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Safe Swapping

Rule No. 1

Check the paperwork, it's the boring bit, but absolutely crucial:

  • Ask the swapper for proof of identity, don't be embarrassed. Make sure the person selling the vehicle is the owner or has the right to sell it. A photo driving licence or passport will give you some degree of comfort that they are who they say they are.
  • Always check the V5 registration document and that the vehicle identification number (VIN) corresponds with the number on the registration document. This number can usually be found on a metal plate under the bonnet or on the frame on a bike.
  • If there is no VIN plate find out why. Be very wary of a vehicle where the plate is missing.
  • Has it been regularly serviced? When was it last serviced and by whom, a main dealer (good), a recognised garage with a permanent address (good) or his best friend's mate who got a socket set for Christmas (bad).
  • Check the MOT and the mileage on the service history, do they tally with the mileage on the clock?
  • For further documentary proof run an HPI or AA/RAC vehicle check before you meet. This will confirm whether; there are outstanding hire purchase payments, the vehicle is an insurance write off, number of previous owners, if it has been reported as stolen, etc

Rule No. 2

Test everything works.

  • Check everything; indicators, brake lights, windscreen wipers, locks, doors, windows, the instrumentation is reading correctly, check for water/dampness in the foot wells, head-lights, exhaust, tyres, and brakes.
  • If you are not a mechanic or mechanically minded try to take someone who is. What does the engine look like, what does it sound like, do the clutch/gearbox and acceleration feel smooth?

Rule No. 3

If it looks too good to true, then it probably is-Walk away.

  • If your vehicle has a value way below that of the other swapper and they still want to swap without any cash balance ask why. There could be a perfectly reasonable explanation but you have to question why they want to lose money on a swap.
  • Don't deal with swappers who are based overseas if you can help it. Why? Because it's a lot more difficult to pursue a complaint when the other swapper is based in some far flung land. Scams from overseas swappers often request transferring shipping costs in advance of a swap which you have to pay up front. Don't deal with anyone who requests up-front payment.
  • Get a permanent address from the other swapper. If you have nothing to hide and neither have they, then there should be no reason not to know where they live. Check the address exists if you are still concerned.
  • Don't have anything to do with swappers who request money transfers via Western Union, Moneygram or similar companies. Not because Western Union or Moneygram are up to anything, but because this is a way of transferring cash from one person to another and once you have handed your cash over to the cashier and authorised the transfer, that is the last you will see of it, they will be picking up your cash at the other end. You cannot recover it. One of the most popular scams used by fraudsters is to request money in advance using Western Union/Moneygram - NEVER deal with these requests. Personal cheques take as much as 3 days to clear, a fraudulent cheque may appear to be credited to you account but still bounce. Cash or a Bankers drafts are a better and if a draft ask to see the statement confirming the withdrawal. If cash go to the bank with the other swapper to deposit it. Beware of forgeries.
  • Genuine swappers will always want to see your vehicle first. Deal with people you can meet face to face and who are not evasive about where they are from, the details of their machine or want large sums of cash paid up front. Use your common sense and instinct.
  • For more information on fraud please visit the Metropolitan Police website which gives a more comprehensive guide to some of the current scams. Click on this link to read some more.

Rule No. 4

Pick where to carry out your swap carefully.

  • We recommend a public place where there are other people about, during day-light hours. Take a friend if you can. e.g a recognised biker meeting point(good), a busy street or supermarket car park(good), the disused factory 10 miles out of town at 2.00a.m. in the morning (bad). Use your common sense.

Rule No. 5

Clean your bike or car before someone comes to view it.

  • This might sound like a statement of the obvious but it is surprising how many people think that another swapper will be able to see through the 3 months of dirt caked onto their vehicle. The fact that the interior looks like a skip on wheels filled with old parking tickets, used condoms, old knickers, sweet wrappers, empty drinks cans and a thick carpet of dog hairs do nothing to enhance the look of your vehicle. You might be surprised how good it looks after a good wash!

* Please note Swapit Limited and www.swapmywheels.com are not liable for any transactions between swappers. The site is a venue not a controlled market-place.