Car theft and scams are on the increase and criminals are always coming up with new ingenious ways to scam or defraud you. There are many ways criminals can affect car buying and selling. As such, you need to be aware of some potential scams. We have put together some helpful tips to help you avoid being their next unsuspecting target.

KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT USED CAR FRAUD BEFORE YOU BUY
The price of new cars has climbed steadily over the past few years making used cars more attractive than ever. Buying a used car is a great way to stretch your naira, but you will want to learn the facts about the car before you shop. With the recent surge in the used car market, Moto Trader warns consumers that there are scam artists out there who are willing to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.

Moto Trader offers the following advice to avoid becoming a victim of used car fraud:

• Be aware of odometer tampering. Consumers lose millions of naira a year to odometer fraud. Odometer readings may be rolled back or documents can be forged. Making miles disappear helps increase the car's value to the seller, but can mean increased maintenance and repair costs to the buyer.
• Before deciding on a used car, do the math. Industry standards claim the vehicle accumulates approximately 20,000 kilometers per year. If the mileage seems excessively high or low in comparison, find out why. Examine the car for telltale signs. For example, how much wear is on the car's pedals and seats and is it consistent with the miles displayed on the odometer? Remember to ask for importation documents to confirm mileage.
• Be careful of individuals selling used cars from a vacant lot or from the side of the curb. These vehicles may be sold by con men posing as private individual sellers. The car can come with hidden problems. Before buying any used car you should thoroughly research the car and the seller

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IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELLING A CAR
There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of crime when selling your car:

• When selling your car it is worth remembering that thieves can pose as potential buyers – so take extra caution.
• Never let the buyer go on a test drive alone. They may never come back.
• Don’t leave the buyer alone with your keys in the ignition.
• Be careful when accepting cheques or banker’s drafts. If they are fraudulent or counterfeit you will lose your money/car. Like cheques, drafts take time to be cleared so don’t part with your car until you are sure the payment is genuine. If in doubt, contact your bank. It is also worth asking the buyer for identification such as a passport or driving license and satisfying yourself that it looks genuine. If you have doubts, check with the police.

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AVOIDING CAR THEFT
The following are 10 easy steps to avoid having your vehicle stolen.

1. Make sure that the doors are locked, and that the windows and sun-roof are shut(no matter how hot the weather).
2. Park your car where it can be seen, not out of sight. At night, avoid parking in areas with little or no lighting
3. Don't leave any belongings (mobile phone, bags, laptop, cds, etc) on display. You might know that the bag on the back seat is empty, but will the thief?
4. If your music system is removable, take it out.
5. Have your car registration or the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto your windows, windscreen, headlamps and sunroof etc. This puts thieves off stealing your car, and can also lead to retrieval of lost parts.
6. Have immobilizers and car alarms professionally fitted.
7. Car-jacking - it's important to keep your doors locked and windows shut when in built-up areas – especially at traffic lights or at night. If someone tries to pull you over for no apparent reason, drive to a police station, or an area where people are present.
8. When parking your vehicle, look for a spot that is well lit.
9. Remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock, even when the car is parked in your own compound, yard, driveway, office premises or garage. If possible, lock your garage door. Steering locks are a visual and inexpensive way of immobilizing your vehicle – invest in one.
10. If another car appears to be following you, do not drive home. Get the registration number and drive to a police station or area where people are present.

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CAR SNATCHING
Car snatching/jacking is perhaps one of the most dangerous things that can happen when selling a vehicle. This is because a sale of a vehicle relies on a certain amount of trust, which criminals can exploit.

With car security systems getting more sophisticated, thieves are starting to attack the weakest link in the system - the driver. Car jackings in the street, at traffic lights or in petrol stations may make the newspapers, but be aware that car jackers can strike when coming to view your vehicle.

Unfortunately there is little that you can do to stop yourself falling victim to a determined thief, but the following may help:

• Always meet the buyer at a location of your choosing - thieves have been known to trap sellers in unfamiliar locations
• Make sure you have someone with you - a lone seller is far easier prey than two or three of you
• If you do become a victim, surrender the keys and call the police as soon as possible. Do not challenge them, especially if you are at gun point.