Following a recent incident where a car was never returned from a test drive, The National Crime Victims Helpline has urged private car sellers to be wary of the potential loss of their car to thieves posing as buyers.
The Crime Victims Helpline recently answered a call from a distressed woman reporting the theft of her car. She had advertised the car for sale and a thief posing as a potential buyer turned up and asked to take the vehicle for a test drive. They never returned.
Although the crime was reported to the Gardai, the motorist's insurance company refused to make any payment, as the keys to the car were voluntarily surrendered.
Maeve Ryan, Co-Coordinator of the Crime Victims Helpline, said today (June 28, 2010), "When this person had her car stolen, she understandably found the experience very distressing. Many people use the internet and media outlets to sell and buy items and few experience any difficulty. We are highlighting this case to make people aware of the potential dangers of selling goods to unknown customers."
"Our main role is to assist people who have been affected by crime. However, we now encourage people not to part with their property irrespective of how it's advertised, until it's paid for - and this particularly applies to a motor vehicle, which can be taken away so easily. This issue, as demonstrated by this incident, of meeting and dealing with strangers who have made contact through the internet or other media outlets, also needs to be considered, especially by women. The risk of losing property, as advertised, or perhaps becoming a victim of some other crime exists - and it is not advisable for people to engage in such a transaction without some level of obvious support."
The National Crime Victims Helpline provides an opportunity for people who are feeling isolated, anxious, angry, sad, nervous and afraid as a result of a crime to find emotional support on the phone, while others may have questions about the justice system, or ask for information on local services for victims of crime in their area.
The National Helpline number is 1850 211407. The number for texts is 085 1337711.