Your Safety Guide for Buying & Selling Cars

Your trust is our top priority. We understand that buying high-value items online in Nigeria still requires extra care. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and secure experience on Carlots.ng.

Safety Tips for Buyers

  • Inspect Before You Pay

    Always inspect the car in person, or hire a trusted mechanic to do it for you. Never pay for a car you haven't seen.

  • Meet in a Safe, Public Place

    Meet the seller during daylight in a well-lit, public location. Many local police stations in Lagos and Abuja offer a "safe exchange zone."

  • Never Pay Deposits

    Be extremely cautious of sellers who ask for a deposit to "hold" the car. This is a common scam. Pay only when you are taking possession of the car, keys, and verified documents.

  • Verify All Documents

    Ask for the original car documents: Proof of Ownership, Customs Duty papers, and Vehicle License. Ensure the VIN on the car matches the documents.

Safety Tips for Sellers

  • Secure the Test Drive

    Always go with the buyer on a test drive. Before you go, ask to see their valid driver's license. Never let a buyer test drive the car alone.

  • Confirm Payment Before Releasing

    Do not hand over the keys or documents until you have confirmed the full payment has cleared in your bank account. A deposit slip is not proof of payment; confirm the actual balance.

  • Beware of Fake Cheques

    Do not accept cheques, especially from buyers who "overpay" and ask for the difference back. This is a common scam. Insist on a secure bank transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Always meet in a safe, public, and well-lit place during the day. We strongly recommend meeting at a police station, a reputable mechanic's shop, or a bank. Never meet at your private residence.
Be wary of deals that seem "too good to be true." Common red flags include sellers who demand pre-payment, buyers who offer "overpayment," or anyone who creates strong urgency. Carlots.ng will never ask for your bank password.
Never pay in cash for large transactions. The safest method is a verifiable bank transfer (not a deposit slip). Only make the payment after you have fully inspected the car and verified all documents.
This is crucial. Ask for the original "Proof of Ownership" and (for Tokunbo cars) the "Customs Duty Papers." Check that the VIN (Chassis Number) on the car's dashboard and door frame matches the VIN on the documents. The seller's name should match the name on the documents, or they should have a valid "Change of Ownership" form. If in doubt, ask your mechanic to help verify.
Always accompany the buyer on the test drive; never let them go alone. Before you start, ask to see their valid driver's license. Meet in a public place and stick to familiar, well-lit roads. It's also smart to let a friend or family member know where you are going and who you are meeting.
This is a serious concern. The best way is to have the car's VIN and plate number checked by a trusted authority. You can ask a trusted mechanic or contact your local Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for guidance. A major red flag is if the seller is hesitant to provide the documents for verification or creates excuses.
First, report the user on Carlots.ng immediately using the "Report" button on the listing or their profile. This allows us to investigate and block their account. If you have lost money, report the incident to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and, if a bank was involved, to your bank's fraud department as quickly as possible. Provide them with all chat logs, phone numbers, and any details you have.

See Something? Say Something.

If you see a suspicious listing or get a message that feels like a scam, please report it to us immediately.

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