Used car-parts scam in Ireland

lanos

Here's a new scam doing the rounds in Ireland.

if you need a used car part, you might decide to use a part locating service.
so you register your details and submit your part request. within 24 hours you will probably get a few responses by email from car dismantlers.

however you may also receive a phone call if you supply a phone number.
The guy who rings you (usually with a northern Ireland accent) has no car part but he says he has your part.

so how did he find out you need a part ?
probably got the info from a dodgy member of the parts network.
so he tells you he has your part and will send it by next-day-delivery
however he takes your card and address details and pretends to debit your card but he doesn't really, the card details will be sold later.

So how does he gain your confidence ?
Because he must be part of the reputable parts network to have your details, right?....wrong !! well not officially anyway.

So what's to stop any retailer abusing your card information when you give it over the phone. when an actual transaction takes place, there is a link between you and the retailer. if no transaction takes place, there is no link and he can sell your card info.
if a dodgy card merchant sold 5 sets of card credentials in a month, the fraud dept. would be wise to it very quickly and shut down the scam.

however, this way, it is untraceable

How to protect yourself

1. if you get an unsolicited call, ask for the company name and look them up and ring them back or better still, don't deal with this approach.
2. Use a Debit card and not a Credit card. Debit card transactions appear on your online banking immediately. Once the correct amount is debited, the link between you and him is established and he won't dare try to sell your details.
3. if you inadvertently give your details and no transaction appears, cancel the card immediately. you should be ok for a day or two but it is also possible that fraudulent transactions could occur much sooner.

tell your mates about this

greasepalm

was that new and used car parts in ireland only as i got a uk email one sent to me?

http://www.whatpart.co.uk/

lanos

greasepalm wrote: »

was that new and used car parts in ireland only as i got a uk email one sent to me?

http://www.whatpart.co.uk/

no it wasn't
the part finding service is probably not in any way dodgy.

one of the members has probably passed on the details to a scammer.
and that can happen to any part finding website

so I would be reluctant to pass on the details in a public forum.

however I will respond to PMs if somebody really wants to know.

greasepalm

yes please would like a pm as the odd time have to go looking cheers.

lanos

I sent PM but I got no indication it was sent. I'll check tomorrow in work.

greasepalm

yes all 6 received thanks.

Nekarsulm

Have used Breakeryard in the UK , and found it OK. Are they using that site, or an Irish one?