Buying a car online offers many advantages, but it's also a gateway for professional scams. One particularly insidious method is the so-called "shipping company trick." Victims often only contact a lawyer when the vehicle is supposedly already on its way, a delivery has been announced, or the purchase price has been transferred, without the car ever being handed over. Even in this situation, legal action is advisable.
The shipping scam combines elements of the advance payment trap with a seemingly professional process. Precisely because the process appears structured, comprehensible, and reputable at first glance, many buyers only recognize the fraud very late.
What is the shipping company trick when buying a car?
In the shipping scam, the seller claims the vehicle is located elsewhere, or even abroad, and cannot be handed over in person. Instead, it will be delivered by a shipping company. The seller explains that this is necessary for professional, family, or logistical reasons. Often, an international connection is established, for example, through alleged stays abroad or previous residences.
Subsequently, buyers receive fake shipping confirmations, fabricated invoices, tracking numbers, or links to deceptively realistic websites of alleged logistics companies. The aim is to create trust and trigger a payment, either for the purchase price, shipping costs, or supposed insurance services. Delivery never occurs.
Why the shipping company trick is particularly dangerous
The shipping company scam is so convincing because it suggests a well-organized process. Buyers believe they are part of a structured delivery procedure. The geographical distance is presented as a legitimate reason, not a warning sign. The involvement of a supposed shipping company creates the impression of a neutral third party, further reinforcing the deception.
Many victims only realize they've been scammed when delivery dates are repeatedly postponed or contact is suddenly broken off. By this time, the money has usually already been transferred.
Money transferred – is this a case of fraud?
Legally, fraud occurs if the seller never intended to deliver the vehicle and deceived the buyer with false information about delivery, shipping, or payment security in order to gain a financial advantage. This is particularly the case if the shipping company does not exist or was deliberately used as part of the deception.
Even if the process appeared professional or documents were presented, this does not rule out fraud. On the contrary, forged documents are a typical tool used in this scam.
What steps are advisable after discovering the shipping company's scam?
Even if the money has already been transferred, one shouldn't prematurely assume the case is hopeless. A swift legal assessment is crucial. Payment methods, recipient accounts, communication histories, and websites used can provide starting points for further action. Furthermore, filing a police report promptly is important to enable investigations and secure evidence.
Is there any chance of getting the money back?
Whether a refund is possible depends on the individual case. Factors such as the timing of the transfer, the type of recipient account, the speed of the response, and the possibility of identifying the perpetrator are crucial. Even if a full refund cannot be guaranteed, a legal review is advisable in many cases to explore all possible options.
How to protect yourself from the shipping company trick
A significant warning sign is any situation in which a vehicle cannot or should not be handed over in person. Vehicles should always be inspected and handed over on-site. Payments made before handover or to foreign accounts carry a high risk. Anyone who is put under time pressure or confronted with seemingly professional delivery procedures should scrutinize the process very carefully and, if in doubt, seek legal advice.
Support from our law firm
If you have fallen victim to a shipping company scam when buying a car, or suspect that a supposed delivery is merely a hoax, early legal review is advisable. Our firm analyzes the entire process, assesses the legal situation, and supports you in enforcing any potential claims. The goal is to limit financial losses and develop a legally sound course of action.
