Buyers should always check the auction sheet, especially when purchasing a Japanese car. Now, consider why you should check for it. Then, the answer is that the sheet always provides detailed information about the car’s condition, accident or repair history, or any potential issues. The problem is that not all auction sheets are genuine. The fake or tampered auction sheets can misguide buyers into purchasing a faulty imported car that can have hidden defects.
This blog will explain why people engage in fake auction sheet scams and provide tips on how to spot a phony auction sheet, helping buyers avoid used car scams.
Why Do People Commit Auction Sheet Scams?
People typically commit auction sheet scams for the following reasons.
- They want to hide defects or damage that has been caused to the car in the past.
- They commit the scam by proposing a higher price for their vehicle while showing fewer issues in the car to the buyers.
- The sellers can mislead buyers and potentially scam them by altering auction sheets to sell their cars in poor condition.
7 Tips on How to Spot a Fake Auction Sheet
Mismatch between the Auction Sheet and the Car Condition
One of the most reliable ways to spot a fake auction report is to match the car’s condition with what is listed on the sheet. If the buyers easily observe scratches, dents, or marks on the vehicle, and the auction sheet indicates that it has no damage, then this is a significant red flag.
Pro Tip: Buyers should always seek professional car inspection services, where expert technicians can evaluate the actual condition of the car’s exterior and interior rather than relying solely on the auction sheet.
Unusual Grades
The car might seem suspicious to the buyers if it has an unusual grading system. The buyers need to be alert here if a car with good grades, such as 5 or 6, is being sold at a lower price compared to similar cars with a higher price tag. High-grade cars are rare and typically come with a high price tag.
Blurry or Low-quality Auction Sheet
The blurry or low-quality auction sheets are usually fake. Some sellers use blurry or low-resolution auction reports to hide changes such as the mileage or vehicle’s grade. Therefore, if the auction sheet is not easily readable or has been altered, buyers should proceed with caution.
Pro Tip: Buyers should always ask for clear and high-resolution images, and the legitimate seller should not have a problem providing them.
Inconsistent Information
The car’s details, including make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), must match those on the auction sheet. If it does not, then it is likely that you are dealing with a fake or scam report.
Pro Tip: Always cross-check the details from the car’s registration documents or use an online VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to verify the car’s details with the auction sheet.
Check the Authorized Auction Sheet Verification Platform
Buyers should always look for authorized online auction sheet verification websites and can obtain an authentic report by simply entering the car’s details. One such reliable platform is PakWheels, where buyers can obtain transparent and genuine information about their vehicle by simply entering the car’s chassis number. Afterwards, they need to enter the following:
- Name
- Phone Number
Upon filling out the above information, the buyers will pay their online dues, and a link will be sent to them via SMS. They can access the link, and a digital report will be displayed on the screen containing the following information:
- Auction grade
- Transmission
- Chassis number
- Mileage
- Color
- Date of auction
- Auction sold price
Altered Mileage Figures
The sixth and another most common scam in fake auction sheets is the alteration of mileage figures to show lower usage of the car. Odometer fraud is a common car scam that needs to be avoided. Therefore, before buying, buyers always need to verify the car’s mileage with its service history or by using third-party tools.
Unprofessional and Incomplete Translation
Don’t rely on unprofessional and incomplete auction sheets that are translated from Japanese into English. Furthermore, the sheets should have no spelling or grammatical mistakes if translated by professional translators.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, the buyers need to follow these tips to spot a fake auction sheet easily. Most sellers are honest. However, some individuals attempt to deceive buyers with counterfeit documents. Always double-check everything, and if something seems off, it’s better to walk away from the deal than end up with a problematic car.
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