Traders secretly selling cars from roadsides, verges and wasteland raise many issues that impact on vulnerable consumers and reputable traders particularly in times of the credit crunch, Powys County Council has warned.
The council’s Trading Standards Service have joined their Welsh counterparts in compiling a report on complaints received about such sellers who often are traders hiding behind mobile numbers, restricting the rights of consumers who deal with them.
The survey showed a third of vehicles examined breached some form of consumer protection law.
Clive Jones, the council’s Principal Trading Standards Officer, said: “The data in Wales showed that there were around 30 complaints for each council in Wales every year about these types of traders.
“Some of the infringements found included car clocking, vehicles not taxed, re-built and un-worthy written off cars being sold without declaring that information and incorrect information declared on them about their condition, such as ‘full MOT’.
“We advise consumers who may find these sellers attractive, not to purchase vehicles in this way – you will end up being ripped off.“Welsh Trading Standards Service will be working to ensure greater consistency of enforcement on these matters across Wales and will be conducting more pro-active work in this area.”