There are few simple steps you can follow to protect yourself online through every stage of the buying process.
Step 1: Searching for trucks
Keep an eye out for significantly undervalued truck – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Step 2: Contacting the seller
- Prepare some questions about the truck to ask the seller to help verify that they are genuine and that the trucks is as described
- Do not provide the seller with your personal identification details like a copy of your licence or banking information.
- Read our help center article on what to do if you think a seller is suspicious
Step 3: Inspecting the truck
- Arrange to meet at a neutral location like a police station car park and try to take someone with you
- Before you test drive the truck, make sure your insurance covers test drives
- Find out the legal status of the truck before paying a deposit. Buying a PPSR Report will give you peace-of-mind as you can quickly determine if the truck has ever been recorded as stolen or written off, has any finance owing on it
- If you do choose to put a deposit down, make sure you get a receipt stamped with the date and time and the sellers licence details.
Step 4: Making an offer
- Do your research and know the value of the truck before making a deal. Visit Redbook.com.au for detailed vehicle information including price guides and valuations
- Remember to confirm the VIN matches the compliance plate on the vehicle.
Step 5: Paying the seller
- Use a method of payment that provides you with proof of purchase like a receipt or email confirmation directly from the provider
- Ask for a signed receipt with the date and time to confirm payment
- Never send cash in the mail
- Check our security updates regularly for important information.
Any information on this page is provided as a guide only. It is not professional or expert advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The content may not be appropriate, correct or sufficient for your circumstances and should not be relied on as the only reason you do or don’t do anything.