📢 Public Service Announcement: Stay Alert for Vehicle Sale Scams

    CarJam is committed to helping New Zealanders buy and sell vehicles safely. Recently, there has been an increase in scams targeting vehicle sellers. Scammers are posing as interested buyers to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Here's how you can stay safe:

    Common Scam Tactics

    • Fake Interest: Scammers may contact you pretending to be genuine buyers.
    • Fraudulent Payments: They may claim to have sent payment via bank transfer or other methods but provide fake proof of payment.
    • Overpayment Requests: Scammers may "accidentally" overpay and ask for a refund before the initial payment clears.
    • Redirect to Fake Services: They might direct you to fake websites or claim to use services like CarJam to add credibility.
    • Fake Report Demands: Scammers may insist they will only buy the vehicle if you purchase a vehicle history report labeled as "MMH" or "VAC" from a specific (and often fraudulent) website.
    • Urgency or Pressure: They may push for a quick sale to prevent you from noticing red flags.

    How to Protect Yourself

    • Verify Payments: Always ensure payments have cleared into your account before releasing the vehicle.
    • Meet in Safe Locations: Arrange meetings in public, well-lit places, and bring a friend if possible.
    • Communicate Through Trusted Channels: Stick to the messaging systems provided by the platform you’re using to sell your vehicle.
    • Use Official Services: For vehicle history checks and ownership transfers, rely only on trusted services like CarJam and NZTA.
    • Avoid Fake Report Purchases: Do not purchase reports from unfamiliar or suspicious websites at a buyer's request.
    • Protect Personal Information: Do not share sensitive personal details or allow buyers access to your documents unless required.

    Signs of a Potential Scam

    • Buyer refuses to meet in person.
    • Communications are overly urgent or use poor grammar.
    • Requests to use third-party payment systems you’re unfamiliar with.
    • Suspicious links to websites that mimic legitimate services.
    • Demands to purchase "MMH" or "VAC" reports from specific websites.

    If You Suspect a Scam

    1. Do not engage further with the potential scammer.
    2. Report the interaction to CERT NZ (www.cert.govt.nz).
    3. If you’ve lost money or provided sensitive information, contact the New Zealand Police immediately.

    CarJam’s Commitment

    We are dedicated to ensuring safe and transparent vehicle transactions for all New Zealanders. If you encounter any suspicious activity involving CarJam, please report it directly to our support team.

    Stay safe and vigilant. Together, we can prevent scams and protect our community.

    — 🙋 FAQ