Both private sellers and licensed motor car traders advertise online.
Be wary of purchasing a car you have not seen in person. If you decide to buy a car online advertised by a private seller:
- check its status at the VicRoads website
- ensure the registration plate, car identification and engine numbers match the details you obtained through the VicRoads vehicle status check
- physically inspect the car and take it for a test drive before you buy it. For more information, view our Used car vehicle status check page.
When you purchase goods online from overseas or another state, Victorian consumer protection laws may not apply or may offer only limited protection.
If the vehicle is unregistered, obtain a valid receipt of sale from the seller, detailing the seller's name, address and all vehicle identification details.
Online scams
Fake advertisements are appearing on genuine car sales websites, in online classifieds and online auction sites. These scams offer non-existent second-hand vehicles for lower than expected prices.
For more information, visit the Auction and shopping scams page on the SCAMWatch website.
Both private sellers and licensed motor car traders advertise online.
Be wary of purchasing a car you have not seen in person. If you decide to buy a car online advertised by a private seller:
- check its status at the VicRoads website
- ensure the registration plate, car identification and engine numbers match the details you obtained through the VicRoads vehicle status check
- physically inspect the car and take it for a test drive before you buy it. For more information, view our Used car vehicle status check page.
When you purchase goods online from overseas or another state, Victorian consumer protection laws may not apply or may offer only limited protection.
If the vehicle is unregistered, obtain a valid receipt of sale from the seller, detailing the seller's name, address and all vehicle identification details.
Online scams
Fake advertisements are appearing on genuine car sales websites, in online classifieds and online auction sites. These scams offer non-existent second-hand vehicles for lower than expected prices.
For more information, visit the Auction and shopping scams page on the SCAMWatch website.