April 11, 2025
7 Safety tips for buying a used car
April 11, 2025
April 11, 2025
Every year, many Danes choose to buy a used car – and for good reason. You can often get a better deal by buying used, whether from a private seller or an authorized dealership.
But it’s important to ensure that the deal is actually good – and that you don’t get scammed. Most sellers have good intentions and offer great service, but unfortunately, there are still stories of people being deceived.
We’ve put together 7 essential tips to help protect you from fraud when buying a used car.
If you’re making a purchase through a website, make sure the connection is secure and that your account details can’t be accessed by others.
Look for the padlock icon in your browser – it indicates the site is secure. The icon may appear in different places depending on the browser you use. In some, it’s in the address bar; in others, it’s at the bottom of the screen.
The padlock is a must for safe online transactions. It means the site is SSL-certified and all data is encrypted.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Is the car being sold at an unusually low price? Is the seller asking for cash payment?
Take a moment to reflect, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if something feels suspicious or odd. It won’t hurt to be cautious – and it might save you a lot of money and a terrible experience.
If a specific car is priced 30–40% lower than similar models on the used car market, something’s likely wrong.
Think about what feels fair to you regarding the transaction. Are you expected to pay before getting the keys? Who should cover any transaction fees?
Knowing your expectations in advance can help you avoid walking away from the deal feeling disappointed or cheated.
Cash payments are untraceable. That means you have no proof the transaction took place – and what happens if the car breaks down the day after you buy it?
Additionally, since July 1, 2021, Danish anti-money laundering legislation limits cash payments to 20,000 DKK (previously 50,000 DKK).
You often have plenty of opportunities to look into the seller via Trustpilot, reviews, or testimonials. Does the seller seem trustworthy? Do they have a history of complaints?
A reliable seller will typically have positive reviews – which can work in their favor. This is a helpful tool when you want to ensure a safe deal.
An escrow service gives you a neutral third party that ensures a secure transaction. The money is transferred to a secured account and only released when you’ve received the car in the agreed condition.
It also benefits the seller, who can rest assured that you have the funds and are a legitimate buyer. This provides a safe experience for both parties.
Paying in advance or placing a deposit isn’t necessarily a red flag – but you should still investigate the deal thoroughly if this is required. Once you’ve transferred money, it’s easy to be misled.
This is especially risky in international transactions, where money is transferred to an account in another country. In such cases, it can be nearly impossible to get your money back if you’ve been scammed.
