Safety tips for buyers

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.