Many motorists in Cameroon are aware of the fact that there are a lot of used car scams and frauds out there. Sadly, most do not know exactly what these scams are and how to identify them before it is too late. There is no need to worry anymore because there are insights on these scams below.
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Types of Second-Hand or Used Cars For Sale in Cameroon
Below are the common brands or sub-brands of used cars sold in Cameroon:
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Avensis
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Yaris
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Camry
- Mercedes Benz
- Honda Accord
- Volkswagen Vento
- KIA Rio and Hyundai Accent
- Honda City
These cars are usually sold in Douala, Yaounde, and Bamenda.
Used Car For Sale Price Scams in Cameroon Buyers Must Know Before Buying
These are the common scams employed by fraudsters in Cameroon and beyond looking to defraud you of your money when looking to purchase a car:
1. Clocking
Perhaps the scam that most are familiar with, clocking, is the practice of rewinding the odometer. This makes the vehicle more desirable so that higher prices can be negotiated. Carefully examine the area around the odometer for any signs of tampering, such as scratches.
You should also view the Ministry of transport history to list the mileage at the last check. It will also indicate whether or not the odometer has been changed.
2. Car Money Transfer Scams
These scams typically occur online -you must always be extra vigilant online. The first is where the seller claims that the car will be shipped from overseas once payment has been made – this will be fake, and the seller will vanish after taking your money.
Read Also: Common Online Scams in Cameroon.
The other is a deposit scam where they pressure you into putting down a deposit to secure the vehicle. Again, they will disappear after receiving your money. Avoid both by always viewing a car in person and meeting the seller or insisting that you select a third party to hold the funds.
3. Stolen Car Scams
It can be tough to spot a stolen car, but there are some signs, such as meager prices and the seller not meeting you at their house. To be entirely sure, carrying out that vehicle check is crucial.
This will flag whether or not it is stolen and anything else the seller might be attempting to hide. They can be outstanding finance or unpaid insurance.
4. Cut and Shut
Cut and Shut automobiles have been assembled from two or more written-off cars. This is an illegal practice, not to mention they are incredibly dangerous to drive.
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Look for mismatched panels or signs that the vehicle has been re-sprayed, but the best way to spot a cut and shut is with a history report indicating if it has been written off.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to spot scams sometimes, so you should always take the initiative to carry out history checks to ensure that the vehicle and seller are legitimate. Car Scams in Cameroon.
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