Buying a car? Kildare experts warn you not to be duped by cunning scams like these:

Experts have warned motorists to be wary of common scams when buying a new car.

Vehicle records firm Cartell.ie, which is based in Clane, said the motor market can be treacherous for the buyer, and sometimes for the seller, of a vehicle.

Here are some of the current scams in the market which consumers needs to be aware of to avoid being duped. Stolen cars

Watch out for stolen vehicles as they are often sold onwards quickly after being stolen and are often offered for sale in carparks. Verify the Chassis Number (VIN) and Vehicle Registration Certificate Number (VRC) as part of a vehicle history check with Cartell.ie or one of our competitors.

Fake bank-draft

A potential buyer uses a falsified bank draft, usually late on a Friday evening not giving the seller a chance to get to a bank to verify it.

Fake deposit

A fake seller is looking for money to be deposited into the seller’s bank account before “releasing the vehicle” to the buyer. In all cases the seller does not have the vehicle.  The fake seller will cut and paste photos from the legitimate ad and create a false advertisement. Cartell.ie spokesman John Byrne said: “The purchase of a car is a major transaction and for some it may be their first time, or, it may have been years since they last entered the market.

"It’s important to first verify all documentation, before considering payment, and keep the transaction at arm’s length – in other words don’t be too trusting of the other party – make sure everything is right before handing over your money or accepting a bank-draft.”

Cartell.ie was set up in 2006 to help buyers make an informed choice when buying a used vehicle – including imported vehicles – by providing vehicle data checking service.