What is the safest way to get paid when selling a car?

A bank transfer that you have confirmed has cleared in your own banking app. Avoid cheques, and never rely on payment screenshots or emails.

Should I let someone test drive my car alone?

No. Always accompany test drives, check the buyer’s licence and insurance, and keep hold of the keys.

How to Avoid Scams When Selling Your Car

The short answer

The golden rule when selling a car is never hand over the keys or V5C until the money has fully cleared in your bank account — check your banking app, not a screenshot or email. Watch out for overpayment scams, fake payment confirmations, buyers who pressure you, and test drives without you in the car.

Key points

Only release the car when funds show as cleared in your own banking app.
Never accept "overpayments" or refund the difference to a buyer.
Ignore payment confirmation emails or screenshots — they are easy to fake.
Accompany every test drive and keep the keys in your hand when you get out.
Check the buyer’s insurance covers them before a test drive.

Fake payment confirmations

A common scam is a fake "payment sent" email or banking screenshot. UK Faster Payments usually arrive within minutes, so log into your own banking app and confirm the money is there before handing anything over.

Overpayment scams

A "buyer" pays more than the asking price — often by cheque or a transfer that is later reversed — and asks you to send back the difference. The original payment then bounces. Never refund an overpayment.

Test drive theft

Always go on the test drive, check the buyer’s driving licence and insurance, and never leave the keys in the ignition when you swap seats.

Why selling to a buying service is safer

Selling to an established buying service removes most of these risks: there are no strangers visiting your home, and payment is made by bank transfer before you hand over the car.

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