As incredible as it may seem, more and more people are finding themselves ripped off when attempting to buy a car they have seen advertised on eBay.

The deception itself is smooth and clinically executed - don't allow yourself to be the next unwitting victim.

How it works;

A fraudulent seller uses stolen images of a genuine car to place either an auction or a classified ad. They list it with a stated buy it now price that is usually just over half of the vehicle's lowest market value and invite potential buyers to email them.

Having initiated contact the potential buyer is asked for their name, address and eBay user ID.

Within a matter of hours, often much sooner, the fraudulent seller sends the prospective purchaser a series of emails that appear to come from eBay.

These emails all follow the same pattern.

1. A detailed missive claiming that the car is currently abroad but of English origin. This is most commonly explained by claims that the owner is in the armed forces.

2. A forged 'Congratulations the item is yours' email - similar to the ones you get at the end of any auction you win.

3. A confirmation of the transaction email - usually this claims to come from SafeHarbour, eBay itself or another organisation called Square Trade.

This email tells the buyer that eBay have confirmed the seller's credentials and that the seller has lodged an amount of money in excess of the value of the sale with them to ensure the buyer's money is safe.

eBay do not offer any such service.

4. A forged email from a shipping company - such as TNT, that appears to confirm the vehicle is in a container and on its way to the buyer.

5. A forged request from eBay to send the seller a cash payment through Western Union or any of a dozen other money transfer services.

eBay NEVER endorse the use of these payment methods, indeed most are outlawed.

What happens next is almost inevitable.

The buyer sends the agreed payment or deposit and waits for their car to arrive - which of course it never does.

The buyer then attempts to claim on the insurance eBay supplied only to discover that no such insurance exists.

The buyer reports the deception to the Police who, although sympathetic, are unable to do a great deal to help because the money has been collected in a foreign country and often one that is outside the European Union.

Never buy a car from an eBay seller if the option to go and view it before you buy isn't available to you.

Never rely solely on a HPI report - remember these scammers are using stolen photographs of genuine cars - any HPI report you initiate on that registration plate will only tell you that the car in the photograph hasn't been stolen, it will not confirm that the seller has the vehicle in his possession.

Do use common sense and remember the age old addage;

If it looks too good to be true - it probably is too good to be true.

:0)