Safety & Security

Last updated July 2026

Safety & Security

Buying or selling a car is a big decision, and the vast majority of people on Autoland are honest. A little common sense goes a long way, so we have put together clear, practical advice to help you spot the rare bad actor and complete your sale with confidence. Take your time, trust your instincts, and never feel rushed.

How Autoland helps keep you safe

We have built protections into the marketplace so you start every conversation on solid ground.

  • DVLA & DVSA verification

    Every listing is checked against official DVLA and DVSA records, so the make, model and MOT history match the registration.

  • Listing moderation

    We review adverts and act on reports, removing anything that looks misleading, fraudulent or against our rules.

  • Direct, private messaging

    Talk through Autoland first. You never have to share your phone number until you decide you are ready to.

For buyers

A few simple checks protect your money and give you peace of mind before you part with a single penny.

Do

  • Always view the car in person, ideally at the registered keeper's home address.
  • Check the V5C logbook and confirm the seller's name and address match the keeper's details.
  • Verify the MOT and mileage history yourself for free on gov.uk using the registration.
  • Make sure you are properly insured before any test drive, even a short one.
  • View the car in daylight and dry weather so you can see its true condition.

Don't

  • Never pay a deposit, fee or transfer any money before you have seen the car in person.
  • Be wary of any deal that seems too good to be true — it usually is.
  • Don't buy a car you have only seen in photos, however convincing the story.
  • Don't let a seller rush you off Autoland and on to email or WhatsApp before you are ready.
  • Don't ignore mismatches between the V5C, the listing and the DVLA record — ask questions.

For sellers

Handing over your car safely is mostly about getting paid properly and keeping a clear record of the sale.

Meeting and money

  • Meet in a safe, well-lit public place, or have someone with you if a buyer comes to your home.
  • Only hand over the keys once payment has fully cleared in your bank account.
  • Beware fake bank-transfer screenshots and cheques — a "pending" message is not cleared funds.

Paperwork and data

  • Keep proof of the sale — note the buyer's name, the date, the price and the new keeper details.
  • Tell the DVLA you have sold the car so liability passes to the new keeper straight away.
  • Remove your personal data from the car — wipe the sat nav, delete paired phones and the dashcam.

Spotting a scam

Genuine buyers and sellers are happy to meet and take their time. Treat any of these red flags as a reason to stop, double-check and, if in doubt, walk away.

  • The seller won't meet you or refuses to let you see the car in person.
  • They push you off Autoland to email or WhatsApp almost immediately.
  • They ask for payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency or a dubious "escrow" link.
  • The vehicle is priced far below the market, often with a sob story to explain why.
  • They claim to be abroad or in the forces and want the car shipped or couriered.
  • They pressure you to decide right now, or "another buyer" is conveniently waiting.

Please remember that Autoland is an advertising marketplace. We are not a party to any sale and we do not handle payments between buyers and sellers — any money changes hands directly between you and the other person.

Report a problem

Spotted a listing that doesn't look right, or had a worrying message from another user? Tell us and our team will take a look. Reporting is confidential, and it helps keep Autoland safe for everyone.

Report a listing

You can also email us any time at hello@autoland.co.uk. If you are in immediate danger, always contact the police on 999.