Getting rid of an old car should be a simple job. But for some people, it turns into a nightmare of dodgy dealers, broken promises, and unexpected fines. It’s a sad fact that there are scammers out there who are more than happy to take advantage of people who are just trying to do the right thing.
But here’s the good news: these scams are actually pretty easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. You don’t need to be a detective. You just need to be a little bit savvy. This guide is all about that. We’re going to lift the lid on the most common car scrapping scams and show you how to keep your money and your peace of mind safe.
The “Bait and Switch” Price Drop
This is probably the most common scam of the lot. Here’s how it works: you get a quote online or over the phone that seems really good. You think, “Great, I’ll go with them.” You arrange the collection, and the tow truck turns up. But then, the driver starts finding fault with your car. “Oh, the tyres are a bit worn,” they’ll say, or “There’s a dent in that panel I didn’t know about.”
Before you know it, the great price you were offered has been slashed. They’re banking on the fact that you just want to get rid of the car and won’t want the hassle of sending them away. It’s a classic bait-and-switch. They lure you in with a high price and then switch it for a much lower one at the last minute.
The Illegal Cash Offer
If a scrapyard offers to pay you in cash, run a mile. Seriously. Since 2013, it has been illegal for any scrap metal dealer in England and Wales to pay for a car in cash. They have to pay you by bank transfer or cheque. This law was brought in to clamp down on metal theft, especially stolen cars.
Any company that offers you cash is not a legitimate, licensed scrapyard. They are operating illegally. And if you deal with them, you have no legal protection. They’ll probably just take your car, give you a handful of notes, and disappear. You’ll have no proof of who they were, and you’ll be left to deal with the consequences.
The Missing Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
This is a big one. When you scrap your car with a proper Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), they have to issue you with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). This is your legal proof that the car has been destroyed. Without it, you’re still legally responsible for the car.
Dodgy operators won’t give you a CoD. Why? Because they’re not actually scrapping your car. They might be selling it on, or even worse, using it for criminal activities. If your car ends up being used in a crime, the police will be knocking on your door, not theirs. Always, always make sure you get a CoD.
The Hidden Collection Fee
Most reputable scrap companies will collect your car for free. It’s all part of the service. But some of the less honest ones will try and sting you with a hidden collection fee. They’ll agree on a price with you, but when they turn up, they’ll tell you there’s a charge for the collection. This will, of course, be deducted from the price they pay you.
Before you agree to anything, get it in writing that the collection is free. A good company will have no problem with this.
The DVLA Lie
This is a sneaky one. Some scammers will tell you that they’ll sort out all the DVLA paperwork for you. “Don’t you worry about a thing,” they’ll say. This sounds great, but it’s a lie. They have no intention of telling the DVLA that the car has been scrapped.
Here’s the problem: it is your legal responsibility to tell the DVLA that you are no longer the keeper of the car. If you don’t, you could get a £1,000 fine. You can’t rely on the scrapyard to do it for you. You have to do it yourself.
How to Protect Yourself: A Simple Checklist
It all sounds a bit scary, but protecting yourself is easy. Just follow these simple rules:
- Only use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). You can find a list of them on the Environment Agency’s website.
- Get your quote in writing. An email is fine. This gives you proof of the price you were offered.
- Never accept cash. A legal company will pay by bank transfer or cheque.
- Insist on a Certificate of Destruction. If they say they don’t issue them, they’re not a legal ATF.
- Tell the DVLA yourself. It’s your responsibility. Do it online as soon as you’ve scrapped the car.
Scrapping a car is a great way to get rid of an old motor and make a bit of money. Just be smart about it. A few simple checks are all it takes to make sure you’re dealing with a good company and not a scammer. Don’t let the cowboys ruin it for everyone. Be careful, be savvy, and you’ll be absolutely fine.