Fake history check websites are designed to look helpful and legitimate — but their real purpose is to take your money or card details.
They often appear late in what seems like a normal, genuine conversation. That timing is what makes them convincing.
Fraudsters are now also using phone calls to push this type of fraud, not just messages or links.
Here’s how it typically works — and how to protect yourself.
How This Fraud Usually Unfolds
Step 1: A Buyer Makes Contact
A non-genuine buyer contacts you about your car and asks sensible questions such as:
Mileage
Ownership
Condition
Service history
They may even arrange a viewing. At this stage, everything feels normal.
In some cases, they may also call you directly to build trust before introducing the next step.
Step 2: The History Check Question
The buyer then asks:
“Do you have a history check?”
“Can you send me a report?”
If you say you don’t already have one, they offer a solution.
Sometimes this request is made over the phone, with the caller sounding knowledgeable and reassuring. They may suggest a “quick check” before travelling to view the car.
Step 3: You’re Directed to a Fake Website
The buyer sends you a link — or reads out a website address during a call — claiming it’s a trusted history check provider and asks you to purchase a report there.
The site may:
Look professional and convincing
Use familiar branding or language
Claim to provide instant vehicle reports
But it is not a legitimate provider.
Step 4: You Pay — and Get Nothing of Value
If you proceed:
You may receive no report at all, or
You may receive a vague or meaningless document
In some cases, the real goal is to capture your card details.
After payment:
The buyer stops responding
The viewing never happens
The site offers no support or refund
Why This Fraud Works
The request feels responsible and reasonable
It happens after trust has been built
Sellers want to keep the sale progressing
Fake sites can look very real
A phone call can make the request feel more legitimate
Fraudsters rely on sellers acting in good faith.
How to Protect Yourself
Only Use Trusted Providers
You are never required to use a specific website suggested by a buyer.
If someone insists on one particular site, that is a red flag.
You can suggest that the buyer carry out their own checks or use DoneDeal’s Greenlight History Check service.
Be Cautious of Buyer-Provided Links or Website Suggestions
Genuine buyers will not pressure you to purchase reports from unfamiliar websites.
If someone calls you and tries to guide you step-by-step through a payment process, stop the conversation.
You Do Not Owe Anyone a Paid Report
It is completely reasonable to say:
You already have a report
The buyer can carry out their own checks
You are happy to proceed without one
Pressure to spend money is a warning sign.
Watch for Last-Minute Changes
If a buyer introduces new requirements or unexpected costs after agreeing a viewing, pause and reassess.
Keep Communication on DoneDeal
Staying within the DoneDeal Message Centre:
Helps protect you
Makes suspicious behaviour easier to report
Reduces the risk of being targeted by follow-up calls
If You’re Unsure
Do not click the link
Do not enter your payment details
End the phone call if you feel pressured
Report the message or interaction through the Help Centre
Selling a car should feel straightforward and fair.
Taking a moment to question unexpected requests can save you time, money, and hassle.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or would like to chat, please reach out to our Customer Support team.