• we will never send you an email that asks you to confirm or provide personal information, your login or password or request payment
• check the URL of the email carefully to ensure it is legitimate – scammers may set up URL’s that look similar to a legitimate URL – however there are differences.

• Protect yourself against unauthorised access to your advertisement:
• only log on to your advertisement through a legitimate Carsales Network URL or address i.e. www.ihub.com.au
• never log on to your advertisement via a link in an email (even if the email looks like it's from us).
• if you do click on a link - check the website address carefully. Fake websites are sometimes created with similar addresses. If in doubt, log on to the website manually.
• if you think your advertisement has been accessed by an unauthorised person contact the customer support team on (03) 9093 8666, Monday to Friday, 8.00 am – 7.00 pm or email us directly.

• Protect yourself when selling your vehicle or equipment:
• find out who you are dealing with: ask for a name and contact phone number
• ring the number to check if it is legitimate
• before you agree to a test ride:
• check your insurance - comprehensive insurance policies generally cover test rides but you should check to make sure your insurance covers you
• check the driver's insurance and write down the licence number – an accident may not be covered if the driver is un-insured
• obtain something of value, i.e. keys as security for the test ride (even if you go along for the test ride)
• before you go along for the test ride always consider whether it is safe to get on the vehicle
• if in doubt about a buyer don’t rush into a test ride or a sale.

• Protect yourself against fake and fraudulent advertisements:
• don't rush to buy if the advertisement seems too good to be true
• be suspicious if the item for sale is advertised at a very low price
• find out who you are dealing with: ask for a name and contact phone number
• ring the number to check if it is legitimate
• before you buy, check the item is still listed on our website (if we suspect an advertisement we will suspend or withdraw it from display)
• electronic money transfers such as Western Union are not intended to be used to send money to strangers. Never pay a stranger by electronic funds transfer
• never agree to deposit money in a bank account or via escrow unless completely sure the advertisement and seller are legitimate
• we do not offer an 'escrow' or similar service

• Protect yourself against buying a stolen or encumbered vehicle by (where appropriate):
• obtaining a 3rd party inspection
• Always get independent advice
• if in doubt don't rush in to buy the vehicle or equipment
• Research whether your State/Territory Road Traffic Authority has a Vehicle Securities Register which will generally allow you to check:

• Vehicle Registration Status
• Finance recorded against the vehicle
• Whether the vehicle is reported as stolen

Note that fees may apply.

• If your State/Territory Road Traffic Authority can’t provide you with these details or you would like further information on a vehicle then please consider purchasing a REVS Certificate. Click here for more details.

Scams and fraud exist on the internet. Responsible buying and selling is essential to reduce the risk of you being the victim of a scam.

It is difficult to define a "scam" as scammers are often sophisticated criminals, who invent new scams all the time.

An example of a recent scam is when a consumer is contacted by a scammer via SMS.

The SMS advises the consumer that they have won a prize. Often these SMS's appear to be from a company you have an existing relationship with. The SMS directs you to a website where you are asked to submit your personal and credit card details. Do not under any circumstances provide such information.

Please note that Carsales will never SMS you, or ask for your credit card details in this manner.

• by phone on 1300 302 502; or
• by an online report by following the links on www.scamwatch.gov.au.