How can you stay safe from scams?

Criminals are always looking for new ways to trick people into handing over their cars, money, or personal possessions. The most effective scams often feel legitimate – the person sounds convincing, the paperwork looks real, and everything seems “normal” until it’s too late.

Awareness is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. Below are three common scams we’re seeing, along with practical steps you can take to stay safe.

Test drive hijacking

When selling a car privately, it’s common for a buyer to ask for a test drive. Criminals may use this moment to take control of the situation –  not only to steal the car, but also to gain access to anything else they can get their hands on.

Stay safe when selling your car privately:
• Meet buyers in a public place during the day.
• Don’t test drive alone – take someone with you where possible.
• Limit the valuables you carry with you.
• Only hand over your keys when you’re inside the car, and take them back before you step out.

Online selling scams

Online platforms can be a convenient way to sell a car or other valuables – but they’re also used by criminals who rely on fake payments and pressure tactics.

A “buyer” agrees to purchase the car or goods and sends what looks like proof of payment, but is actually a forged deposit slip or fake internet payment confirmation. They then create urgency to collect the car or goods immediately, hoping you’ll hand it over before you notice the funds haven’t cleared.

Some criminals take it further by claiming they have accidentally overpaid or paid the wrong amount, and ask you to refund the difference. In this scenario, the seller can lose the car and the refunded money.

How to protect yourself:
• Never hand over the car or paperwork until funds have fully cleared in your bank account.
• Be cautious of anyone who creates urgency to collect.
• If in doubt, verify directly with your bank.

Fraudulent technicians
Another worrying trend involves individuals impersonating vehicle tracker device technicians. These criminals phone customers claiming that their tracking device is faulty and an urgent appointment is needed.

For safety and security reasons, it’s not unusual for tracking work to be done out of view of the client. Criminals take advantage of this by asking for your keys and using the opportunity to drive off with your car.

How to identify real Tracker technicians:
• Our technicians wear a standard uniform with Tracker branding.
• They usually travel in Tracker-branded vehicles.
• All customer communication is conducted through official Tracker channels.

If you ever have doubts about a message, call or appointment, please contact us directly on 0860 60 50 40 to verify it before taking any action.

If you find yourself the victim of a scam, report the incident immediately to the police, your bank, the online platform where the scam took place, and your tracking company. The faster you act, the greater the chance of recovering your car or preventing further loss.

Tracker is aware of these scams and is working closely with law enforcement to protect our customers and their vehicles. Your safety and peace of mind remain our priority.


What should I know?
What are the most common car selling scams I should watch out for?
• Test drive hijacking where criminals steal your car during a test drive.
• Fake payment scams where buyers send forged deposit slips or payment confirmations.
• Overpayment scams where scammers claim they paid too much and request a refund.

How can I verify if someone claiming to be from Tracker is legitimate?
• Our technicians wear a standard uniform with Tracker branding.
• They usually travel in Tracker-branded vehicles.
• All customer communication is conducted through official Tracker channels.

What should I do if I'm a Tracker customer and suspect a scam?
Contact Tracker immediately on 0860 60 50 40 to verify whether the appointment or communication is legitimate.