Don’t give your personal details out over email.
That’s the message from Deals On Wheels, after reports of customers receiving emails asking to confirm or supply website login or credit card details.
We have also received reports of machinery advertised with unusually low sale prices. These emails provide detailed information on the vehicle, which is often located abroad, and pressure the buyer into making a payment to secure the vehicle for a viewing.
Please note, Deals On Wheels does not offer a facility to verify transactions or pass on information between buyers and sellers. Deals On Wheels will not act as an intermediary or arrange or confirm shipping arrangements. We will not direct users from an email straight to a payment or ‘shopping cart’ page.
While we run suspect trader processes and work with the police with our database, you should always be aware of the too good to be true ad. Do not put any monies into non NZ bank accounts. Overseas bogus sellers are a common scam, contacting you directly or pretending to be reputable organisations.
Hoax, counterfeit, bogus and stolen vehicles and items can slip through and appear as the real deal. It is important to read the advertisement description carefully and ask questions. It is common for fraudsters to ask for contact via another email address and ask for payment for goods by non-traceable means. Always ask questions – is there a warranty, receipt?
Always report fraud and doubtful items or traders to us: customerservice@dealsonwheels.co.nz
Links for more information:
· www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/scamwatch/index.html
· www.netsafe.org.nz
· www.police.govt.nz
· www.consumer.org.nz
· www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/disputes_tribunals.html
· www.nzpost.co.nz
Trade safely – recommended payment methods
As you are no doubt aware some payment options offer more protection than others, so be sure to select a method of payment that makes you feel comfortable. If you are not comfortable with the payment mechanism then walk away from the deal.
Payment options include:
- Pay on pick-up – really good for higher value goods and for local buying. You’ll be able inspect the goods to ensure they are as advertised.
- Cash – used for thousands of years and still going. We suggest you get a receipt.
- Cheque – recommended if agreeable to the seller. You give or send the seller a personal or bank cheque to pay for the item. Most banks will allow you to cancel a cheque before it is cashed if a problem arises.
- Internet bank payment – deposit the payment directly into the seller’s bank account through internet banking. You’ve got the seller’s bank account number, which is of course traceable. Do not put any monies into non NZ bank accounts.
- Credit card – you can benefit from your credit card’s protection clauses. However, we suggest you find out the detail of the protection from your credit card issuer.
Loss or damage claims via the Post such as parts, spares or manuals: The buyer claims to not have received the goods or they have arrived damaged.
You can contact NZ Post about lost and damaged items.
See their site at: http://www.nzpost.co.nz/Cultures/en-NZ/CustomerService/CustomerInquiryForm
Remember:
It is essential for you to trust the seller – and be sure the vehicle is genuine – before parting with any money, even a small deposit.