Abingdon Car Dealer Convicted of Fraud
An Abingdon second-hand car trader has been found guilty of fraud by Oxfordshire County Council. Know your rights when buying used cars and how to report dodgy dealers.
An Abingdon second-hand car dealer has been found guilty of fraud following action by Oxfordshire County Council's Trading Standards team, according to the local authority. The conviction adds to a growing list of enforcement actions against rogue traders in the used car market.
Used car fraud remains a significant problem across the UK, with Trading Standards teams receiving thousands of complaints annually. Common fraudulent practices include clocking (reducing recorded mileage), selling cars with outstanding finance, failing to disclose accident damage, and misrepresenting vehicle history. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides strong protection, but enforcement relies heavily on local authority resources.
When buying from a dealer, you have legal rights that private sellers cannot offer. Cars must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. Dealers cannot exclude these rights, regardless of what their terms and conditions claim. You also get protection against vehicles sold with outstanding finance through the Hire Purchase Act.
Red flags to watch for include dealers operating from residential addresses, refusing to provide proper receipts, pressuring you to buy immediately, or being evasive about service history. Always check the V5C registration document matches the seller's details, and verify mileage against MOT records on the DVSA website.
If you suspect fraud or poor practice, report it immediately to your local Trading Standards via Citizens Advice. Keep all documentation including advertisements, correspondence, and receipts. For finance-related disputes, the Financial Ombudsman can help with complaints about car finance companies.
Take action quickly if you discover problems. Under the Consumer Rights Act, you can reject a faulty car and demand a full refund within 30 days of purchase. After this period, you must give the dealer one attempt to repair, but can still claim compensation for reduced value or additional costs.
The conviction demonstrates that authorities will pursue dealers who break the law, but prevention remains better than cure. Research any dealer thoroughly, check online reviews, and never rush into purchasing decisions when spending thousands of pounds.
