Buying Used Car Fraud/Scams Awareness

Buying a used car from Japan has always been a smart move for car enthusiasts around the world. Japanese used cars are known for their excellent quality, low mileage, and surprisingly affordable prices. The reason behind this is simple — in Japan, people tend to replace their cars frequently whenever new models are released. As a result, their used cars, often in great condition, are sold at remarkably low prices.

On top of that, import taxes for Japanese used cars are generally lower than those from many other countries, making the deal even more attractive. It’s no surprise that more and more people are turning to Japan to find their next vehicle.

Reputable Japanese exporters have built a strong reputation for trustworthiness, fast delivery, and well-maintained vehicles. However, as the market grows, so do scams and fraudulent activities. Some dishonest individuals take advantage of this thriving industry — selling stolen, rebuilt, or altered vehicles, or even creating fake exporter websites to deceive buyers.

To help you stay safe and confident when importing, we’ve prepared this guide.
Follow these tips to protect yourself and make your car-buying experience from Japan smooth and secure.

Common Scams When Buying Used Cars

One of the things that makes many consumers wonder whether to buy a used car is the fear of being scammed or choosing the wrong vehicle. This fear is not unfounded because nowadays, scams and tricks in buying and selling used cars are becoming increasingly complicated, and buyers need to be extremely wary:

Lying about the car condition 

When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, it is inevitable to come across advertisements that falsely claim the car’s condition, stating that it hasn’t been involved in any accidents, the paint is untouched, and the engine doesn’t rebuild. And it’s hard for us to know the truth about the vehicle if we don’t have enough information about this car.

Odometer fraud

This is an extremely popular scam. Many used cars for sale have had their odometer fraud. There are cases where the car has reached 200,000 km but has been rewinded to only 100,000 km. Therefore, when buying a used car, you need to check the vehicle’s odometer carefully, combined with observing and assessing the vehicle’s condition. Don’t just rely on the number of kilometers to determine the price.

Title washing

This scam involves altering a car’s title to hide its true history, such as a salvage title due to previous damage. By “washing” the title, sellers can make the car appear clean and sell it at a higher price.

Making fake car documents

Cars of unknown origin such as smuggled used cars, or stolen cars… will be faked with documents to sell at high prices. The tricks of falsifying car documents are becoming increasingly sophisticated and very difficult to detect.

Fake online listings

Online marketplaces can be a breeding ground for scams. Fraudsters may create fake listings for cars they don’t own, aiming to collect payment upfront without delivering the vehicle.

Some Tips To Buy a Used Car from Japan

1. Use a Legit Exporter

Always buy from a verified Japanese used car exporter or an official auction platform. Legit companies have a registered business address, export license, and verifiable track record. Avoid unknown websites or random sellers on social media — they often disappear once you send the deposit. A trusted exporter provides transparent pricing, clear communication, and official documents for every vehicle.

2. Check the Auction Sheet Carefully

The auction sheet is your best friend when importing from Japan. It shows the car’s real condition, mileage, repair history, and even small scratches. Always request a real, unedited auction sheet (not a screenshot or translation only). Fake or reused auction sheets are a major red flag. Learn how to read the grading — for example, “Grade 4” usually means excellent condition.

3. Verify the Chassis Number (VIN)

Every Japanese car has a chassis number that identifies its production details. Make sure the number on the auction sheet matches the one on the car’s frame and export documents. Use it to check the car’s auction history and export record online. Legit exporters will never hide or blur this number.

4. Understand the Total Cost (Not Just the Car Price)

The listed price is not the final price. You’ll also need to consider shipping costs, insurance, import duties, and local taxes. Ask your exporter for a CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) quote to understand the total cost to your port. A transparent company will break down all costs clearly — no hidden fees after you’ve paid.

5. Avoid “Too Good To Be True” Deals

If a car’s price is much lower than others of the same model and condition, be careful. Many fake exporters use unrealistically cheap listings to collect deposits. Always cross-check prices across multiple exporters or auction listings to understand the real market value.

6. Use Secure Payment Methods

Always pay through official bank transfers to the company’s registered corporate account in Japan. Avoid personal accounts or cryptocurrency payments. Before sending money, verify the bank name, branch, and SWIFT code on the exporter’s website or government business registry.

7. Request All Export Documents

After purchase, your exporter should provide you with essential documents:

• Invoice
• Export Certificate (Deregistration Certificate)
• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• Inspection Certificate (if required by your country)

These are necessary for customs clearance and registration in your country. Missing documents can cause serious delays or even rejection at the port.

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