Oldtimer fraud in Tübingen: How to protect yourself from black sheep!

Oldtimer fraud in Tübingen: How to protect yourself from black sheep!

Tübingen, Deutschland - classic cars are very popular in Germany, but are increasingly also the goal of fraudsters. A current case clearly shows this: A car dealer in Metzingen was sentenced to a high prison sentence by the district court in Reutlingen because he illegally sold vehicles that were entrusted to him by customers for repair. This is not an isolated case; The industry has its "black sheep", but according to Rainer Klink, classic car expert from the Museum Boxenstop in Tübingen, the industry is essentially honest. He does not see more fraudsters than in other sectors and recommends that you always take a expert companion with you when buying a used classic car.

Dominik Mehl, expert at the MEHL engineering office in Tübingen, confirms that fraud is often found in classic car trading. There are several warnings that buyers should consider in order to be cheated. According to oldtimer- event.de , caution is particularly required for cash payments, especially for vehicles over 5,000 euros. Sellers who urge cash payment can be a risk. Buyers should only hand over larger sums in a bank or savings bank during opening hours and write down cash numbers.

tips for fraud prevention

It is advisable to adhere to a "train-tam-train rule" when buying used cars: the vehicle handover should only take place after full payment, and the payment is ideally only taken after receiving all documents and keys. Seller are obliged to submit a written power of attorney and valid personnel documents. The review of the chassis number (FIN/VIN) in all documents is also essential to ensure that there is no fake.

Another risk is foreign banks or cash transfer companies. Buyers should also not make advance payments, not for reserved vehicles, and no banking transactions outside of usual banking paths.

The role of modern technologies

With the increasing values of classic cars, such as the Uhlen skin coupe, which has now reached a record of 135 million euros, falsifying is becoming increasingly sophisticated. According to Sebastian Hoffmann, a car forumist from TÜV Rheinland, the exposure of fake vehicles is becoming increasingly difficult. Counterlers use old vehicle letters and manipulated chassis numbers to sell classic cars, and can make profits of up to one million euros.

Hoffmann uses modern technologies such as X -ray cameras and ultrasonic sensors to check the authenticity of vehicles and make grinding chassis numbers legible. A careful examination can preserve buyers from unpleasant surprises, especially since the market has accepted classic cars international dimensions and buyers from Germany are increasingly taking long distances to find cheap offers.

Finally, it can be said that the classic car market offers many serious sellers, but also attracts fraudsters. Buyers must be vigilant and prepare well to minimize risks. It is important to expand your own expertise through expert opinions and to pay attention to all possible warnings. Further information and tips can be found on the pages of DetailsOrtTübingen, DeutschlandQuellen

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