away.
Step 1: Forward any suspicious emails to us immediately at fraudwatch@autoindia.com. Don't change the subject line or send it as an attachment-doing so could prevent us from identifying trends and preventing similar scams. To speak directly to a Fraud Watch Customer Service Representative, call 91-44-30280600 (Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. IST).
Step 2: File a complaint with the respective local police/law enforcement agencies.
We strongly recommend that you report fraud to police law enforcement. AutoIndia.com investigates all reports in an effort to protect our customers against future fraud. However, it's not likely we can help you get your money back. And we can't arrest the thieves who stole it.